32 The QUeeNS CoUrier •WELCOME TO • september 10, 2015 fOr brEaking nEWs visiT www.queenscourier.com welcome to ridgewood s Living in Ridgewood: A Historical LIVING IN RIDGEWOOD: A tasty Restaurant Walk Crawl by kELLy MariE ManCusO editorial@queenscourier.com/@KellyMMancuso Traces of Ridgewood’s rich European past can still be seen throughout the neighborhood, from the rows of carefully preserved brick homes to the soaring church spires that dot the horizon. Wanderers out for a leisurely stroll could encounter the remnants of Dutch, German and Slovenian settlers who once populated the area during centuries past. The Vander Ende-Onderdonk House (1820 Flushing Ave.) is a standing testament to Ridgewood’s bucolic Dutch past, as well as the oldest Dutch colonial stone house in New York City. With its jade green shutters and sloped roof, the house is a living monument to Ridgewood’s rural Dutch architecture of the 1800s. It was also the home of Arbitration Rock, the huge boulder that once marked the border between Queens and Brooklyn and the site of a century-long boundary dispute. Construction first began on the house in 1709 by Paulus Vander Ende, followed by an addition by Adrian Onderdonk in 1820. The house was first opened to the public in 1982 and was granted New York City landmark status in 1996 through the efforts of the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society (GRHS). Today, the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House serves as a community hub, hosting the Out in the Streets, Bushwick Open Studios and Bushwig festivals. In addition to maintaining an on-site genealogical research library, the GRHS hosts guided house tours and events, including the historians, the Stockholm Street Historic District is home to nearly forty landmarked homes, each built between 1907 and 1910 with iconic yellow bricks from Kreischer kilns of Staten Island. Many of the houses have white wooden front porches, bayed exteriors and were designed by Louis Berger & Company, the architectural firm behind thousands of buildings around Ridgewood. Onderdonk Ave.), originally constructed in 1917 by architect Francis Berlenbach as house of worship for German immigrants. Its twin yellow brick spires soar 165 feet into the air, making it the largest Kreischer brick building in the city. The Ridgewood Democratic Club building (60- 70 Putnam Ave.) has been the group’s home since 1916. The façade features globe lanterns and original handcrafted stained glass windows bearing the club’s intertwined “RDC” initials against a gold star. Inside, a stately wooden staircase meets the maroon and white mosaic tiled floor bearing the group’s name. The building was originally constructed in 1902 and served as the office of renowned developer Paul Stier, who was so prolific that the area surrounding Putnam Avenue became known as “Stierville” in tribute. The Ridgewood Savings Bank was originally founded in a taproom in 1921 by a group of working-class Ridgewood residents looking to create a grassroots bank to serve their community. In 1929, they upgraded to the stately cathedral of commerce that still stands on the on the corner of Forest Avenue and George Street. With its ornate double doors, illuminated filigree clock and cornice designs depicting worker bees and their hives, the bank’s limestone façade is a feast for the eyes. Once inside, bank patrons are dwarfed by soaring arched windows and intricate Angelo Magnanti murals. St. Matthias Church (58-15 Catalpa Ave.) was completed in 1926 after World War I. The church interior is awe-inspiring, with a soaring central nave flanked by marble columns, skylights, ornate arches, Art Deco chandeliers and beautiful stained glass windows. When viewed from the Forest 20 TIMES • SEPTEMBER 10, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.timesnewsweekly.com BY KELLY MARIE MANCUSO Ridgewood’s increasing growth and popularity as a neighborhood can be seen in the infl ux of new and diverse eateries offering a wide range of cuisine. The former predominantly German-American enclave is now home to a melting pot of ethnicities and culinary traditions. Whether you are craving burgers, brunch or baklava, our guide will help you navigate the rich, delectable culinary landscape of Ridgewood. Julia’s Beer and Wine Bar (818 Woodward Ave) has quickly become a neighborhood staple. Owners Crystal River Williams and Denise Plowman of Norma’s Café crafted a small plates menu made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Their popular Ridgewood Charcuterie features beef, pork and smoked prosciutto from Morscher’s Pork Store, while the Sweet NY Cheese Plate combines soft camembert-style cheese from Upstate’s Sprout Creek Farm, North Fork portsoaked cherries and “11385” honey from Glendale-based Wilk’s Apiary. Julia’s dishes pair well with their assortment of local brews from Sixpoint, Finback and Transmitter Breweries. Taqueria Kermes (66-36 Fresh Pond Rd) offers warm hospitality and authentic Mexican cuisine served in an intimate and inviting setting by chef and owner David Fernandez and his staff. The Kermes Enchiladas feature pulled chicken, queso fresco and crema rolled in corn tortillas with a choice of mole polbano or tomatillo sauce. Their Carnitas Michoacan or “Little Meats” taco is a savory blend of citrus slow roasted pork, avocado, tomatillo salsita and lime-habanero pickled red onions. Just a few steps away from Kermes is neighborhood newcomer Little Egypt (66-26 Fresh Pond Rd). Stop in for a bite of their expertly seasoned lemony hummus or hot grape leaves stuffed with onions, ground beef and rice. Owners Nash Yousseh and N. Hanna take pride in their fl avorful cuisine, especially their homemade, fl aky baklava and the macaroni béchamel, an Egyptian version of traditional macaroni and cheese. Little Egypt also has shelves stocked with Egyptian and Middle Eastern imports, such as grains, cheeses and Egyptian gelatin. Located in the heart of bustling Myrtle Avenue is Dish (57-42 Myrtle Ave), a cozy eatery serving up platefuls of comfort food and southern barbecued fare. Feast on pulled pork, brisket and spare ribs with a side of Dish’s famous baked macaroni and cheese. Their Summer Solstice salad is a fresh mix of grilled chicken, feta, strawberries and walnuts over a bed of crisp greens. Brunch lovers are in luck, as breakfast favorites like French toast, fl apjacks, grits and omelets are served throughout the day. The bananas foster Belgian waffl e with walnuts and cinnamon caramel syrup is a hit. The word “pizza” is a bit of a misnomer when talking about Burek’s Pizza (68-55 Forest Ave). These savory Yugoslavian slices of pie feature crispy layers of airy, fl aky phyllo dough stuffed with your choice of spinach, meats and cheeses. Their sidewalk café is perfect for lunchtime bites and people watching. While the may feel modern and industrial with a punky edge, the old-world festival food served at Bierleichen (582 Seneca Ave) stays true to its Germanic beer hall roots. Pair a bratwurst, knackwurst or warm, handmade pretzel and mustard with a cold brew from Bierleichen’s extensive German and Austrian beer menu, or catch a heavy metal performance while sipping cherry or raspberry schnapps. Bosna Express (791 Fairview Ave) may be small in space but big in Eastern European fl avor. Their popular Pljekavica or Bosnian Burger ($7) is a succulent beef patty grilled to perfection and served on warm, fl uffy Bosnian pita bread and topped with Authentic Salsa Balkanese. It is the perfect handheld treat for exploring the streets of Ridgewood on foot. Round out your culinary tour of Ridgewood with a late night burger and fries from Onderdonk and Sons 566 (Onderdonk Ave). Slide into one of the black leather banquets and try one of several locally brewed draught beers or handcrafted cocktails like the Moscow Mule.
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