Jackson Heights Insider

Hey neighbor! If you were anywhere around the neighborhood last week, you probably caught the energy. Hundreds of henna tables lining the streets, families shopping for holiday outfits, incense in the air, Bollywood music on the next block. It was Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, and Jackson Heights was celebrating…

Hey neighbor! The neighborhood is in full swing right now – St Patrick’s Day today, Eid al-Fitr (marking the end of Ramadan) coming up, the weather occasionally acting like spring, and Open Streets already providing free entertainment with a guy jumping the barricades like he was in a track and field event. Photo credit: Clarence…

Hey neighbor, A few tasty updates from around Jackson Heights this week. First up, a new restaurant called Cora just opened on 37th Avenue and 84th Street. They are serving Peruvian and Colombian fusion food, which sounds like a pretty delicious combination. Just along the avenue, Red Chilli also expanded and opened a new dining…

Hey neighbor! If you show up early on Sunday and no one else is there, check your clock. Daylight saving time begins March 8, so we spring forward one hour. The same day is International Women’s Day. Strong women, extra sunlight. We love to see it… Technically it is actually International Women’s Month. And honestly,…

Hey neighbor! Notice anything different up top? That’s right, we got ourselves a shiny new logo. We’re finally going pro over here (well, kind of – I’m still writing this in my pijamas). That said, we always loved the idea of a logo designed by someone from the neighborhood. So consider this a soft call-out:…

Hey neighbor, As February winds down, we are marking the end of Black History Month while many neighbors continue celebrating the Lunar New Year. It is a beautiful overlap that reminds me how lucky we are to live somewhere with so many traditions side by side. And in a moment that feels especially meaningful here,…

Hey neighbor! This week felt like a great reminder of how much culture and community is packed into our corner of Queens. I caught Viñedos at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, a powerful Mexican traditional dance performance full of color and energy. Fun fact. The executive director there is Andrew Ronan, a longtime Jackson Heights resident.…

Hey neighbor! Hope you’re doing well and staying warm out there. This week had a few feel-good moments around the neighborhood. A Greek family restaurant in neighboring East Elmhurst called Plaka, run by parents in their 70s, suddenly got busy after a NYC cab driver turned food influencer stopped by, ate, and shared their story…

Hey neighbor, hope you’re staying warm! This cold snap is no joke, so it’s a good moment to look out for one another. If your building has heat or hot water issues, or if sidewalks are still icy, 311 is the number to call. That same number also helps connect people without shelter to outreach…

Hey neighbor… Winter is still doing its thing, but the neighborhood is busy! A new tea house has opened on 37th Ave and 76th Street, a Qahwah Valley coffee house is coming soon, and Raising Cane’s is opening this week on 82nd Street in the former bank building (see more details in the events below).…