The popular Moroccan-Israeli fast-casual eatery, Claudette’s, just opened their newest location at 157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach, Queens.
Inspired by the colorful upbringing and weekly Shabbat dinners of the family’s mom, Claudette, Claudette’s offers a menu bursting with Moroccan and Israeli dishes for all. Enjoy breakfast plates, pitas, acai bowls, salads, and koftas, along with a variety of juices and coffees.
Growing up in Morocco amidst the bustling aromas and flavors of a lively household with six siblings, Claudette’s early years were steeped in rich culinary traditions. The origins of Claudette’s lie in the warm, welcoming custom of hosting Shabbat dinners on Friday nights. These all-inclusive get-togethers formed the basis of her philosophy about food and community.
Her path then led her to France and later to Israel, where she refined her cooking skills. As a chef in numerous restaurants and the owner of her own establishment, Claudette has created a beacon of culinary excellence.
Now joined by her two sons, John and Yarden, the Claudette’s brand is growing, as the family just opened their newest location at 157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach, Queens.
They’re foodies, they’re health freaks, they love hummus and tahini, and they take any excuse to add dates or almonds to a recipe.
The BQE Media Team stopped by Claudette’s Howard Beach Grand Opening in July, and as we entered the newly renovated interior, we were transported to a place that feels both timeless and fresh. The restaurant’s deep burgundy Moroccan zellij tiles with a white mosaic backsplash are inviting, beautiful, nostalgic, and bold. The serving bar’s fanciful pink tiles add a charming touch to the Moroccan and Israeli-themed cuisine.
One of the standout offerings at the new Howard Beach location is a bowl featuring spicy salmon, seasonal roasted vegetables, matbucha, and a jalapeno and garlic spread – a combination popular in Morocco and Israel. This dish is also a personal favorite of Claudette, showcasing the diverse and bold flavors that Claudette’s is known for.
The Team feasted on Claudette’s Jerusalem Bowl, which is loaded with chicken schnitzel, seasonal roasted vegetables, basmati rice, french lentils, Claudette’s hummus, spicy Moroccan tomato jam, olives, shepherd’s salad, hard-boiled egg, and drizzled with a Dijon date vinaigrette.
We also enjoyed Claudette’s Tel Aviv Pita, which is made with falafel, hummus, shepherd’s salad, vinegar slaw, and drizzled with an amba tahini in a warm pita.
“There are a couple of sayings that our mom always repeats, and we’ve baked them into our brand,” said John Flatow. “‘Breaking Bread,’ which represents inclusivity and the symbolic act of sharing food with your neighbors. ‘Zest for Life,’ which is a ‘joie de vivre’ – a passion to live, act, and move. ‘Everybody Eats,’ which, to us, means that when you step into our home, you never leave with an empty heart or an empty belly. Last, and maybe most important, is ‘Family Away from Family’ – since our childhoods (and way before that for our mother), we’ve embraced concepts that are foundational in the hospitality world: our guests, our staff, our neighbors, and our friends are all treated like family!”
With the opening of their new Howard Beach location, Claudette’s continues to build on its mission of providing delicious, wholesome meals that celebrate family, tradition, and health.
Whether you’re stopping by for a nourishing breakfast, a hearty lunch, or for coffee on the way to the beach, Claudette’s in Howard Beach promises to deliver the same high-quality food and welcoming atmosphere that have made it a beloved family business.
