Nice photo spread in today's NY Times, highlighting Astoria, Jackson Heights and Sunnyside.

[www.nytimes.com]

Bliss Street
Great piece

Heading to Queens is a good idea these days. Glad that Sunnyside/Woodside area was mentioned - it is a great area. I was there the other night and I'm seeing more and more new places opening up.
I went to a new French restaurant called Cote Soleil (skillman ave and 50th St), opened up recently by French ex-pats. It was delicious and a great addition to the neighborhood. The fois gras was delicious, as was the beef bourguignon. Friend had the coq au vin and also loved it. We'll return.
[www.cotesoleilnyc.com]

I went to a new restaurant (well, new to me) in Corona, Queens the other night and it was SO good.
It's a Cuban restaurant called Rincon Criollo. Take the 7 train to Junction Blvd and it is right there half a block away. It was delicious, and I now hear it is known by a lot to be a great restaurant. I saw pictures on the walls that several Food Network stars have come and eaten there. Loved it, will be back. Bill with tip was $100 for two, with drinks, and some kind of delicious coffee after dinner. www.rincon-criollo.com

I second about Cote Soleil - it's really good. Skillman/50th St. Pretty reasonable, too: had dinner for three complete for $180 (that is with tip). The bouillabaisse is really yummy and is on the menu each day, and they have specials too. Escargot appetizer is recommended. All french staff.

Forest Hills is also a great spot in Queens, and with express trains from 74th St/Broadway, you can get there fast. Austin Street has a lot of good shops (even a Target) and restaurants. I went to Agora Taverna last night, a greek restaurant, which was just as good as any I've been to in Astoria. I had a really good shrimp/tomato/feta cheese dish which was delicious, and my friend loved her seafood pasta dish. Portions were huge, especially the side of lemon potatoes. I recommend checking out Forest Hills, maybe when there for a concert in the summer, and some of the restaurants along Austin St.