Where Columbus Avenue crosses 106th Street, there is made a broad intersection of corner residential walkups above storefronts reminiscent of urban Los Angeles with plenty of blue sky, when it's clear.
On the southwest corner lives the large, clean, and well-organized Duke Ellington Gourmet Deli, on the southeast corner Saiguette and a few doors uptown the Mexican restaurant/bar/bakery Calaveras whose upstairs bar is a lovely sitting space in which to appreciate fair weather, because it catches the afternoon sun.
When I bicycle to this crossroads I flip a coin to decide in which restaurant to eat if I am unable to remember in which I ate last.
I first went back for Saiguette's soups because of their light but rich flavor and power to rejuvenate. For example, the vegetable soup contains fresh mushrooms, tomatoes, pineapple, broccoli, and celery to put out flu fires while the phos have all the flavor skilled preparation and rendition can provide, especially when the broth is done right, as it is here.
The pork shoulder sandwich with grated carrot and chopped cucumber has obvious links to the Hispanic neighborhood as the sliced pork mass has flavorfully charred edges and the roll containing it comes from a local bakery.
There is a CitiBike station one block away, at 107th Street. Nearby on 110th Street is the Michelin Bib Gourmand Miss Mamie's Spoonbread. I was disappointed when I ate there last.
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
by
The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
by
"Vite Vinosteria" in New York is the Italian restaurant where, ever since I moved to Astoria, I've celebreated nearly every birthday & anniversary...
by
"Hunter's Point Library" in New York, on Long Island City's waterfront, is definitely for you if you're a fan of books, architecture and skyline views!
by
"House of Yes" is a colorful, eclectic space in New York that houses everything from roller skating to trapeze artists. Free entry on Fridays before 11pm!
by
"Jajaja Plantas Mexicana" in New York is a creative joint that has vegan versions of traditional Mexican food. It's delicious, affordable & healthy!
by
"Star Polish Bakery" in New York makes the best Polish desserts and cakes, especially the makowiec. Here they make it exactly the way I like it...
by
New York City is ideal for Art Gallery Hopping, and opening & closing receptions occur frequently. Here are my go-to spots when I'm thirsty for some art...
by
"Brooklyn Heights" in New York along Montague. I love going there for a stroll after a visit to my dentist. Just relax, soak in the ambience and history...
by
"Harlem Shake" in New York is a small, nondescript, inexpensive burger place. It makes a difference though by employing mainly local Harlem residents...
by
"Icon Style" is an antique jewelry and vintage fashion boutique located in New York's historic Upper West Side. For me it is a museum of the city's finery.
by
"Widow Jane Distillery" in Red Hook, New York is housed in what used to be a cocoa factory. There are many 150-year-old factories housing businesses here.
by
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips