Moving for the Food
By SETH KUGEL for the New York Times, December 31, 2006
...MY new fourth-floor co-op in Queens measures about 800 square feet, pretty good for one person. It's in a well-preserved apartment at the graceful Hampton Court, built in 1921 in what is now the Jackson Heights Historic District. Its eight windows all overlook the stately trees and manicured shrubs of a one-acre courtyard, not visible from the street and accessible only to residents.
There's a light-flooded room perfect for a work-from-home journalist like myself. And then there is the great storage space in the basement, friendly neighbors, low monthly maintenance, and a five-minute walk to the E and F express trains that reach Midtown Manhattan in 15 minutes.
Whatever. I moved here for the food...
...Arriving here in Jackson Heights in October was like being pardoned by the governor. The first time I was home at lunchtime, I nearly bounded around the corner to Seba Seba for stewed beef, meat-and-potato soup and a shake made from the South American fruit the Colombians call lulo. I got it to go and ate it as I sat on a wooden bench in the courtyard, basking in the October sun and my own good fortune...
...Years ago, I officially declared the place my own choice for best taco in New York, and I made a vow: whenever I found myself in Jackson Heights, I would get a carnitas taco from Tacos Guicho...
...My move to a one-bedroom co-op in Jackson Heights -- at 35-36 79th Street, and at a cost of $284,000 -- perplexed some of my friends, even those who realize Queens is not outside our solar system. They always ask: Why buy now, in this market?
I look at them quizzically. Earth-stopping tacos for $2, a Thai place with a Gourmet Magazine article in the window and an entire menu for under $10, Peruvian chicken dinners for $4 -- if Jackson Heights isn't a bargain, then I don't know what is...
...MY new fourth-floor co-op in Queens measures about 800 square feet, pretty good for one person. It's in a well-preserved apartment at the graceful Hampton Court, built in 1921 in what is now the Jackson Heights Historic District. Its eight windows all overlook the stately trees and manicured shrubs of a one-acre courtyard, not visible from the street and accessible only to residents.
There's a light-flooded room perfect for a work-from-home journalist like myself. And then there is the great storage space in the basement, friendly neighbors, low monthly maintenance, and a five-minute walk to the E and F express trains that reach Midtown Manhattan in 15 minutes.
Whatever. I moved here for the food...
...Arriving here in Jackson Heights in October was like being pardoned by the governor. The first time I was home at lunchtime, I nearly bounded around the corner to Seba Seba for stewed beef, meat-and-potato soup and a shake made from the South American fruit the Colombians call lulo. I got it to go and ate it as I sat on a wooden bench in the courtyard, basking in the October sun and my own good fortune...
...Years ago, I officially declared the place my own choice for best taco in New York, and I made a vow: whenever I found myself in Jackson Heights, I would get a carnitas taco from Tacos Guicho...
...My move to a one-bedroom co-op in Jackson Heights -- at 35-36 79th Street, and at a cost of $284,000 -- perplexed some of my friends, even those who realize Queens is not outside our solar system. They always ask: Why buy now, in this market?
I look at them quizzically. Earth-stopping tacos for $2, a Thai place with a Gourmet Magazine article in the window and an entire menu for under $10, Peruvian chicken dinners for $4 -- if Jackson Heights isn't a bargain, then I don't know what is...
posted by rio rocket valledor at 9:40 AM
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