Queens Comfort

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So, I’d been hearing a lot about this place for a number of months. And, as it usually happens with my schedule, and the intricate  formula that is, “it’ll take me X amount of time to get there + my schedule is Y = damn, I’m not going to make it”, I haven’t been able to go. Until now! Ok, let me clarify, I went, but “Y” informed me that I didn’t have a lot of time, so, I got some treats to-go from Queens Comfort in Astoria, Queens.

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Now, this unassuming restaurant always has a healthy wait during brunch, which, is when my schedule allowed me to make it over. So, you know they’re doing something right. I’ve promised myself that I will make it back for a proper sit-down meal, because the menu looks awesome. But, in the meantime, I got my fix with a couple baked goods from their resident baker, dubbed the Donut Diva. And, the name is very fitting, since, she knows how to make a delicious treat. First, I had the cookie of that day (often a different flavor, or rotating flavors, so, check their social media, or, just be a sport, since, it’s probably going to be awesome no matter what flavor it is), which was Snickerdoodle Rolo. I’d like to consider myself somewhat of a cookie connoisseur, I’ve eaten a ton and know what I like, and, well, what I know I’ll be staying away from. This cookie, was legit. Generously sized, it really has the perfect combination that I love of a slightly crisp outside and edges, and a soft, almost under-baked center, making it soft, chewy, and melts in your mouth. The flavors were great, and you get these awesome bites with gooey caramel from the Rolo candies. Even though it’s a cookie, with candy inside, it’s not too sweet, which, makes it all too easy to house the entire thing. But, what are you saving it for anyway?

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Then, I had to get a donut from the Donut Diva (because, what the hell sense would it make if I didn’t?). Now, the donuts are primarily only available on the weekends, which, even though I knew about the brunch lines, I had to go for the donut. And, just like the cookies, there’s likely to be a different flavor each time. So, you just have to be up for the adventure, or, check Instagram to see what’s on tap before you go. When I went, they had Candy Corn Marshmallow. Now, I’m a candy person, so, I love candy corn, but I realize it’s one of those polarizing candies. Luckily for me, it’s all positive. The cake donut itself is also generous in size, and had the candy corn within the donut’s batter itself. The cake is great, it’s a little crisp on the outside, nice and golden, and tastes just like a griddle cake. Then, there was a marshmallow-esc glaze on the outside, giving it a nice delicate compliment to the donut and candy corn. And, one of the best parts is the waste-free zone. I hate waste, and apparently these guys understand, so each donut is complete with its own donut hole on top. Adorable. And, somewhat of a bonus dessert. Again, like the cookie, while the donut looks intense, it’s not overly sweet, also allowing me to stuff the entire thing in my face and not feeling a gross sugar rush. 

The Shorts:
Name: Queens Comfort
Location: 40-09 30th Avenue, Queens
The Long and The Short: Would I go back? Definitely. I mean, I need to go for a meal there, but, even if that’s not in the cards, the donuts and cookies are worth a trip back.
Would I recommend it? Yes. If you’re lucky enough to carve out some time for brunch, get there early and beat the big wait. If not, they’re open for lunch and dinner during the week as well.

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iDessert

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Before I was in San Diego, I did some searching through Instagram and I saw this image of these hanging meringues, that looked like stunning ornaments. After clicking through to see what they actually were, I found that they belonged to a new dessert spot called iDessert in Little Italy.

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Now, I was plenty excited about the meringues, but, it turns out, the meringues, or “Crusts”, are mainly the vessel to create your own dessert concoction. You create your dessert by iPad, choosing a number of flavors and combinations that go in the order of: Crust, Gelato, Cake, Cream/Sauce/Fruit. It’s an extremely visual and fun sounding/looking dessert. So, I’m pretty bummed I didn’t get the whole shebang, but, I just wrapped up a farmer’s market, sampling lots of goods, and then a full lunch, so, my stomach just couldn’t do the full experience (since, you need to eat it upon creation, since, you know, it’s perishable and meltable). However, I wasn’t walking out empty handed.

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I ordered one of their Crusts/Meringues, and got the Oreo. Visually, it’s so unique and fun. One way, it looks like a little dome, and flip it upside down and you have a little cup for snacks, candy, a scoop of ice cream at home, I mean, lots of possibilities. For me, I just ate it au natural. The meringue itself is crisp, but melts in your mouth. This flavor was delicately chocolate flavored, topped with crumbled Oreo cookies and drizzled with an icing of sorts. It makes for a great little light, sweet treat, without leaving you full. I mean, unless you get the full dessert, which, could be a different story. 

The Shorts:
Name: iDessert
Location: 1608 India Street, San Diego
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Yes, and next time I’ll 100% get the full dessert, even if I’m stuffed to the max.
Would I recommend it? For sure. It’s a very cool experience, where you can create your own unique dessert with lots of different components and textures. The customer service was great and the staff was very friendly, and can walk you through all the steps, since it can be a little overwhelming at first.