Corona, Queens Italian Food

3/5 Boroughs checked off for the 5 Borough Little Italy Challenge

Today’s quest was Corona, Queens — a once bustling Italian American hotspot, but now mostly filled in with Latin American influence. Didn’t matter. Still a great experience.

There were 3 must-hit spots: Park Side, Lemon Ice King, and Leo's Latticini Mama's. All 3 were home runs. We also hit a random pizza spot and last but not least arguably the best Italian Food in America: Olive Garden

Superlatives of the Day

Overrated Restaurant

Olive Garden. Hear me out. I only hear positive things about Olive Garden from people all around me. I know we cant compare Olive Garden to Carbone, but knowing it’s on the Chili’s level my expectations are already tempered. The service was spot on - and even the unlimited salad that comes with a meal wasn’t so bad. But the highlight of the meal was supposedly the unlimited breadsticks and the pasta. Unfortunately, a major disappointment that outweighs any of the positives. Breadsticks were drowning and butter and tasted like bread that I got at district lunch in 4th grade, and the spaghetti sauce tasted worse than any jarred sauce at the supermarket.

Best moment

Hug Goodbye from Irene DeBenedittis of Latticelli. Nicest business owner of all time. She kept apologizing thinking we were bored of her stories but NOPE absolutely loved them

Unexpected Moment

My friend Alex is an elite food reviewer. Simple and to the point. Wise with the words

Scariest moment

Leaving my bag at the former “official” bag storage place now a convenience store that still offers the $8 service. I had my drone, camera, and computer in there. Mucho Dinero worth of items. I even slid my Tile (item locator) in given my fear of the bag being stolen. Fortunately I still have the bag as we type.

Best Food Item

Actually a non-Italian Item. Before hitting Citi Field I got tacos from a local Mexican Carnitas Truck. ELITE $5 tacos though I accidentally Zelled the wrong account at first so they ended up being $5 tacos. Woman gave me a free taco sample too which was just insane.

I’m still praying I don’t get food poisoning tonight from the Mexican tacos. I’m pretty confident I’m OK but I guess you’ll know by next blog.

Have a good night.

- Jack

PS Corona was totally worth the visit for me. For the common folk I’d stack it with a US Open match, Mets Game, or Queens Market visit!