The Door ~ A Jamaican Journey

My friend Jaimie and I were out scouting locations for a Food Drive that I will be hosting later this Summer. It was a hot and muggy day as we strolled various parts of a park, looking for the perfect outdoor location. If you have been following this blog long enough, you would be familiar with the pattern. An outing with a friend is not complete without the breaking of bread together. We were both famished. I had heard about this restaurant not too far from where I lived, called The Door (located at163-07 Baisley Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434). My late friend Rich had suggested that I try it, many years before the newest renovation and expansion. It's better late than never I always say, so Jaimie and I pulled open the big wooden doors and began our taste of Jamaica.

We were seated by the hostess and given menus to make our food selections. We could not help but look around and enjoy the large floral decorations, bold colored walls and furniture. It was quite well done. The one thing that was missing from our transformation to the tropics was the soothing sound of Island music. Instead we listened to various R&B artists like the late great Whitney Houston while we chose our appetizers.

We chose to start with Garlic Shrimp and an Ackee and Salt Fish Spring Roll. While we waited we were offered a small cup of soup (Pigeon Pea for me and Chicken for Jaimie) and a basket of Cornbread. The soup was hot and tasty. Mine was thick and the flavor of the pea was very present. Jaimie's was a bit lighter in body but also well seasoned and flavorful. We couldn't help noticing however, that they were oddly both the same color. We finished our soup just in time for the arrival of our appetizers. The garlic shrimp was delicious. You could taste the garlic but it was just enough and did not over power the shrimp. We found that the portion was a bit small for the price. This would be my first time tasting the famous Ackee Fruit and I was excited as I'd heard so much about Ackee and Salt Fish. The Spring Roll was halved and served with a fortune cookie stuck in the middle (I must admit that I found that a bit odd). Ackee tastes a bit like eggs and held it's owned when paired with the fish and the collard greens filling. It was tasty even with the presence of a few fine bones from the fish and the tasteless fruit sauce it was served with.

We chose Jerk Chicken, Oxtail and Curry Goat for our entrees. It took quite a while for our entrees to arrive and when they did they were just warm. I was displeased to see that the Curry Goat and the Oxtail were served in the same plate as the two have totally different sauces. I would have much preferred them to be in two small bowls served side by side.
Jaimie's Jerk Chicken was okay. It did not delight nor disappoint. The Chicken did not deliver the bold, herb and spice flavor that Jerk Chicken promises, but was somewhat saved by the sauce (BBQ sauce with Jerk Paste).

My "Combo Plate" was an interesting mix. The Oxtail was tender and delicious. The brown sauce was bold and I wished that I had more of it. Unfortunately, my plate was full of the oil from both the fatty Oxtail and the Goat. The veggies that were served with the entrée were rendered inedible on account of the oil it was coated in. It was really too bad because the Curry Goat was also delicious when picked out of the oil it was soaked in. It didn't help that we were sitting right beneath an air-conditioning vent, as it began to solidify the fat on my plate. Sadly I also found a black hair on my plate. However, on a good note, the Rice and Peas it was served with was a dream. It was delicious and I would be grateful if the chef shared the recipe with me.

Overall the food had it's high and low notes, and the service experience could have been made better by simple changes, like having just one waiter. We were served by so many persons, we had no clue who to ask for the bill. I really wanted to love The Door, if only for my friend Rich, but he loved me for my honesty and "tell it like it is" personality. So, I must be true to my experience and give The Door a C+. With just a bit more attention to detail, this place can be a solid A. I hope the management has an opportunity to read this review and that I'm able to revisit and have a much better experience.

Cinco de Mayo In True New York Fashion

Cinco de Mayo or El Día de la Batalla de Puebla  which translates to The Day of the battle of Puebla. In the US, however, it is celebration in thanksgiving for Mexico's role in fending off the French and protecting the US from an invasion.
As in many other holidays, it is celebrated with lots of food, drinks, festivals, and a good ole time. We decided to join in on the merriment and have a taste of Mexico at the same time. What better time to savor the flavors?

I started the afternoon with a trip to the gym in preparation for the feast that was to follow. It proved to be a good idea, since the restaurant that I wanted to dine at was located just a 12 minute walk away. After my painful "Fit n Fab" class, I quickly made my way towards the food as I certainly worked up a good appetite. I began walking in the wrong direction, possibly following the smell of food and not the GPS. Along the way I saw something that I've never seen in this part of Forest Hills. On Continental Ave, between Austin street and Queens Blvd, was a Mexican Taco Truck! Well now, what's more Mexican than Tacos, and more New York than Street Food? This was perfect! I decided to go the unconventional route and have a taste of Mexico the New York way.

I stopped at the truck and waited my turn, taking a few photos while I tried to decide what I should have. The smell of searing meat and aromatic spices was strong, and others stopped to take a look at the menu as well.

I decided on a trio of Tacos, Chicken, Roasted Pork and Grilled Steak. While I waited for my tacos to be made, I did a quick double check to be sure that Tacos were indeed Mexican. I found out that Tacos indeed originated in Mexico and the common theory is that they were created by 18th Century Silver Miners.

It was time! I took my prize and headed to the nearby Mc Donalds to find seating to enjoy the feast (Don't worry, I didn't just use the seating, I bought a Sweet Tea and Apple Pie). I opened the white box and went right for the Grilled Steak Taco first. It was divine...moist, full of flavor and topped with chopped cilantro and a green salsa sauce.

The Roast Pork was also good, although not as succulent as the Grilled Steak. It didn't disappoint however, it was tasty in it's own right.

The Chicken Taco was a bit underwhelming on it's own, It was a bit overcooked and didn't offer much on the side of seasoning. Thankfully the chap who made my food put some spicy, green sauce on the side and I sure made use of it for this one. The sauce made all the difference. It was bold, full of herbs and just what this Taco needed.
I give this Mexican Taco Truck and solid B for the tasty Tacos it delivered. I would definitely add Tacos to my NYC street food favorites. Taste for yourselves :-)

***We posted a fantastic and easy recipe for a Peach Margarita on our Facebook Page, but we will share it here with you as well. Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook (Facebook.com/TastingQueens) and FOLLOW us onTwitter (@TastingQueens) for daily recipes, tips, food trivia and other foodie inspirations for good eating.

Peach Margarita:
1 cup ice
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1/4 ounce triple sec
1/4 ounce peach schnapps
1/4 ounce lime juice
1 skinned, pitted, fresh medium peach or equivalent canned peaches.

Pour the ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour the contents into a chilled margarita glass thats been dipped in course salt (rub a bit of lime around edge of glass then dip in salt).