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Congratulations to the 2010 Edible Queens Local Heroes
Written by Ryan Powers
Last fall, Edible Queens asked you to nominate the heroes of our local food community, the men and women who enrich our lives on a daily basis by providing a respite where we can escape the Big City and commune with friends and neighbors over a meal or snack. These local chefs, artisans and farmers help keep Queens at the top of the New York City food scene, and remind us that food is what brings us together and sustains us as a community. Each brings flavors from home and around the world to create a regional taste that reflecs the enormous diversity of our borough. This year’s Local Heroes make our neighborhoods stronger through their efforts, and we're honored to taste their food.
Best Beverage Artisan: Afzal Hossain, Espresso 77, 35-57 77th St., Jackson Heights, 718-424-1077
Born in Bangladesh, Afzal Hossain attended school for architecture and painting. In 2007 he opened Espresso 77 in Jackson Heights in the hopes of creating a community of Queens-based artists and musicians. Taking advantage of the local food scene, Hossain serves coffee from Ithaca, ice cream from Astoria, and pastries from Jackson Heights. A true neighborhood favorite, Espresso 77 is a modern spot to find out what’s new in the Queens’ art world. The entire restaurant is thoughtfully designed by Hossain himself and one section exhibits a rotating selection of local artists’ work. But let’s not forget the coffee! Using beans roasted at Ithaca’s Gimme Coffee, Espresso 77 serves up the neighborhood’s best coffees and espressos. Supporting local artists and businesses and unifying the neighborhood, Hossain embodies what it means to be a Local Hero.
Best Food Artisan: Jean-Claude Perennou, Cannelle Patisserie, 75-51 31st Ave., East Elmhurst, 718-565-6200
Located in a nondescript strip mall in East Elmhurst, Cannelle is one of the best pastry shops in the entire borough, and perhaps the city. Co-owner Jean-Claude Perennou has made it his mission to create seasonal baked goods and pastries that appease a wide variety of local immigrant tastes. Even his kitchen staff showcases a variety of nationalities and languages, and the diversity comes through in the food. Cannelle has become a destination spot for anyone in Queens looking for a great croissant or specialty tart, and other local businesses in the area are also reaping the benefits of the added traffic that the bakery brings in. Perennou brings years of baking experience to the neighborhood creating an warm and comfortable spot to satisfy even the largest of sweet tooths.
Learn more about Cannelle Patisserie here.
Best Chef/Restauranteur: Ali El Sayed, Kabab Café, 25-12 Steinway St., Astoria, 718-728-9858
Chef Ali El Sayed is an Astoria legend. Hailing from Alexandria, Egypt, El Sayed cooks his hometown fare for fans who visit him in his restaurant, Kabab Café. Taking up much of the small kitchen space, his personality is as big as the food's flavors. Ask any of his loyal patrons, and they’ll be happy to tell you their favorite story about the chef and his restaurant. A stand-up figure in the community, El Sayed does most of his shopping at local markets and food shops. Having been open for 23 years, Kabab Café and its “King” of a chef will be around for years to come, as El Sayed has no plans of retiring.
Learn more about Ali El Sayed here.
Best Farm: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 little Neck Pkwy, Floral Park, 718-347-3276
An iconic landmark since the late 1600’s, Queens County Farm Museum is New York State's oldest continually running farm. The farm stays open year round and offers historic and educational tours about the workings of a real farm. If you grew up in or around New York City, chances are you’ve been there for a hayride in the summer or pumpkin picking in the fall. Dedicated to sustainable livestock and produce, Queens County Farm Museum teaches visitors what it means to be a true locavore. Whether volunteering or planning a day trip, the museum is a must see for all New Yorkers. Teaching residents about sustainably and organically grown local foods is what makes the Farm Museum deserving of a Local Hero award.
Learn more about Queens County Farm Museum here.
Best Farmer: Kennon Kay, Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 little Neck Pkwy, Floral Park, 718-347-3276
As Queens County Farm Museum’s Manager, Kennon Kay’s responsibilities include caring for the 2-acre vegetable patch and on some days, cleaning out the animal pens. Coming from Providence, RI, Kay attended Amherst College and worked on a farm in Oregon before moving New York. Now, waking up when the most hardcore of us are going to bed, Kennon makes it her job to make sure that New York City’s only working historic farm is in the best condition for its visitors and volunteers. The local food movement has been taking hold over the last few years, and Kay is making sure that Queens County Farm Museum remains an important part of that movement.
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