Bronx native (and assistant to the president of Time Out New York) Monika Fabian now calls Sunnyside, Queens, her home. Below, she tells us why:
“If it weren’t for the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the rest of the skyscrapers visible to the west, we Sunnysiders might forget that busy, bustling midtown Manhattan was a mere 15-minute ride away on the 7 train. That’s because Sunnyside, with its verdant blocks, friendly neighbors and overall chill vibe, belies its downtown proximity. This safe, diverse, working-class, tree-lined nabe has family-owned businesses and kids playing until dark, and you can’t walk a block without passing at least one pup being walked—it’s a community with a capital C.”
Her favorite shops:
Super Doggy Wonder Kitty (4304 43rd St between 43rd Ave and Queens Blvd, 718-786-5117) “It has a decent variety of dog foods—from Iams to harder-to-find items like Halo (which my dog likes)—and at pretty good prices.”
Go Natural health-food store (4503 Queens Blvd at 45th St, 718-482-0008) “This is a great spot for organic products, veggie drinks and vitamins. I head here to stock up on homeopathic medicine and teas whenever I feel a cold coming on.”
Her favorite restuarants:
El-Shater (4302 43rd Ave at 43rd St, 718-392-2702) “They serve the tastiest hummus, olives and tabouli in of all Sunnyside. I love their falafel sandwiches ($3.50), too.”
Natural Tofu (40-06 Queens Blvd between 40th and 41st Sts, 718-706-0899) “Speaking of getting sick, I always get their vegetable soup—extra spicy—to clear the sinuses when I’m feeling under the weather.”
Hanami (39-11 Queens Blvd between 39th St and 39th Pl, 718-361-8232) “I love their sushi-and-soba-or-udon-soup lunch special ($10) and their spicy tuna and rainbow rolls.”
Starberry (42-11 Queens Blvd between 42nd and 43rd Sts, 718-786-4775) “It sounds like a Pinkberry knockoff, but this joint is so much more. Starberry kicks Pinkberry butt with its wide selection of delicious Asian desserts, pastries and bubble tea. Great spot to hit up after eating at a restaurant or to pick up a treat for home.”
