Food and Footprints- Greg and Jumi

Joe’s of Avenue U is Brooklyn’s oldest Sicilian restaurant. They have been around since 1947 in Gravesend and have some dishes from Sicily that you can’t easily find in New York. Vastedda, panelle and pasta con la sarde to name a few. Old school vibe here and these dishes brought me back to my trip in Sicily back in 2016. Joe’s of Avenue U 287 Ave U Brooklyn, NY 11223

Dominick’s Hot Dog Truck is making some of New York’s best hot dogs. This family-run truck has been around since 1959 right outside the cemetery on Woodhaven Blvd. They make old school NYC style boiled hot dogs jumbo sized that go beyond the bun. This spot is a real local favorite with friendly owners and quality toppings like the homemade tomato onions. Old school to the core! Dominick’s Hot Dog Truck 65-35 Woodhaven Blvd Rego Park, NY 11374

Rosario’s is making one of New York’s best pizzas. Tucked into the back of an Italian deli in Astoria, they make their own fresh mozzarella in house that they put on the pizza. It is a real neighborhood institution. Been coming here for a long time and hard to resist popping in for a slice or two every time walking by. Rosario’s 22-55 31 St Astoria, NY 11105

@Montagu’s Gusto is making some of NYC’s most stacked sandwiches. This tiny deli has over 40 different sandwiches on their menu. The Charrua Bravo is one of the signatures, a nod to owner Andres’ Uruguayan heritage with skirt steak and chimichurri. Also loved the signature Jack’s Gusto and Dear Emma, both expertly assembled with bold flavors. Montagu’s Gusto 645 2nd Ave New York, NY 10016

@smeshtruck is the only truck in New York making smash burgers, fried seafood and Halal rice platters. Never seen a menu so extensive at a NYC Halal cart. They even have dessert! The smash burgers here are juicy and flavorful with jalapeños to add a kick. Fried seafood platters come with whiting and shrimp, both lightly battered and fresh. The sleeper here are the tenders, very well marinated even when you add sauce. The homemade rice pudding is a must order! Smesh Truck 30-33 Stratton St Flushing, NY 11354

Rose & Joe’s Italian Bakery is one of the last old school Italian bakeries in Astoria. They’ve been open since 1976 and are well known for their pizza in the back along with their breads and pastries. The Sicilian is their signature slice but the grandma is a sleeper pick! Also like their cannoli that are filled fresh to order. Been coming here since I was a kid and it is very nostalgic. Rose & Joe’s Italian Bakery 22-40 31 St Astoria, NY 11105

@andreaspizzanyc could be one of NYC’s best new pizzas. They have a mix of classics along with some unique slices like sausage with banana peppers + four cheese grandma slice with sausage. The owner honed his skills at Scarr’s and L’industrie. Excellent dough and char on the crust that felt light and digestible. Definitely a slice shop that deserves more attention. Andrea’s Pizza 50 2nd Ave New York, NY 10003

@SKC is making some of New York’s biggest sandwiches. They are nicknamed the Sandwich King of Astoria for good reason. They are family-run and even have the street named after them! They are most famous for “The Bomb,” but my favorite is the Italian Combo loaded with Genoa salami, soppressata, pepperoni, prosciutto, mortadella, capocollo, sharp provolone, lettuce, tomato, hot and sweet peppers, oil and vinegar. The sandwich is massive and can feed 3-4 people. Flavors blend well together and assembled perfectly. Sal, Kris & Charlie’s Deli 33-12 23 Ave Astoria, NY 11105

@christos.souvlaki is one of NYC’s best Greek souvlaki carts. It is a staple in Astoria with a short and sweet menu. Chicken and pork souvlaki are grilled fresh over charcoal and finished in a lemon olive oil bath. Just follow the smoke! Christos Souvlaki 31 St & 23 Ave Astoria, NY 11105

This $2.99 platter could be NYC’s cheapest meal. @castlechickenofficial in Elmhurst has “Happy Platters” of chicken or lamb over rice for just $2.99. Pleasantly surprised with the portion size and flavors here, especially the fragrant rice. Better than some more expensive Halal cart meals in the city. Castle Chicken and Loaded Platters 86-55 Broadway Elmhurst, NY 11373

Yatharmon is NYC’s newest Burmese restaurant. The menu changes daily and they have 10+ different dishes and curries steam table style. They had veggies, pork, fish, beef and chicken on this day. For $15 you can get two dishes, rice, soup and veggies. Really enjoyed our meal and look forward to trying more. Great addition to the neighborhood! Yatharmon Burmese Cuisine 86-10 Justice Ave Elmhurst, NY 11373

@Neirs Tavern is NYC’s oldest bar that has been continuously operating. It dates back to 1829 and tucked onto a quiet residential block in Queens. There is so much history here and 14% of Goodfellas was filmed right in the bar! Owner @loycent took over the bar back in 2009, saving it from closure. The food here is excellent, particularly the signature Goodfella Burger. Juicy patty with onions, pepperjack cheese and onions on a soft brioche bun that comes with fries. The sleeper pick is the skirt steak, cooked perfectly medium rare. Neir’s Tavern 87-48 78 St Woodhaven, NY 11421

@Nishaan | Pakistani Chopped 🧀 is NYC’s only spot blending Pakistani flavors with these dishes. They are famous for their Pakistani chopped cheese and have other unique combos like buffalo tandoori chicken, bihari barbacoa tacos, mango achar wings and elote chaat. Owner Zeeshan won the Great Food Truck Race on @Food Network for this concept. The bold Pakistani flavors pair really well together here. Nishaan 160 1st Ave New York, NY 10009

@HinoMaru Ramen is a Michelin recognized ramen shop that is making unique bowls that you can’t easily find anywhere else in NYC. Uni ramen, lemongrass chicken ramen and ceviche ramen to name a few. They also have a nice variety of non-ramen dishes like rock shrimp tempura, crispy rice sushi, ribs and more. Also a great yuzu margarita! Hinomaru Ramen 33-18 Ditmars Blvd Astoria, NY 11105

Rongwang is one of the last old school Cantonese restaurants in NYC’s biggest Chinatown, Flushing. Family run spot with a huge menu and great value. They have 4 dishes over rice for $10 during lunch and grab and go boxes of food outside in the evening. They have the Cantonese classics like roast meats, chow fun, lobster, claypot rice, lo mein and congee to name a few. Rongwang Cantonese Restaurant 136-51 Roosevelt Ave Flushing, NY 11354

@Frankyssouvlaki is one of NYC’s best Greek souvlaki trucks. They have been around since the 1970’s in Astoria back when they had a small cart. They make some of the biggest souvlaki in NYC and one of the only trucks or carts that make lamb souvlaki. Been coming here since I was a kid. They are an Astoria institution and have expanded to multiple trucks across NYC. Franky’s Souvlaki Steinway St & 31 Ave Astoria, NY 11103

This is some of New York’s best roast chicken. Caravan Chicken in Astoria is a Peruvian Chinese spot that makes delicious Peruvian style pollo a la brasa and are also known for their BBQ ribs. This is a real local favorite and a spot that I’ve been coming to since I was a kid growing up in Astoria. Caravan Chicken 35-01 Broadway Astoria, NY 11106

Villa Brazil is one of NYC’s best Brazilian buffet restaurants. They have the hot bar, salad bar and the BBQ meats in the back for $12.99/lb. The meats are a must, especially the picanha. Don’t sleep on the desserts either, especially the passion fruit cake. Villa Brazil Cafe Grill 43-16 34 Ave Astoria, NY 11101

Park Side is the last old school Italian restaurant in Corona. They’ve been around since the 80’s but feels like it has been longer. It is your classic New York Italian American red sauce joint. They are famous for their bread basket including the standout prosciutto bread. Also enjoyed their hot antipasto, linguine with white clam sauce, chicken scarpariello and escarole with beans. Perfect spot to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Park Side Restaurant 107-01 Corona Ave Corona, NY 11368 @parksiderestaurant

This is one of New York’s best all you can eat deals. The Indian lunch buffet at Namaste Tasi Delek in Queens is only $16.53 per person six days a week from 12-4PM. About nine choices with three meats. Namaste Tasi Delek 37-66 74 St Jackson Heights, NY 11372