54 The Queens Courier • BUZZ • JANUARY 16, 2014 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com dining out One door closes and another opens By Bradley Hawks When Lounge 47 closed on Vernon Boulevard, I have to admit I was extremely sad. One of the chefs had been the owner of a bar on the street where I live, which closed last year and became a panini shop, and another contributing chef—Julie Powell—had written a book that became a movie that inspired my own career—as well as the lives of many others I know. But that is all a part of what happens when you write about restaurants for a while. A place that held special memories and conversations will disappear in the blink of an eye if you aren’t watching carefully. And that is how it seemed to me with Lounge 47. One day I was sipping a coffee with Julie Powell, discussing her career and her friendship with Joss Whedon, and the next time I drove by, a new sign read, Woodbines. It took me a moment to be able to enter Woodbines without any previous opinion. I know that the new owners had not personally pushed my friends out the door—it just seemed like I needed to at least grieve for a minute, anyway. But when I did decide to stop in and see what was going on, I was instantly reminded of something I have always known. When one door closes, another opens. Woodbines is an absolutely fantastic addition to the Vernon Boulevard corridor in Long Island City. Serving pubstyle Irish dishes alongside American favorites, they really showcase a few plates of note—with some pretty solid drinks, as well. The Scotch egg arrives halved, and drizzled with spicy mustard for just $5—the same price as a handful of their snacks, which also include jerk chicken, fried pickles, and miniature sausages wrapped in a flaky pastry crust that come five to an order. Lamb nachos headline for appetizers, Woodbines Craft Kitchen 47-10 Vernon Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11101 718-361-8488 www.woodbinesnyc.com and the lunchtime Woodbines burger is stacked with a blanket of Irish cheddar, thick smoked bacon, and a mound of Irish slaw. It is disastrously messy, so plan on forking up every bite that falls to the plate. Of course they serve shepherd’s pie and lamb meatloaf (with honey ginger ketchup), but their pride and joy are the fish & chips, battered an India Pale Ale. For lunch on weekdays, you can get a cheeseburger, chicken Caesar salad, or chicken sandwich for just $10 that comes with a soft drink or mug of coffee. Be sure to check out the drink list, which features growlers and around eight different whiskey flights, 14 canned beers, and two pages of bottled beers, ciders, and cocktails like the Old Woody -- Woodford Reserve with orange bitters, sugar, muddled orange and cherry, and served with a large ice cube. But the best part is that the staff seems to be the same kind of folks I love anywhere I go. The bartender, Daniel, runs a sketch comedy group based out of Astoria, and managed to serve me with a perfect balance of humor and sincerity. Those are the things you can’t put a price tag on. And since I am addicted to those little sausage rolls and scotch eggs, it looks like I may have a new favorite place to add to my list. View Over 200 Reviews at queenscourier.com THE COURIER/Photo by Bradley Hawks Celebrate Chinese New Year! The Year of the Horse 4712 Friday, January 31st Starts 8:00pm — Midnight Saturday, February 1st Starts 8:00pm — Midnight Enjoy Our Exotic Drinks In Our Cocktail Lounge SINCE 1953 J U I T D O C $2995 Per Person Special Chinese New Year’s BANQUET DINNER with a DRAGON DANCE & DJ Music For Dancing +tax & tip. Call for reservations. Minimum 4 persons per party. Deposit Required Our Regular Menu is also available in the China Room THE FINEST & OLDEST CHINESE/POLYNESIAN RESTAURANT IN QUEENS 181-08 UNION TURNPIKE • FLUSHING 22-3 0 718-380-1918 • 718-380-1919 GLUTEN FREE MENU AVAILABLE HANDICAP ACCESS RESTROOM AVAILABLE FRI.: 12 NOON - MIDNIGHT · SAT.: 12 NOON - 11:30 PM 1135 7 15 4 QUEEN S STREE T NE W WHITESTONE YORK Hours: SUN. - THURS.: 12 NOON - 9:30 PM Wine Tasting Starts at 7PM
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