Queens Best the Podcast
Come with us on a food journey through the world’s borough - Queens. Hosted by experienced Chef and Food Anthropologist Laura and Food Explorer Jef with one f. They’re on a mission to highlight and provide a platform for food/restaurant owners in this great borough of NYC. Laura shares insights about food through a cultural lens, often connecting heritage, traditions, and customs to community and social systems. Jef brings his novice approach about food to balance out the experience.
S2 E22 Welcome 2 The Family & Grandma’s meatballs
Hosts Laura and Jef close out season two with this AMAZING episode.
They're SUPER excited to welcome special guest and winner of Queens Best Pizza in Feb.'23, JoAnne Cotrone, owner of Rocco's of Roc Beach.
Listen in as JoAnne describes their journey the motivation behind providing an unforgettable experience to their clientele. The secret isn't only in the sauce!!!
Laura and Jef are introduced to the pizza selections "voted" BEST. Both the Margherita and Upside Down Siciliano as well as their frozen lemon cello and fresh mozzarella.
Visit them on In...
S2 E21 ”Open Up A Little Coffee Shop...”
Hosts Laura and Jef dropped by a diner for this episode.
They're thrilled to welcome special guest George Rakitzis, owner of Silver Spoon Diner in Elmhurst.
Listen in as George shares his origin story dating back to age 11 leading to their diner which has come to be known as a favorite go-to spot in their neighborhood.
Laura and Jef indulged in a SSD customer favorite which is the Mediterranean Bubba salad, topped with grilled chicken, feta cheese and olives.
Visit them on Instagram Queens Best the Podcast to see what they ate...
S2 E20 Not Just for Food
Hosts Laura and Jef took their microphones to Forest Hills for this episode.
They're happy to welcome special guest Yvan Lemoine, co-owner and Chef at My Kitchen Restaurant.
Tune in as Yvan walks through his incredible career which began as a teenager, shares intricate details as it relates to restaurant industry, and their (with co-owner wife Rebecca) future plans for the space that is not just food.
Visit them on Instagram Queens Best the Podcast to see images of Yvan's space.
Enjoy listening and please share the episode.
S2 E19 Puff Puffs in Rockaway Beach
Hosts Laura and Jef hit the beach for this episode.
They're excited to celebrate the first-year anniversary of launching this incredible podcast. 28 episodes, 30 uniquely incredible guests and countless cuisines.
Babajide aka Jide pronounced GDay joins them as special guest to share his journey, West African heritage and the secret to fulfilling his goal of becoming a restaurant owner.
As a special treat the full version of their theme song courtesy of Spencer is played at the end of the episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_podcast to see the Beef Sam...
S2 E18 Albany Day with 10-63 Meals LLC and Julia’s Kountry Kitchen
Hosts Laura and Jef present the part three of conversations with amazing individuals who represent the food scene of Queens.
In this episode they're joined by:
Special guest Camilla St. Louis, co-owner/founder of 10-63 Meal LLC who talks about bringing community together through their food.
Special guest Julia Brown, owner/founder of Julia's Kountry Kitchen who talks about how sharing her passion for cooking turned into feeding more than her family.
Visit our hosts on Instagram Queens Best the Podcast to see images of their amazing guests.
Enjoy listen...
S2 E17 Albany Day with Maxis Noodles & Mighty Oak Roasters
Hosts Laura and Jef present part two of conversations with amazing individuals who represent the food scene in Queens.
In this episode they're joined by:
Special guest Maxi Lau, owner/founder of Maxis Noodle in Flushing who shares how her family's love inspired her journey.
Special guest Peter Moses, owner/founder of Mighty Oak Roaster in Astoria who talks about their innovative way of roasting coffee in their Queens community.
Visit our hosts on Instagram Queens Best the Podcast to see images of their amazing guests.
Enjoy listening and pleas...
S2 E16 Albany Day w/Sassy Sweet Vegan Treats & Little Chef Little Cafe
Hosts Laura and Jef present the first set of conversations with amazing individuals on the food scene of Queens.
In this episode they’re joined by:
Special guest Celeste Sassine, owner/founder of Sassy Sweet Vegan Treats shares how behind how a meeting a need ultimately became a business.
Special guest Diana Manalang, owner/founder of Little Chef Little Cafe talks about how community embraces her passion in her Long Island City community.
Visit our hosts on Instagram @queens_bestthe_podcast to see images of our amazing guests.
Enjoy...
S2 E15 Coffee, Bagels and Caviar
Hosts Laura and Jef pay a visit to Sunnyside for this episode.
They're joined by special guest Daniel Yildirim, owner of Chakra Cafe.
Tune in as Daniel share the path to owning this cozy neighborhood cafe which has quickly become a local favorite and how he supports local artists.
Laura and Jef are treated to a couple favorite menu items. Ocean Bagel topped with smoked salmon and a very special item black pearl caviar as well as avocado toast with a sunny side up eggs on top.
Visit them on Instagram Quee...
S2 E14 That Makina Love
Hosts Laura and Jef are giddy with excitement in this episode.
They're thrilled to be joined by special guest Eden Egziabher, the creative genius behind Makina Cafe.
Listen as Eden shares her food journey and knowledge of Eritrean/Ethiopian cuisine which has greatly impacted the Queens community.
Laura and Jef can't get enough of the flavorful menu items Eden shares especially the siga wot and beef sambusa with Makina sauce.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast and drop a message letting them know what you're eating.
Enjoy listening and...
S2 E13 ”My Mother’s Recipe in Francisco’s Kitchen”
Hosts Laura and Jef get addicted in this episode.
They're excited to be joined by Francisco Diaz, half of the team at Addictive Wine & Tapas Bar.
Listen as Francisco provides an education in wine and shares the origins behind their tapas menu.
Laura and Jef are treated to several plates of mouthwatering tapas inspired by Francisco's life journey. In addition, meatballs created with his Mom and Grandmother in mind.
Find out how you can contribute to an upcoming episode of their podcast.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast to s...
S2 E12 Tres Leches Cake In A Jar
Hosts Laura and Jef are talking designer cakes in this episode.
They're excited to be joined by special guest Hilda and Sashari Melendez the dynamic sister duo behind Bleu Royale Cakes in Ozone Park.
Tune in as Hilda walks them through designer cakes 101 while Sashari shares her thoughts around the future of the operation.
Laura and Jef experience Bleu Royale's most popular dessert, Tres Leches cake in a jar.
Find out how you too can become part of an upcoming episode of their popular podcast.
Enjoy listening and please share...
S2 E11 Goat Meat, Duck and Fish Heads!!!
Hosts Laura and Jef were transformed to a lands far away in this episode.
They're joined by special guest Bikash Kharel, Chef, visionary of While in Kathmandu in Ridgewood.
Listen closely as Bikash shares the origin of his restaurant and drops several nuggets of knowledge both around culture and food industry.
Laura and Jef are served a variety of samples from Kathmandu's menu including Duck Choila, Malekuko Macha, and warm Himalayan Chiya tea.
Find out how you can become part of an upcoming episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bes...
S2 E7 Burgers with Passion
Hosts Laura and Jef soak up the restaurant energy in this episode.
They're thrilled to be joined by special guest Chef, owner and partner of Halalbee's, Burgers with Integrity.
Listen as Emon details of how he went from a vision and cooking in the backyard to running a successful crowd-pleasing restaurant.
Laura and Jef stuck a fork and fingers into Halalbee's signature burgers prepared especially by Chef Emon.
Listen close to find out how you can become part of an upcoming episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast to...
S2 E10 The Swiss Army of Restaurants
Hosts Laura and Jef paid a visit to Ridgewood for this episode.
This episode they're joined by one member of the dynamic team of Rolo's, Howard Kalachnikoff.
Tune in as Howard shares the origins behind this Ridgewood neighborhood favorite including opening their doors mid pandemic.
Laura and Jef stick a fork in their fresh baked focaccia breads, which Howard declares is hands down the best.
Listen close to find out how you can become part of an upcoming episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast to see what they...
S2 E9 ”We’re Known For Our Pupusa’s”
Hosts Laura and Jef are diving into a neighborhood legend in this episode.
They're joined by special guest Elena Barcenes, Owner of Rincon Salvadoreño.
Tune in as Elena shares how 40+ years in the restaurant business have impacted the community in Jamaica she calls home.
Laura and Jef bypass the fork for some of these authentic Salvadoran specialties that have had customers returning for decades.
Listen close to find out how you can become part of an upcoming episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast to see what they...
S2 E8 “Your Food Should Be Your Medicine”
Hosts Laura and Jef take the healthy route in this episode.
They're excited to be joined by special guest Gracia Clery - Leonce, CEO founder of Bevo's Kitchen.
Tune in as Gracia gives them a lesson in healthy eating resulting in a stronger immune system.
Laura and Jef use their fingers to experience her delicious all-natural fruit-based items.
Listen close to find out how you can become part of an upcoming episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast to see what they ate.
Enjoy listening and pleas...
S2 E6 Lobster in Jamaica
Hosts Laura and Jef have located the seafood in Jamaica.
They're joined by special guest Chef Wenda and Lynn Gardner, partner/owners of QB Lobster House.
Tune in as Chef Wenda and Lynn talk about their passions enable them to deliver mouthwatering menu items and how they're putting their footprint in the restaurant landscape of Jamaica, Queens.
In addition to Laura and Jef sticking a fork in an amazing sandwich they received more surprise visits during their time at QB.
Listen close to find out how you can become part of an u...
S2 E5 “…And I Made Brownies”
Hosts Laura and Jef are back with another "sweet" episode.
This time special guest Tress Walker, Founder of MumsKitchensNYC.
Listen in as Tress details the origin story behind how one of their most popular items became a thing. It truly takes a village as she'll share during her conversation.
Laura and Jef stuck their fingers in these wonderfully prepared morsels' direct from MumsKitchensNYC.
Listen close to find out how you can become part of an upcoming episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast to see what they ate.
<...S2 E4 Feeling A Good Sugar Rush w/Moody
Hosts Laura and Jef ventured out to an energy filled location for this episode.
They're joined by special guest Delores M. Moody, CEO of Moody Treats.
Tune in to hear how Delores' love for baking spread beyond her circle of friends to thousands of new friends.
Laura and Jef stick a fork in several mouthwatering treats prepared by Delores.
Listen close to find out how you can become part of an upcoming episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast to see what they ate.
Follow us and en...
S2 E3 Cooking with the Fam
Hosts Laura and Jef have another new episode for you.
They're joined by special guests the Brandi and Corey, the power couple behind Cooking w/Corey.
Tune in to hear how this incredible couple merged their skills and love for cooking into a stainable business that feeds the masses and supports their community.
Laura and Jef will stick a fork into something delicious prepared especially for them.
Listen close to find out how you can become part of an upcoming episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast to see...
S2 E2 The Taste is Quite Delightful
Season two's launch continues...
Hosts Laura and Jef are back with another new episode.
They're joined by special guest Althea Casimir-Magloire founder/CEO of Althea's Tropical Delights.
Tune in to hear Althea share her passion behind the signature mouthwatering delights and allows Laura and Jef to stick a fork in products of her namesake.
Listen close to find out how you can become part of an upcoming episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast to see what they ate.
Enjoy!
S2 E1 A Fresh New Start
Hosts Laura and Jef return for season two of their popular podcast.
They're kicking off the year with a fresh new start joined by special guest Juliana Rivera, CEO of Madefresh Organic.
Tune in as Juliana shares her incredible journey which led to a fresh new prospective on life and hear our hosts reaction to her amazing products.
Listen close to find out how you can become part of an upcoming episode.
Visit them on Instagram Queens_bestthe_Podcast to see what they drank.
Enjoy!
S1 E10 Sweet Taste of the Season
Hosts Laura and Jef wrap up their incredible first podcast season by reflecting on QCC's activities, previous episodes, and trading stories about their family holiday traditions.
They're joined by special guest Rachel Kellner, co-owner of Aigner Chocolates one of Queens oldest chocolate and confectionary shops. It's a fun, informative and most of all sweet conversation base around chocolate of course.
Listen in as they do what they do best, laugh and eat.
They'll return in early February 2023 with all new episodes.
S1 E9 Coming Full Circle
Hosts Laura and Jef kick off December by sharing highlights of QCC's Business Persons of the Year event honoring the best and brightest in Queens who contribute to their community.
They're joined by special guest Loycent Gordon, owner/proprietor Loycent Gordon of the historic Neir's Tavern for a spirited conversation and very mild debauchery.
It's never a dull moment as these two laugh and eat.
Visit them on IG to see what they stuck a fork in during their visit to this historic tavern.
Also look for them on TikTok.
Sha...
S1 E8 Casseroles and Potlucks
Hosts Laura and Jef usher in the holiday season with casseroles, turkey and stuff. What's your go to potluck dish? Green bean casserole?!? They also talk about how QCC gives thanks and to whom. Katherine Fuchs, Head Chef at The Thirsty Koala, Astoria's award-wining restaurant joins our hosts offering up some of their customer favorite dishes.
This charming restaurant joins the list several who'll roll out special menus for Thanksgiving. Visit IG to see what they put a fork in at The Thirsty Koala.
Have a wonderful Turkey Day holiday and Enjoy the episode!
S1 E7 ”Bringing the HEAT in November”
Hosts Laura and Jef are heating up November with this spicy episode. They reflect back on QCC's efforts to assist businesses during the early days of pandemic, share their spicy food stories, and introduce you to Yankey Boy.
Kevon Heath creator of Uncle Yankey Pepper Sauce takes our hosts on a spicy taste test of his extremely popular pepper sauces. This is the highlight episode of Queens Best.
Visit them on IG to view the assortment of peppa sauces introduced by Uncle Yankey. YouTube is the place to see their taste test experience @QNS Best the P...
S1 E6 You’re Actually Going to Eat That?
They're back...hosts Laura and Jef return for a semi-Spooktacular episode as Halloween is fast approaching.
They pause first to reflect on the 10 year remembrance of Hurricane Sandy which devastated the region in 2012.
What's their best food horror story? What exactly is a tasteatlas? Transylvania?
Our hosts will answer these pressing questions just before they wrap things up by laughing and eating. You won't believe what's on the fork this episode.
Relax, unwind, and enjoy.
S1 E5 Awards and Accolades
They're back...hosts Laura and Jef dish on everything from Building Awards at QCC to the changing of the seasons and their comfort foods.
What's a Michelin star? What's a James Beard Award? What's a "hole in the wall" restaurant? What are they eating?
Our hosts will answer all these pressing questions then wrap things up by laughing and eating something from one of Queens hidden treasures. Relax, unwind and enjoy.
S1 E4 No Tripe! No Chitlins!
Co-hosts Laura and Jef talk about high profile guest stopping by Queens Chamber. They'll share stories of their favorite foods prepared from family members. No tripe! No chitlins! And of course they'll bond and eat something delicious direct from one of Queens restaurants. It's always an informative experience, and most of all fun with these two.
S1 E3 Eating with A Spoon...And Pastries
Co-hosts Laura and Jef dish about Queens Chamber outreach teams and their work in the community, feel you in on their favorite go-to foods, walking food tours, and tempt your taste buds with delights from another hidden gem in Queens. Let's dig in...
S1 E2 Talking With Food In Your Mouth
In E2 hosts Laura and Jef literally dive into good eats from local Queens restaurant, Arepa Lady. They also share childhood memories around food, explore Queens oldest restaurant and preview the special August edition of QCC This is Queensborough monthly magazine.
S1 E1 We’re Actually Doing This
Hosts Laura and Jef introduce themselves. Talk about food at the Capitol event and brief insight to Queens Chamber.
