Jackson Heights Life

EAT THIS NOT THAT
  Got this book at Barnes and Noble over at the Bayside Shopping Mall.  It's great because not only does it list every chain in America with a page devoted to "eat this" and a page to the "not that" of their menu, but it lists holiday food choices, ethnic food choices, supermarket shopping (by brand name etc.)  So now I know what I should eat no matter where I go!!!!   Or mostly, what's the health consequence of what I actually choose to eat.  :2funny:  So, I'm curious, what do u do if you're really trying to eat healthy and you eat locally to support neighborhood restaurants.   What do you order when you're at, say Expresso 77, and the sandwiches are paninis??? High calorie and high fat.  And forget Canelle Patiserrie.  What can you get there if you want to try and eat healthy?  Even with the book, I'm terrible.  And I do get a lot of rotisserie chicken. 

You can get some pretty decent salads at City Coffee. I also think yogurberry is pretty healthy, being they are low is sugar and glycemic index. Also fresh fruit choices for toppings. Also like Starbucks for their healthy food choices-salads, low-fat sandwiches with the calories listed on the packages.

Taqueria Coatzingo is not actually on Roosevelt; it's on 82nd, but you have to cross Roosevelt to get to it.  It's on the Elmhurst side.  As for the places that are actually on Roosevelt, I agree that eating directly underneath the train seems dark and noisy, but it can be worth it!

E77 soup and a roll are healthy. The tuna and chicken salads are not drowned in mayo. Be strong and ignore all those Ambrosia goodies! :police:

Taqueria Coatzingo has two locations: 76-05 Roosevelt Ave. and 40-18 82nd Street.

I like going to places like La Boina Roja and Cafe La Nueva and usually order off the menu.  In most cases, I'll order something like a grilled chicken breast and ask them to omit the rice and beans....delicious, but much too carby, especially when also accompanied by plantains.  I'll replace those items with an avocado salad.  I also like to ask what veggies are available for the day at La Nueva.  It's always been something basic like cauliflower, broccoli, etc., but I like to spice them up a bit by pouring a little garlic sauce over them.

You know, a couple of years ago I remember La Boina experimenting with assorted salads not of the iceberg variety.  They even had a separate smaller menu dedicated to just salads and were selling them as meals, adding chicken or shrimp on a few of them.   By the way, I'm referring to the location in the 70s.  Perhaps it was too early for them to try this so they discontinued it.  Gustavo and his wife are super friendly, so next time I stop in and see them, I'll ask about it.

Is there a difference between the two Coatzingo's? I don't recall seeing many salads on the Roosevelt/76th menu. Perhaps that's the difference.

In healthy eating news outside Jackson Heights...

A new "whole food fusion" restaurant called Tierra Sana will be opening on Thursday in Forest Hills. 

According to the press release, "Stephanie Fiallo, President of Tierra Sana, has been a resident of Forest Hills for over 15 years, and is a true believer of a healthy lifestyle. Noticing the lack of nutritional options and a sense of unity in her community, she has dedicated her time and passion into creating and bringing Tierra Sana to life. It was developed to enrich the community with healthy, delicious food and positive energy."  And speaking about fusion: It has a Native American chef, features natural and organic vegetarian/vegan food, and is certified Kosher.

Definitely sounds intriguing.