Top 5 posts on QueensNYC in February 2013 - brunch, dumplings, Steinway pianos, and more

Here’s a roundup of our top posts in February 2013. Again, food is a big interest among our readers, with baked goods, brunch, Vientamese food, and dumplings catching the collective eye. And Steinway pianos got some love this past month as well – we are proud that these incredible instruments are made right here in Astoria.

5. Breton invasion – two extraordinary French bakeries in Jackson Heights and Forest Hills

The fact that the great borough of Queens would be home to two fantastic classic French bakeries is not terribly surprising. But that both chefs should prevail from the same region of France – Brittany – is. La Boulangerie, an artisan bakery and café located at 109-01 72nd Road just off Austin Street in Forest Hills (GMAP), and Cannelle, a pâtisserie and café at 75-59 31st Avenue in Jackson Heights, situated in the Walbaum’s mall (GMAP), are both the creation of Brittany natives. Both strive to bring high-quality, authentic French baked goods to sophisticated New York City palates and, tellingly, both businesses are thriving.

4. Where to eat 5 unexpected and delicious brunches in Astoria, Forest Hills, and Flushing

We are a city that loves to brunch, and brunch is alive and well in Queens…with a few twists. Here are some standout places to brunch it up in 3 neighborhoods. Don’t be surprised to see a burger with an egg on top, jumbo mimosas, or dim sum — these are some of the best places for weekend grub.

3. Bunker – new Vietnamese in Ridgewood via Ridgefood

Image source: Ridgefood

The folks at Ridgefood recently had a meal at Bunker, a new Vietnamese restaurant in Ridgewood – actually it’s in Maspeth, but the restaurant considers if Ridgewood – it’s only a block over the border. The general consensus is that the food is GOOD, the space is pretty relaxed, and is run by Jimmy and Jacky Tu, two Queens brothers.

2. Steinway Village: How pianos shaped the history of Astoria

Image source: Steinway & Sons

Legendary Steinway & Sons pianos are made right in Astoria, and the factory played a huge part in the development of the neighborhood starting in 1870. The history of this company town is just one of the many fascinating topics we learned about on the highly recommended Steinway factory tour.

1. Top 7 dumplings in Queens: Flushing and Jackson Heights

Flushing and Jackson Heights are home to some of the tastiest dumplings in the city. Here’s where to find the best.