To my mind, Jackson Heights, Queens is really the crossroads of the world. The United Nations has nothing on this ethnically diverse 'hood. From Ecuador to Nepal, it's all represented in this culinary melting pot.
Happily for me, I have a regular excuse to visit. My pal Queen Celeste and her adorable babe Tallulah reside in a genteel apartment away from the neighborhood's crazy throng. But no sooner did I down a glass of Iced Tea at Queen Celeste's home yesterday, when we three were off and running straight into the throng - straight to a Tibetan restaurant - straight to Himalayan Yak.
Yak. Yum!
Our little party consisted of the only non-Asians in the dining room. Hmm. Good sign. The selection of housemade dipping sauces (pictured above) was another early indication that we were in for an authentic experience. Avocado-Tomato, bright spicy Sesame, searing Roasted Chili, and burning Sweet Chili.
As I said before: Yak. Yum!
From Goat Brain to Tibetan Beef Sausages, the menu was mesmerizing.
But those enticing goodies weren't destined to land on our table. The Queen is a vegetarian. Tallulah is only a bit older than one, and her wee palate isn't quite ready for exotica. On top of those road bumps, I had a feeling that our waitress directed us to the more "caucasian-friendly" items on the menu.
Harumph!
In the end, our lunch - the order of doughy Vegetable Dumplings in particular - wasn't nearly as flavorful as the dipping sauces. Still, the far-flung menu and zesty sauces alone are enough to inspire a return visit for more Himalayan fare. Don't know if I'll go as far-flung as to try the Goat Brain, but you never know. Those sauces can make just about anything taste good!
Comments