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!
Uruguayans have a deep love for their baked goods, clear to see here at La Gran. In order to truly get how special this place is, you have to grab a seat and soak it in. Fútbol paraphernalia and yerba mate gourds of all shapes and sizes line the walls. Buzz of locals chatting while waiting in the ever-present line (no matter the time of day) fills the air along with the sweet, unmistakable smell of freshly baked pastries. The demand for their huge assortment of traditional Uruguayan desserts and bizcochos is so high, it's enough to keep two storefronts open and constantly bustling. La Nueva, their sister bakery, is just down the block and offers the same items. Snack on bizcochos salados (savory pastries), empanadas, sandwiches de miga (a perfect stack of crustless tea sandwiches) and dulce de leche-laden alfajores. Or go all out and order a postre chajá, an extreme creation of sponge cake and peaches covered in chards of merengue.
