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.
Episodes
![S2 E22 Welcome 2 The Family & Grandma’s meatballs](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14407090/QueensBest-Queens-Gradient_3qexkb_300x300.jpg)
Monday Jul 03, 2023
Monday Jul 03, 2023
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 Instagram Queens_bestthe_podcast to see the mouthwatering food they ate and so much more from this episode at Rocco's of Roc Beach.
Catch up on all their previous episodes from both seasons by clicking here.
Season 3 with all new content coming in August.
Thank you for listening and your continued support!!!
![S2 E21 ”Open Up A Little Coffee Shop...”](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14407090/QueensBest-Queens-Gradient_3qexkb_300x300.jpg)
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Monday Jun 19, 2023
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.
Enjoy listening and please share the episode.
![S2 E20 Not Just for Food](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14407090/QueensBest-Queens-Gradient_3qexkb_300x300.jpg)
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Monday Jun 12, 2023
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](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14407090/QueensBest-Queens-Gradient_3qexkb_300x300.jpg)
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
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 Samosas they ate on the beach at The Cradle NYC.
Enjoy listening and please share this episode.
![S2 E18 Albany Day with 10-63 Meals LLC and Julia’s Kountry Kitchen](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14407090/QueensBest-Queens-Gradient_3qexkb_300x300.jpg)
Monday May 29, 2023
Monday May 29, 2023
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 listening and please share the episode!
![S2 E17 Albany Day with Maxis Noodles & Mighty Oak Roasters](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14407090/QueensBest-Queens-Gradient_3qexkb_300x300.jpg)
Monday May 22, 2023
Monday May 22, 2023
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 please share the episode!
![S2 E16 Albany Day w/Sassy Sweet Vegan Treats & Little Chef Little Cafe](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14407090/QueensBest-Queens-Gradient_3qexkb_300x300.jpg)
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
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 Best the Podcast to see images of our amazing guests.
Enjoy listening and please share the episode.
![S2 E15 Coffee, Bagels and Caviar](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14407090/QueensBest-Queens-Gradient_3qexkb_300x300.jpg)
Monday May 08, 2023
Monday May 08, 2023
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 Queens_bestthe_Podcast to see these amazing items.
Enjoy listening and don't forget to share the episode.
![S2 E14 That Makina Love](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14407090/QueensBest-Queens-Gradient_3qexkb_300x300.jpg)
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
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 please share the episode.
![S2 E13 ”My Mother’s Recipe in Francisco’s Kitchen”](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14407090/QueensBest-Queens-Gradient_3qexkb_300x300.jpg)
Monday Apr 24, 2023
Monday Apr 24, 2023
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 see what they ate.
Enjoy listening!!!