Flushing Away My Sunday

After salivating over the New York Times' recent Dining In, Dining Out section homage to Flushing's Chinatown, I couldn't stop dreaming about following in their dining tour footsteps.

Last Sunday, the dream became a reality.

My pal Joy and I headed into the wilds of Queens. There, we dutifully followed the New York Times foodie map. We paid call on it all, from humble stalls like the one above, serving gloriously crisp and juicy Fried Dumplings...

to street-side vendors serving up Rice Crepes with Pork, Scallion and a squirt of searing hot Chili Sauce...

to dingy underground mall eateries featuring Spicy Lamb Sandwiches with Cumin and Chilies.

Delighted as our taste buds and tummies were, however, it was an off-the-map find that really made our day.

We were looking for a pit stop in between our food stops, when we stumbled upon the sign and climbed up the creaky stairs to take a look. Frankly though, it wasn't much to look at -- clean, but shabby at best. Within minutes our misgivings were dispelled. Joy succumbed to a full body massage that rendered her a euphoric wet noodle, while I experienced an hour-long foot pummeling that left me smack-dab in the middle of nirvana. Adding to our elation, Joy's bill was a mere $45 and mine an even merer $30.

Unsurprisingly, Joy and I are planning to put our Metrocards to good use again this weekend and head back Flushing. And, hate to admit it, but I could care less about the Dim Sum, as long as I can get another one of those mind-blowing Kang Tai foot massages.