Photo by PBS
From Jamie’s Desk:
Out of all the cities in the world, New York has the most iconic events. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The New Year’s Eve ball drop. The Met Gala. The Marathon. All of these are incredible celebrations that are part of what makes the city so special, but as a former New Yorker, there are few I miss more than the US Open.
I was lucky enough to grow up going to the Open most years, watching some of the greatest players in history—Lendl, Navratilova, Agassi, Graf, Sampras—compete so close to where I lived. I didn’t realize at the time just how special that was. Even more than that, I had no sense of the historical weight of this tournament. The US open has had two of the most significant moments in tennis history. First, when Arthur Ashe won the very first Open in 1968, becoming the first Black man to claim a Grand Slam singles title. If that wasn't enough to cement its place in sports history, in 1973 Billie Jean King took on the fight for equal pay for women in tennis–and won. These critical events not only changed tennis forever, but altered the world of sports. Not to mention, they were two of the best to ever play the game. If you needed more proof, the entire US Open complex is called the Billie Jean Tennis Center, and the main court is now called Arthur Ashe Stadium, a fitting tribute to these titans.
What I miss most is how it used to feel when you could wander court to court and catch a legend warming up a few feet away. Today’s Open is bigger, shinier, and more corporate. Not worse, just different. Sure, in the ’90s you couldn’t sip an Aperol Spritz or order fried chicken from Coqodaq while you watched, but was that really such a loss?
In honor of the US Open, I’m sharing some of my favorite restaurants in Queens. You can pop in on your way home after a day session, swing by before a night session, or just visit any time during the year. These are all worth the stop.
Discussed in this issue: Where to eat in Queens and at the US Open, how tech is shaping kids’ lives with Jonathan Haidt, tomato dinner, Laufey and BigXthaPlug album releases.
Have a restaurant rec, cultural gem, can’t-miss event, or a hot sauce that changed your life? Send it my way: [email protected]
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🗓️ Coming up when we return for our break, I’m excited to sit down with some very special guests. Already on the fall schedule is Ben Meiselas from MeidasTouch, Rep. James Talarico, Kara Swisher, Rep. Sarah McBride, Rep. Ritchie Torres, and Senator Mark Kelly.
⭐️ If you aren’t a member of Jamie’s List yet, apply here so that you can ask these guests questions and join our WhatsApp group–where we discuss current events, recommendations, action plans, and vote on future guests and topics of conversation on Lunch With Jamie.
The food in Queens is great, but it’s not always easy to find an excuse to make the trip. The US Open is the perfect one (second to a run to or from the airport or Long Island). When I asked Jamie’s List member and former American tennis player James Blake about his favorite US Open bites, he said it was the scallops in the players’ dining room—“it’s not every day, but it’s so good when they have them.” I explained that unfortunately that was not very helpful, as I am not a player–and neither are most of you. So he added that he looks forward to the milkshakes at Van Leeuwen which will be available on the grounds.
Below are some places we’re excited to try at the Open, as well as our Queens picks, from classic red-sauce Italian to hidden gems perfect for a post-match bite.
The Migrant Kitchen: Enjoy a variety of bowls and salads, including new options for this year: the Crispy Chicken Bowl, Falafel Bowl, Halloumi Fries and for dessert, donuts.
Red Hook Lobster Pound: Lobster BLT is a must-try.
Pat LaFrieda Meat Co: Pat LaFrieda serves his signature Filet Mignon Steak Sandwich and other favorites across the grounds, including a ham and truffle sandwich, roasted chicken sandwich, or the double patty burger. This is the meat from Minetta Tavern and Shake Shack.
Eataly: Enjoy new additions like San Carlo Chips, Hummus e Carote, Pasta al Pesto, and Gnocchi alla Bolognese.
CQDQ: The iconic Golden Set: 24 Karat six-piece chicken nuggets with Petrossian caviar, crème fraîche, and chives.
Franks & Fries: Don’t miss out on Pat LaFrieda's "World's Greatest" Hot Dog, available exclusively at the Backyard x17 Franks & Fries location.
pastaRAMEN: Making its US Open debut and led by James Beard-nominated Rising Star Chef Robbie Felice, pastaRAMEN will bring its unique Wafu Italian cuisine to the US Open this year and present fans with a bold fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors, meticulously prepared using high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques.
ACES: I am not a fan of proper sit down meals at festivals and events, but anyplace Kwame Onwuachi is cooking I am a fan of. Kwame along with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will be cooking their own dishes as well as collaborating on the Laotian wagyu rib-eye skewers with maitake mushrooms and a pineapple chile jam. It’s only open to people who have Courtside Box and Luxury Suite tickets. Reservations are required.
Photo by NY Mag
📍Don Peppe (Reviewed by Jon Buscemi)
Cuisine: NY Italian
Crew: NY Mag, NY Times, Eater, Infatuation, Jordan Okun, Marc Rose, Kate Burr, Andy Wang, Shu Chowdhury
Good For: No Reservations, Dinner with Friends, Casual
Pro Tip: Go for lunch, there’s almost never a wait. You can order everything that you wanted to order at dinner, but without the hassle.
What to Order: Don Peppe Special Salad, Baked Clams Oreganata, Shrimp Luciano, Veal Parm and/or Don Peppe, Chicken Parm, Linguini w/ Clams, Broccoli Rabe, Optional* Baked Ziti
Notes: This is arguably the best red sauce Italian in the country, end of story. It’s on everyone’s mood board when starting this type of restaurant. It’s the prototype, it's the epitome, and it’s by far number one. The two best dishes are the Shrimp Luciano and the Clams Oreganata. I suggest you order one more than you think. If you’re with six people, make sure you order three of each for example. Lastly, do not bring your kids. They don’t like kids there.
Photo by The Infatuation
📍New World Food Court (Reviewed by Jamie Patricof)
Cuisine: Chinese
Crew: Eater, Infatuation, Shu Chowdhury
Good For: Casual, No Reservations, Takeout
Pro Tip: Go with a group, have someone save a table, and explore different stalls. What I recommend below is a ten, but I am sure anything that looks good will be great. If you have a few extra minutes make sure to wander around and explore Flushing before heading to your next destination.
What to Order: Dry Pot at Tian Fu, Lamb Knife-Cut Noodles at Lang Zhou Noodles, Dumplings at Joong Hang Book Sik Dumplings and Noodles, Beijing-Style Jianbing Mojoilla Fresh
Notes: The first time I visited the New World Mall, I was a bit confused. Tons of foodies who I trust had recommended it, but it was a shopping center in the middle of a bustling neighborhood with people everywhere, and I didn’t have a clue where the food court was. Every sign is in Chinese, so although it was overwhelming, I was instantly brought back to my college days where I spent 6 months in Hong Kong, which always makes me smile. New World Food Court is one of those places you have to treat as an adventure and enter with a mission, willing to adapt along the way. Head downstairs to the bottom level where you will feel like you’ve been transported to a foreign country. It is crowded, loud and overwhelming, but if you are looking for some delicious food in a unique setting, it will not disappoint. It is the perfect way to truly immerse yourself in what makes the Asian food scene in Flushing so special.
Photo by Nicole Werner
📍Park Side (Reviewed by Marc Rose)
Cuisine: Jerrold Son, Eater, Infatuation, NY Times
Crew: Jason Spivak, Jerrold Son, Jamie Patricof, Eater, Conde Nast Traveler, NY Times, Infatuation
Good For: Big Group, Dinner with Friends
Pro Tip: Gets very busy, so reservations are recommended. Park Side is 10 minutes from Laguardia so plan your trip or layover accordingly. Skip dessert and opt for Italian Ice across the street.
What to Order: Baked Clams (Oreganata), Soft Shell Crabs, Eggplant Rollatini, Shrimp Scampi, Linguine with (White) Clam Sauce, Chicken Scarpariello, Tony's Veal Special, Pork Chop with Vinegar Peppers, Pistachio Tartufo
Notes: On a corner in the neighborhood of Corona, Queens sits Park Side—.an Italian-American red sauce restaurant that has been dishing out classics since the 80's. There are three rooms where you can sit and eat: the large dining room filled with Roman statues and busts, the garden room with a large window and lots of greenery, and a small room upstairs where one can hold a "business" meeting of sorts. Once seated, you will be met with the forgotten art of a complimentary bread basket (and the one at Park Side has it all). Filled with semolina bread, olive rolls, focaccia, cigar-sized breadsticks and my favorite prosciutto bread. Served alongside the bread is another freebie plate filled with some salumi, cheese and pickled pepper bruschetta. Full yet? Hope not, because the Baked Clams Oreganata are not to be missed, paired with their Soft Shell Crabs and Eggplant Rollatini to share for the table. For the pastas, I like the Linguine and Clams, but sometimes will just have a small side of pasta with my entree. Here, my favorite is the Pork Chop, at 2 1/2 inches thick, perfectly cooked and crowned with vinegar-y peppers packed with flavor. To drink, they have a pretty affordable wine list, but the selection is not necessarily my thing. So I opt for the "house made" liter of red wine that is fruity and juicy—exactly what you want when eating here. Dessert is a problem (it all always looks good) so if you do anything I'd get the Pistachio Tartufo along with the complimentary Biscotti Cookies they give out. But I’d honestly skip the sweets here, as just past the bocce courts and park outside (aka Spaghetti Park) and across the street is another Queens Mecca: The Lemon Ice King Of Corona. Get the namesake flavor of course, along with cherry, pina colada, chocolate, rainbow or even peanut butter water ice in a small white paper cup. Not much can be more NY than this.
Photo by Nicole Werner
📍5 Burro Cafe (Reviewed by Lauren Malanga)
Cuisine: Mexican
Crew: Eater, Infatuation
Good For: Groups, Casual, Take-Out, Dinner With Friends
Pro Tip: It’s always a lot shorter of a wait than they say. If you get a drink at the Tap Room next door they’ll come get you when your table is ready. If you’re not too full after dinner, head over to Eddie’s Sweet Shop—the city’s oldest ice-cream parlor.
What to Order: Chicken Fajitas, Tacos del Norte, ½ Lime ½ Strawberry Frozen Margarita
Notes: As a NY transplant from LA, finding good Mexican food in the city has been quite the challenge. Then I was introduced to 5 Burro in Forest Hills, and I was hooked—now I make the commute whenever I get the chance. It’s ideal if you’re headed to a concert at Forest Hills Stadium (another underrated venue) and want to grab a bite and a marg beforehand. The complimentary chips and salsa waiting at your table, the genuinely great staff, the consistently good food, and the merch that somehow becomes irresistible after one too many frozen strawberry margs—that’s what makes 5 Burro great.
Photo by Casa Enrique
📍Casa Enrique (Reviewed by Adam Saper)
Cuisine: Mexican
Crew: Kate Burr, Shu Chowdhury, Michelin Guide, NY Times, Eater, Infatuation
Good For: Casual, Date Night, Small Groups
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to order the Lengua Taco. It’s awesome.
What to Order: Start with the Sopecito de Chorizo and the Crab Tostada, then move on to the Suadero and Pastor Tacos. For mains, the Chicken Mole is a must. And if you’re hungry, the Lamb Shank is worth the indulgence. Finish with what might be the greatest Tres Leches Cake in the city.
Notes: Casa Enrique is the rare Mexican restaurant in New York where you could confidently bring friends from Mexico City and they’d be impressed. Easily the best spot in Long Island City, it’s led by Chef Cosme Aguilar (also of Quique Crudo) and often called the city’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant.
Apply below to become a Jamie’s List member. In our members-only WhatsApp group, you can say where you’re headed—whether it’s a new restaurant or a new city—and we’ll tell you exactly where to eat and what to order.
We’re still on a short Lunch With Jamie break, so no new episode this week, but I’m excited to bring back one of my favorite conversations from May 2024 with Jonathan Haidt.
As back-to-school season ramps up, you might notice more classrooms going phone-free—and Haidt, psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation, has been a driving force in that shift. We talked about how tech is shaping kids’ lives, what parents can do to set boundaries, why this moment feels so urgent, and much more.
A tidbit from our conversation that really stood out to me was:
“You should send your kids out if you want to keep them safe because there are not very many sex predators out there at the playgrounds anymore. You know why? They're all on Instagram. It's so much safer for them [predators] to be on Instagram. They can exchange photos with, you know, they can pretend they're a 14 year old boy and they can get a girl to send a naked picture of herself or her dancing in a bathing suit. So I really want to distinguish between the Internet, which is wonderful and transformative of humanity, and social media, which are a few predatory companies using an advertising based business model that is addicting our kids, making them regret it.”
It’s a conversation worth hearing, whether you have children or not.
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Osteria Georgi and Cucciola with Riley and Kelly; San Vicente Bungalows with Samantha Ressler; Carmel with David Nathanson, Matt Karatz, Lloyd Sacks, Nick Grad, and Paul Feinstein; Alfalfa with Rachel Halilej, Stazy Mazo, and Michaela Sullivan; Dunsmoor with Lee Eisenberg, Daniel Rappaport and Neal Moritz; Mama Lu’s Dumpling House with Howard Altman and Kevin Iwashina; and Santa Monica Farmers Market with Clemence de Lutz.
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Today’s email was brought to you by: Jamie Patricof, Michaela Sullivan and Lauren Malanga
