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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La Nueva Bakery

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The next stop on my 12 Best Bakeries In NYC Challenge off of Gothamist’s list brought me to La Nueva Bakery in Jackson Heights, Queens. 

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This no-frills South American bakery is making a variety of authentic pastries and cookies to savory empanadas and Columbian sandwiches. Since I’m obsessed with baked goods and love dulce de leche, I decided to go on a bit of a dulce de leche spree. And, since it’s a Latin American confection, it only seemed right. 

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The first item that I got was a cone shaped pastry filled with dulce de leche (which I’ll refer to as DDL from here on out) and topped with powdered sugar. The cone was crunchy and light with a savory, buttery quality. The DDL was rich, creamy and sweet, which balanced out the savoriness of the pastry. Then, when you add on the powdered sugar, you really appreciate the pastry. 

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Next, I got an alfajor, a sandwich cookie with DDL filling and rolled in coconut. Now, I recently had an alfajor for the first time at another bakery, but, the two were quite different. First off, this one was about 2 or 3 times the size of the other. This one also had a much more generous amount of DDL, and the cookie itself was chewy and coconutty (a new word). It was delicious, but, a bit intense with all sweetness since it was such a large cookie. 

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Lastly, I had…well, it didn’t have a proper name in the store, so, I’ll awkwardly attempt to give it a name. Let’s call it a DDL filled coconut pie. This thing was unreal, unlike anything I’ve ever had, and, a bit intimidating. First off, it’s a beast. It’s meant to be more of an individual portion, but the size of my hand (disclaimer: I have kind of small hands) and weighs…a pound? It’s heavy. The pie crust is delicious and flakey. Then, there’s a generous layer of DDL at the bottom of the pie. And then, there’s a dense, thick layer of the coconut that I would compare to the taste and texture of a macaroon (not to be confused with a French macaron).

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Check. This. Guy. Out. 

The Shorts:
Name: La Nueva Bakery
Location: 86-10 37th Avenue, Queens
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Now, to be honest, I’m really never in this area. But, these baked goods were worth the trip! Would I recommend it? Yes. Go get that DDL filled coconut pie thing. And then go find about 3 other people to share it with.