BLACK OWNED - Soup Junkies

Address: 87-17 Lefferts Blvd, South Ozone Park, NY 11420

Menu: Soup Junkies

Soup Junkies has been around for a few years servicing traditional Trinidian soups and cuisine in the Richmond Hills area of Queens. 

For those who are not familiar. Trinidad is a country in the Caribbean, it’s the larger and more populous of the two major islands of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Trinidad is highly known for their popular yearly carnival and for the food. Like lot’s of other islands in the Caribbean the food (to me) is so impressive the way it perfectly blends Indian and African culture. Trinidad is one of the most influential islands when it comes to Caribbean cuisine. 

Growing up I ate a lot of soups. My Caribbean grandmother Maureen would make the best hearty soups. Filled with beans, peas, dumplings and various meats (chicken, beef, goat). So one day while picking up pizza with bae I stopped by Soup Junkies and took a look at the menu and was pleasantly surprised by the variety of soups (oxtail soup, corn soup, dhal soup and even cow heel soup). All things I grew up eating though my grandma was not from Trinidad these soups were still popular amongst Caribbean people. 

So last year when I was feeling a bit homesick I decided to give Soup Junkies a try. I ordered the curry chicken and large corn soup. When I tell you I was hooked. I ordered food from here 2 more times that week. 

I’m within walking distance of this location however if you are traveling within Queens it’s totally accessible by driving, taking either the J, M, or Z train or the Q10 bus. 

Obviously from the name, this place is popular for it’s soups but if I were you I would get a soup (I LOVE the corn soup and the oxtail soup) and try a platter. The curry chicken (pictured) with cabbage and rice or the jerk chicken platter (also pictured). I have to warn some of you. Jerk chicken is spicy, it’s meant to be spicy and the jerk here at Soup Junkies will set your mouth on fire (in a good way). The curry chicken is seasoned very well. The jerk is very saucy (heads up) to those who like their jerk chicken dry.

Discuss general prices for soups range from $5-$10 (depending on veggie soup or soup with a protein) and the entrees range from $10-$14. 

If you visit Soup Junkies, the woman working the front is so friendly and willing to help with any questions you may have about the menu. 

The location is small, it’s a grab a quick bite for 2-3 people type of place (I believe there are only about 4 seats in the location), so this place gets a lot of foot traffic for customers picking up large orders to go. 

If you are in the neighborhood and looking for some good Caribbean food be sure to stop by Soup Junkies and tell him Tameeka Eats sent you. 

Tara Japanese Cuisine

Address: 251-9 Northern Blvd Douglaston (Queens) NYC 11362 

Tara is a charming Japanese restaurant located in the Douglaston area of Queens, basically on the borderline of Long Island. 

It’s squeezed into a very busy food area of Douglaston. This gem honestly stands out from any of the other Japanese restaurants in this area, especially if you are looking for fresh fish, sushi, and a remarkable (and affordable) omakase experience. 

Tara is popular for their hospitality (everyone says the main chef is a joy) and for their omakase. 

For those who are new to Omakase it’s a very unique dining experience. The Michelin site describes Omakase as “a form of Japanese dining in which guests leave themselves in the hands of a chef and receive a meal which is seasonal, elegant, artistic and uses the finest ingredients available. In many ways, omakase is a spiritual companion and counterpoint to kaiseki, the elaborate multi-course Japanese meal built around seasonality, quality ingredients and simple preparations.”

If you decide to dine here and you are open to trying something other than sushi or sashimi they also serve Donburi (Japanese rice dish with meat or fish) and Ramen (a noodle dish served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and uses toppings such as sliced pork, nori, menma, and scallions). 

The great thing about Tara is the pricing for the quality of food. The fish they serve is top tier fresh and the pricing is minimal. You can order sushi rolls from $6.00 to $13.00. The omakase here goes for around $100.00 (each person) which is a steal. The quality is phenomenal. 

I dined here with a group of Yelp Elites. Only a handful of us were scheduled for the Tara Omakase experience and I will say it was my first omakase. I was really excited to go because I’ve missed out on other omakase experiences and to be able to do this with fellow elites was right up my alley. 

We were provided a set menu created by the main chef (images above):

1️⃣ Stella Bay #Oyster w/ Quail Egg & Ikura 

2️⃣ Madai w/ fried ginger 

3️⃣ Barracuda ( #Kamasu ) topped w/ Shishito Pepper 

4️⃣ ShimaAji w/ Jalapeño Jelly

5️⃣ King #Salmon topped w/ Truffle 

6️⃣ Japanese #Scallop (Hotate) w/ Yuzu Jelly 

7️⃣ Butterfish w/ Shio Kambu

8️⃣ Octopus  

9️⃣ Tachiuo w/ Yuzu Kosho 

1️⃣0️⃣ #ToroKama w/ #caviar

The chef preparing the fish for us was a delight. He was so focused yet so hospitable. Once we all took our bites he seemed pleased that we all were enjoying the food. 

I will definitely return to Tara for the omakase experience with my fiancé. We both enjoy the intimate dining experience and it’s a place we won’t have to travel too far to get to since we live in Queens. I think the ambiance of this place is perfect for date night or even dinner with the family. 

Just a few tips if you plan on dining at Tara, make a reservation as the omakase table/bar fills up and the restaurant is not that large so evenings are pretty packed here. If you are traveling by public transportation, take the Long Island Rail Road to the Little Neck stop or use the Q30 bus to Little Neck. For those driving, parking may be a bit of a hassle because it’s located on a block with high traffic so parking a few blocks away from the restaurant may be your best bet. 

Dirty Pierre's

Address: 13 Station Square Forest Hills (Queens) NYC 11375 

Dirty Pierre’s is a long standing bar/restaurant located in Forest Hills. 

Forest Hills is known for dining in Queens. Most people dining in Forest Hills will mention or go to a place along Austin Street. Austin Street is a long strip of restaurants, small shops, gyms, bars, and everything in between. If you are looking for somewhere away from the crowds Dirty Pierre’s is not located on Austin Street. It’s tucked in along the beautiful cobble stoned area of Station Square. Since this restaurant is tucked away from Austin Street it’s not as packed as some of the other restaurants but this places sees a lot of traffic. 

Speaking of traffic, there are a number of ways you can get to Dirty Pierre’s. It’s about a minute walk from the Long Island Railroad (Forest Hills station stop), a less than a 10 minute walk from the Forest Hills-71st Avenue station via the E/F/M/R  train. It’s accessible by car but the cobble stoned area has limited parking and once you hit Austin Street it’s usually packed on weekends and nights so finding parking can be a bit of a pain. I suggest taking the train, bus, or share ride service.

Brunch is what you come to Dirty Pierre’s for and you’ll be happy with the options and the prices. On average prices range from $15-30 for meals (with drinks included). While brunching, I ordered a half portion of mussels which were DELICIOUS. I know.. you must be asking yourself “why would you order mussels from a bar”?! It may sound mad but Yelpers did mention it and I decided to take a chance and was pleasantly surprised. The sauce was my favorite part of the mussels. I also ordered the $17.95 brunch special which includes 1 entree and 2 cocktails. I chose the steak and eggs entree (it came with home fries). The steak and eggs were cooked to my liking and was pretty tasting and filling. The sangria didn’t do it for me but the mimosas were on point. 

The ambiance is super chill. There are biker jackets hung up around and you will get a bar vibe once you arrive so dress as you want to come here. Dirty Pierre’s is perfect for a brunch w/ bae, the girls, the boys, or friends.