for breaking news visit www.timesnewsweekly.com MAY 7, 2015 • times 25 QUEENS FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com MEXICAN FLAVORS IN RIDGEWOOD BY KELLY MARIE MANCUSO Revelers looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo are just a short train ride away from Mexican Apple B.B.Q., located at 66-89 Forest Ave. off the Forest Avenue M train stop in the heart of Ridgewood. Unlike most taco take-out restaurants, Mexican Apple B.B.Q. offers a unique fusion of authentic Mexican cuisine blended with southern barbecue. Owner Francisco Ramirez first opened Mexican Apple four months ago. Ramirez came to the United States from Mexico City with the dream of being an entrepreneur. “I wanted to work for me,” he said. His chef, Manuel Ramirez, hails from Veracruz. He had the idea of mixing his traditional dining out Carne Asada Burrito, Chorizo Quesadillas, Al Pastor Homemade tortilla taco and Spicy Pork Taco are among the specialties served at Mexican Apple BBQ in Ridgewood. and beloved Mexican recipes with American barbecue for a unique flavor combination he calls “Mexican-style barbecue.” Ramirez spent time traveling through the south and eventually stopped in North Carolina to hone his barbecue skills before traveling north to New York. Chef Ramirez created his own original barbecue sauce and dry rubs from a blend of Mexican spices, such as hot dry peppers, mixed within a traditional southern barbecue base. The restaurant also has a small smoker where they smoke dishes like their popular BBQ ribs for roughly seven hours. All of the meat is smoked and prepared inhouse. Combinations of Mexican-style BBQ ribs, dry-rubbed ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken are available and range in price from $12.99 to $15.99. Another unique aspect of Mexican Apple B.B.Q. is that they are one of the few local eateries to offer a traditional Mexican breakfast on a daily basis. A popular dish among early birds is the huevos rancheros ($7.99), a mix of two eggs over easy on a bed of corn served with chorizo, pico de gallo, guacamole, rice, beans and Mexican cream. The huevos a la Mexicana ($6.99) features eggs with jalapeños, onions and tomatoes. They also offer an extensive Photo by Kelly Marie Mancuso Mexican Apple B.B.Q. 6689 Forest Ave. Ridgewood, NY 11385 347-987-4778 selection of baked eggs, a brunch staple, blended with a range of meats and cheeses, including chorizo, Oaxaca cheese, bacon, Manchego cheese and spinach ($8.99). One of the more popular baked egg dishes is served with green tomatillo and chile de arbol ($8.99). Mexican Apple B.B.Q.’s signature dish is the enchiladas platter ($10.99). Diners can chose from chicken, grilled beef, fried pork and Oaxaca cheese enchiladas served with cheese, lettuce, Mexican cream and their choice of green, red or mole sauces. The chorizo quesadillas ($6.99) are another phenomenal choice. The generous and flavorful portions of Mexican spicy sausage and melted Oaxaca cheese are served with large sides of salsa, Mexican cream and homemade guacamole. The Al Pastor homemade tortilla tacos ($2.99) pack a ton of flavor in a small bite. They feature a mix of spicy pork and pineapples blended with cilantro, onion, radish, salsa, guacamole and lemon in a homemade soft tortilla wrap. Desserts such as traditional flan Napolitano ($3.99) and Mexican Jello or “gelatina” ($1.99) provide a sweet finish to any entree. Mexican Apple also offers a unique selection of freshly pressed juice blends, including pineapple water, melon and hibiscus ($1.99). Their homemade Orchata is a sweet blend of roasted riceinfused milk, vanilla and cinnamon ($1.99). Mexican Apple B.B.Q. will be offering specials for Cinco de Mayo. For more details, call 347-987-4778. View Over 200 Reviews at queenscourier.com Middle Village to be feature of its own film BY ANTHONY GIUDICE [email protected] @A_GiudiceReport Middle Village native and acclaimed filmmaker David Lee Madison is returning to his roots to shoot his next film named for the neighborhood where he grew up. Madison currently lives in Milford, Pennsylvania, but he spent the first 27 years of his life in Middle Village. He attended St. Margaret’s School, P.S. 49 and I.S. 119, and is a graduate of Queens College. Over the years, he has seen his hometown transition and change, giving him an insider’s perspective of the area, both past and present. “We plan on showcasing the most important aspect of Middle Village, its residents,” Madison said of the film. “We will also bring the viewer back to some great nostalgic places of the past. We hope to make a film that is informative, smart, nostalgic and funny.” Growing up in Middle Village left a long-lasting impression on Madison, and he intends on sharing what he loves Photo courtesy David Lee Madison about his hometown in this film, which he described as having “elements of a documentary film with a staged narrative to set some of our talking points.” “Middle Village had such a positive impact on the person I grew up to be,” he said. “The place was so unique to any other place I have been, I feel this story should be told. My favorite memories of growing up in Middle Village are playing ball at the schoolyard, riding my bike in the park and hanging out with my wonderful group of friends.” “I don’t think that many people realize that Middle Village, which is just a handful of miles away from the biggest city in the world, was and still is just a small town,” Madison continued. “Much like you would find in the middle of America.” Madison and his crew have already begun filming scenes for the movie, visiting staples of the Middle Village community such as London Lennie’s restaurant on Woodhaven Boulevard, Juniper Valley Park, Middle Village Playground and areas of Metropolitan Avenue. “We plan on filming at several other locations throughout Middle Village over the next two months,” Madison said. Filmmaking has been a major part of Madison’s life since his early childhood. “I developed a love for film as a very young kid,” Madison said. “When I was about 8 years old I remember seeing “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the first time. It had such a visceral impact on me, I knew right away I wanted to be a filmmaker.” This love of filmmaking led Madison to create some great horror films, including his last film, “Mr. Hush,” a throwback to classic slasher films. This movie about Middle Village will be a drastic change from Madison’s usual work. “As a filmmaker, you like to explore different things,” he explained. “I have a great passion for my old neighborhood, and feel we can tell a story that will connect to people throughout the country. My last film, ‘Mr. Hush,’ had become a bit of a cult classic in the horror genre; it was even placed in The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Margaret Herrick Library to be preserved forever. I just wanted to take a step back from my beloved genre for a moment.” With no set release date yet for “Middle Village,” Madison expects the film to come out right before Christmas. David Lee Madison Photo courtesy David Lee Madison Movie poster for David Lee Madison’s film “Middle Village”
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