Jeff, I've heard good things about Fresca La Crepe, and have dined and listened to music at Cukoos Nest. What I am speaking specifically about is Jackson Heights.
Madalyn, for a good bistro I would consider Uncle Peters in the 80s on Northern.
I also find it hard to believe that rents would be higher in JH over, say, 30th ave in Astoria. Also, within Jax Heights the rent varies. For instance, the higher you go streetwise the lower the rent. Hence, Heads Ain't Ready moving to 81st street. What I think it boils down to is a restauranteur willing to take a risk. Someone at some point in Astoria said, "Hey, maybe we don't need another greek joint. Maybe something different would work!" JH is already a foodie destination, but I just think it could be more. What we don't need is another "A La Brasa" or Tandoori Chicken House. For that matter we don't need another eyeglass joint, hair salon, cell phone or dollar store. I know many of you agree. IMO it would be the joint that breaks through in a different direction that would be extremely successful. And as far as overhead, food does have a low profit margin, but liquor rakes in the profits. This neighborhood deserves a great neighborhood bar and hang!
Daisy, you do have good points. Don't get me wrong, I support Jax Heights and want to see it grow. As far as disappointing store fronts and rent, there is this thrift store on 81st and 37th that for at least three years has had VHS tapes like Alf, the third season in its storefront. There is also a fabric store on 37th that has nothing but a couple rolls of fabric in its window. How these places make it I don't get it.
When speaking of Non-ethnic businesses in Jax Heights, I feel there are only four businesses that "get it." Those would be Espresso 77, Table Wine, The Lemon Farm and Inner Peace. They have well designed and inviting businesses (I wish E77 was bigger!!) with interesting and diverse products and a hip flair. JUST MADE 4 U sort of gets it by including crepes on their menu, but they need to diversify further. For instance, there is only one chicken crepe option, and its slathered in a cream sauce. If they really wanted to step it up they would also work on their breakfast options. Lety Bakery sorta gets it, but I have had some stale pastries there, as well as a red velvet that was more pink than red. They could take a note from Marthas in Forest Hills or Astoria to see how it is really done. BTW, has anyone noticed that there is nowhere to get a good muffin in the hood? Alas, I digress.
In summary, the above mentioned businesses have only been around a few years at best. The neighborhood will change, eventually. Look, in 1995 astoria was not trendy, L.I.C and Williamsburg were sketchy, and Park Slope (in many ways our sister historic neighborhood in Bklyn) was just beginning to shine. Jackson Heights has so many great things to offer already, and I feel strongly that it will only get better.
