We asked incumbents and candidates to recommend date spots in their districts. Here’s what they said.
By COLE SINANIAN | cole@queensledger.com
Emily Gallagher, AD 50 (Greenpoint, Williamsburg)
Photo via emilyforassembly.com.
Organizer, activist and former columnist at the Greenpoint Star (our sister paper), Emily Gallagher has been Greenpoint, Brooklyn’s most passionate fighter in the State Assembly since she took office in 2021. For a special night out in Greenpoint, Gallagher frequents the chic Spanish seafood bar with an iconic blue door, El Pinguino. She explained that she tries to get something new every time she goes, though she’s especially likes the restaurant’s cured fish offerings. “Cozy, cute, with a variety of good low ABV options and creative, protein-rich snacks,” Gallagher wrote of El Pinguino in a text message.
El Pingüino’s iconic blue door. Photo via @el_pinguino_greenpoint.
Diana Moreno, AD 36 (Astoria, Ditmars)
Photo via @dianaforqueens on Instagram.
Having just started her new job representing Astoria in the State Assembly with a new baby at home, the Ecuadorian-born labor organizer Diana Moreno has limited free time these days. But when she does have a night out, her dinner pick is Kondo, an unassuming Japanese eatery on Broadway. “It’s the best fish, the best sushi and the service is great,” Moreno said. “They also have a green tea parfait that’s maybe one of the best desserts in Astoria.” For drinks, her go-to is Diamond Dogs, a local watering hole known for hosting DSA campaign events. “Not only do they have great drinks, great music, and great bartenders, but they have great politics too,” Moreno said.
A plate of Sashimi Salad with yuzu onion dressing. Photo via @kondorestaurant on Instagram.
Samantha Kattan, Candidate, AD 37 (Sunnyside, Ridgewood, LIC)
Samantha Kattan stopped by the Queens Ledger office in Sunnyside in February. Photo by Mohamed Farghaly.
When tenant organizer, new mother, and AD 37 candidate Samantha Kattan stopped by the Queens Ledger offices last week (see page 4!), she heaped praise on Ridgewood’s Mount Everest Deli & Grocery for its delectable samsoas, wraps and South Asian snacks. But for something more formal, Kattan — who’s originally from Austin, Texas — reccomended the classic old school Italian joint, Joe’s Restaurant on Forest Ave, which is in her neighborhood. “My husband and I keep it *very* local these days since we have a young daughter,” Kattan wrote in an email to the Ledger.
A pork chop at Joe’s Restaurant. Photo via @joesrestaurant_nyc on Instagram.
Brian Romero, Candidate, AD 34 (Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Corona).
Brian Romero, who’s running for Assembly District 34, during an interview with the Queens Ledger in January. Photo by Mohamed Farghaly.
Romero, former chief of staff for Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, is now running to replace his former boss in AD 34. The son of Colombian immigrants, Romero’s roots in his district run deep, having grown up in an East Elmhurst basement apartment. For a date night in Jackson Heights, he reccomends Addictive Wine & Tapas, an intimate Spanish restaurant owned by chef and sommelier Frank Diaz. “It’s on Northern Blvd too so if you wanted to get a drink at Amaru, Queensboro, or D’Antigua you could right after!” Romero wrote in a text message.
The vibe at Addictive Wines and Tapas in Jackson Heights. Photo via @addictivewinebar on Instagram.
