A cultural resurgence and sprouting new developments have turned the formerly sleepy neighborhood of Elmhurst into more that just your average pit-stop.
This family suburb, comprised of hardworking middle-class Latinos and Asians, was first populated by an enclave of Irish, German and Polish immigrants in the early 1900s.
Now sumptuous delights along Roosevelt Avenue and Corona Avenue reflect the Hispanic predominance, where you’ll find everything from Spanish, Mexican, Argentine and Colombian eats.
EATS
1 Rio De La Plata Bakery
94-65 Corona Ave., between Junction Boulevard and 94th Street (718) 271-5422
Dieters don’t even stop to look. You’ll find an assortment of tasty Argentine goodies – alfajores, faturas – breakfast treats similar to croissants, and sanguiches de miga – hand-sized crustless sandwiches filled with anything from egg to roasted peppers to ham and cheese. Their delicious cakes are made to order.
2 Esquina Criolla
94-67 Corona Ave., at Junction Boulevard (718) 699-5579
A meat lover’s paradise, this minimally decorated Argentine steakhouse and meat market is heavy on beef – marinated with chimichurri . You’ll eat the best-priced parillada -barbecued steaks, skirt steaks, chorizos, morsilla blood sausage – for under $25. All major credit cards accepted.
3 La Fusta
80-32 Baxter Ave., at Layton Street (718) 458-7747
This classy steakhouse – where celebs such as John Leguizamo, Jennifer Capriati and Gabriela Sabatini have dined – serves a bang-up Argentine barbecue, as well as a variety of pastas and tantalizing desserts such as caramel-filled crepes. Maybe your photo will go up on the wall of celebrity diners. Entrees range from $11.50 to $27.50 All major credit cards accepted.
4 La Union
91-18 Corona Ave., at 91st Place (718) 592-2786
Nestled amongst a recent sprout of small eateries, this Chino-Peruano restaurant serves some of the most authentic chinolatino cuisine in the City. The ceviche, a marinated seafood dish and Chifa food – a Cantonese-inspired meal with traditional Peruvian spices are sabroso!
Prices range from $10 to $17. All major credit cards accepted.
5 Las Americas
40-30 82nd St., at Roosevelt Avenue. (718) 457-6437.
Lines wrap around the corner some days, but the tortas de tres leches, a flan, the budin de nieve, a meringue-type cookie, the pan de queso, cheese bread or a bunuelo are worth the wait.
ENTERTAINMENT
6 Terraza Cafe
40-19 Gleane St., at Roosevelt Avenue. (718) 803-9602.
This bi-level rock bar offers the best of both worlds – urban designs mixed with tropical décor and great live music, musical classes and poetry readings, too. The bands play rock en español, bossa nova, jazz, tango, samba and cumbiamba.
ORGANIZATIONS
7 Mexican Folklore Dance Company
94-08 54th Ave., between Junction Boulevard and 94th Street (718) 592-8456
Founded in 1983 by Juvenita Duran, this highly popular dance company educates and entertains. A 20-member traveling group performs traditional Mexican folklore dances such as Chiapas, Veracruz, Nayarit and Sonora.
8 Ollantay Center for the Arts
94-46 46th Ave. between Junction Boulevard and 94th Street (718) 699-6772
This jewel was founded by Pedro Monge-Rafulf in 1977. Spanish poetry and playwriting workshops are offered throughout the year.
9 Tiendas
Hot Brazil Fashions 40-20 82nd St., at Roosevelt Avenue (718) 507-9747
Cutting-edge fashion store which imports the latest trends from Brazil.
—-
Just the stats
The Census 2000 reports that there are 105,723 people living in Elmhurst.
* 41,175 are Asians
* 45,529 are Hispanic
* 8,919 Mexicans
* 7,440 Colombians
* 7,121 Ecuadorian
* 418 Argentinean
Getting there: Take the 7 train to Elmhurst Ave. or take the local G, R or V to Woodhaven Boulevard, Queens Mall, Grand Avenue, or Elmhurst Avenue.
*
Did you know?
Many traditional Argentines enjoy sipping Yerba mate. The tea-like drink is made of perennial tea leaves and was introduced by the Guarani Indians. drinking mate is an Argentinean custom – it’s sipped from a special metal or wooden bombilla straw while being passed around in a group.
*
Community Issue
With a booming population, one of the key issues is housing overdevelopment. Many one- and two-family homes have been replaced by three- and four-story buildings that contain many units.
REPRESENTIN’
Council Member Helen Sears (718) 803-6373.
Fax: (718) 803-9832. City Hall office: 250 Broadway, 17th floor. (212) 788-7066.