Regarded as the most diverse neighborhood in the entire country, Jackson Heights combines a worldly population with a strong neighborhood vibe. Reflecting its diversity is 37th Avenue which is truly a Main Street to the world. Within a few short blocks, you can snack on fresh hot Colombian buñuelos with your Thai coffee, treat yourself to an Indian mehndi design and pick up local produce from upstate New York at the farmer’s market. When it comes time to celebrate one of the many cultural events that take place in Jackson Heights, like the Diwali festival or the Queens Pride Parade, you can bet the whole community comes out to represent and support each other. The neighborhood is the site of America’s first planned garden community built in the 1910s and 20s, designed to be green, airy and opulent, often surrounding private gardens. These pre-war apartments have since been landmarked and now form the Jackson Heights Historic District.
Mexican & Colombian bakery with great tacos!
Cannelle’s is located in an unassuming strip mall next to a nail salon and a drugstore that just happens to serve top notch French pastries and desserts. The chef partners, Jean-Claude Perennou and Gnanasampanthan Sabaratnam met while working at the Waldorf Astoria. Their onsite kitchen means that fresh-baked goodness is being brought out on the regular. The whole neighborhood lines up on weekend mornings, but their lunch options are just as dreamy — buttery quiches and sandwiches including a revelatory tuna and spicy guacamole sandwich on fig bread and a perfect butter and country ham on rustic baguette.
