Kosher Food In Queens

When I first came to Queens almost eight years ago, I was most impressed by the number of kosher restaurants on the main drag (Main Street, between Jewel Avenue and 76th Avenue). Fast forward five years and now there is everything from Sushi, Middle Eastern, Mexican (meat), European, Italian (dairy), and Lox and Bagels. I will be featuring these places and much more in future posts. First, I’d like to give a brief overview of the laws and practices of kosher food.

First, I’d like to address the meaning of what kosher does not mean. Most people-even Jewish people-say that kosher means that a Rabbi came in and blessed the kitchen. Last week, while at the OU(Orthodox Union) Advanced Kashrus Seminar For Women, a Rabbi told us where that idea came from. There are times when a Rabbi will get to the restaurant or hotel kitchen very early in the morning and perform the morning prayer with tallis (prayer shawl) and tefillin (black straps that wrap around the arm and head). I can see how this might translate to a Rabbi blessing the location that he is in, but in reality he is just saying his morning prayers. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, what does kosher really mean? There is so much to keeping kosher and this post could go on and on. However, I will outline some of the main ideas from a website I visit trust and frequently visit, JewFAQ.

This all started back when the Torah (the entire body of Jewish teachings) was given to the Jewish people. The Torah begins by stating “In the beginning, G-d created…” Since G-d created the world and within his creations the laws of keep kosher, some Jews keep kosher just for that reason. This is not the opinion of Jews around the world and that is fine.  When I became a Torah Observant Jew eight years ago, I studied sources and commentaries that further explained the idea that G-d created everything.  Torah Observant Jews observe the laws of the Torah and show appreciation of the creator, G-d, by keeping those laws.

In order to keep this post shorter than longer, I would like to share the basic rules of keeping kosher. In a nutshell (yes, nuts are kosher) a person keeps the laws of kosher by purchasing only kosher chicken, beef, and fish and kosher certified products from the supermarket. Another big part of keeping kosher, always separate milk and dairy. Not just the food combination, but the dishes, pots and pans, and eating utensils. Yes, I have two separate sets of dishes. Thank G-d for bridal showers and wedding presents!

I would like to share a solid overview of kosher laws that I found on KosherFAQ  and I have posted them here:

1. Certain animals may not be eaten at all. This restriction includes the flesh, organs, eggs and milk of the forbidden animals.
2. Of the animals that may be eaten, the birds and mammals must be killed in accordance with Jewish law.
3. All blood must be drained from the meat or broiled out of it before it is eaten.
4. Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten.
5. Fruits and vegetables are permitted, but must be inspected for bugs
6. Meat (the flesh of birds and mammals) cannot be eaten with dairy. Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables and grains can be eaten with either meat or dairy. (According to some views, fish may not be eaten with meat).
7. Utensils that have come into contact with meat may not be used with dairy, and vice versa. Utensils that have come into contact with non-kosher food may not be used with kosher food. This applies only where the contact occurred while the food was hot.
8. Grape products made by non-Jews may not be eaten.
9. There are a few other rules that are not universal.

While the laws of keeping kosher may seem limiting to most people, it made perfect sense to me. It is not as hard or isolating as people think, just try out some of the kosher places in Queens and you’ll see what I mean. Here a couple to get you started!

Carlos & Gabby’s

If you’re going to the US Open this week or picking up a friend at LaGuardia Airport, Carlos & Gabby’s has the best kosher Mexican food in Kew Gardens Hills, NY. Located at 67-11 Main Street, Flushing, New York, 11367, phone (718) 575-8226, and walking distance from Queens College, you can enjoy Mexican favorites, fused with a handful of American classics… not to mention all those great sauces (Tangy BBQ, Avocado Ranch, Creamy Caesar, Mmmm!) You can view the complete menu here.

Grill Point

If you are in the mood for some traditional Middle Eastern food you can find plenty of it at Grill Point. Located at the corner of Jewel Avenue and Main Street (69-54 Main Street Flushing, NY 11367, phone (718) 261-7077).

This shawarma  (sandwich-like wrap with shaved lamb, goat, chicken, turkey, or beef) place in Queens has homemade laffas (pita bread), and includes a free salad bar. Customers can add delicious moroccan style carrots, pickled cabbage, pickles,  and/or jalapeno peppers to their shwarma and top it off with delicious hummus. Check out this review of Grill Point , is your stomach rumbling yet? I know what my family is havin for dinner tonight!

Photo credit: Flickr – Newwavegurly 

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