A couple of weeks after its 2018 opening, Lewis and I brunched at QWNS Cafe. It sounds like Queens (the county where it is) but it is spelled using the subway routes that terminate outside its front door: Q, W, N of the Yellow Line. (Queens County is named for England's Queen Catherine of 1683).
Mere steps from the subway terminus at Ditmars Boulevard, it's a gem! Days earlier, I spent one evening grabbing espresso and house-made pastry, so I already knew this place was good. No, not just good--excellent!
Fellow Astorian, Tim Pappas, recognized my face from that visit! Growing up in Astoria and owning an upscale midtown restaurant helps him "hit the mark" offering exceptionally friendly/effective customer service.
Upon my first visit to his establishment, the barista and counter-girl both greeted me. Sincere smiles... not forced. Taking and pulling my espresso order, the barista chatted affably: was this my first visit, did I live nearby, how I preferred my coffee. With a handshake over the counter, he even introduced himself and invited me to let him know what I thought of the drink. I gave a "thumbs up", which made him smile. They get their coffee from Joe Coffee Roastery in Kings County (a.k.a. Brooklyn), know ethical fair-trade "green" beans. (Kings County was named for England's King Charles II, who was the husband to Queen Catherine).
My eyes glanced over the handsome chalkboard menu, and the rolled brown-paper "list of Specials" (seen below).
Hearing that it was my first visit--and since they were half-full of content customers--the counter-girl offered to explain their variety of desserts. She even came around to my side of the counter to highlight things in the refrigerated display case. How attentive!
All of the baked goods are freshly made in-house by Pastry Chef Michael Romano (who won a Food Network challenge at age 21): breads, buns, focaccia, muffins, fresh-from-the-oven cookies, s'mores, pastries, tarts, macarons, and viennoiseries.
Incidentally, macrons originated in Italy but were brought to France by Catherine de' Medici (of Florence's renown banking family) when she married its crown-prince. To see our trip to Florence (and her birthplace), please click this link:
Entirely health-conscious, QWNS features allergen-senstivtiy: gluten free, vegan, and organic. Delicious all the way! My first bite into their version of a Paris-Brest was a delight: heavenly pastry dough filled up with plumes of ginger, white chocolate, lemon, and matcha! Outstanding flavors of each! Worth the $7.00. I knew Lewis would love this place, as will each friend I bring, and everyone I steer there. Word-of-mouth works wonders in Astoria/NYC.
For brunch, we desired something savory. We started with a $3.00 vegan croissant and a $3.00 apple crumb muffin. The same counter-girl remembered me, waved, and offered to heat up our orders. She presented them at our table, with wooden boards under each, and accompanied by sleek shiny/new cutlery (a nice treat of dining at a new place).
I also ordered the Turkey Turmeric burger, served with red cabbage/carrot slaw, avocado yogurt sauce, chèvre, and a multi-grain bun. From the well-armed barista, I ordered a latte, which he prepared in a Tiffany-blue cup/saucer. Lewis ordered the organic grilled Chicken sandwich, with kale pesto, grilled red onion, melted brie, and a spring mix of greens on buttery focaccia. Both were delivered to our table, which encouraged me to tip larger (since I paid in advance, I added cash to their tip jar).
The barista called out, "Latte for Ken". As I approached the Pick-Up side of the long counter, he apologized for only having espresso spoons to give me. How thoughtful that he considered the size of my spoon to match my saucer. Classy.
Sipping my lusciously foamed latte (in a cup that matched the distressed bluish tabletop), I admired the attention to detail poured into the décor: zig-zagging woodwork, beamed ceiling, hanging bulbs, and a modernist subway map painted on the brick wall. The sun-drenched room seats 20+ with a long communal table, stools along the window counter, and pillowed deuces. (see below)
Overall, a jazzy/contemporary soundtrack kept the mood light. So did Tim's bright hospitality, as he sincerely greeted each table and guest--even clearing dishes. His staff was a marvel of gregarious service. A counter helper brought a blue-cupped cappuccino to the laptop girl nearby and said, "Cappuccino for Katrina. I hope I pronounced your name correctly." His question was a courtesy that I rarely see in NYC.
The cafe attracts all kinds of clients, who all love Tim and his coffee/kitchen team: shaking hands, fist bumping, and cheek kissing across the counter. Such a warm reception. We even watched two people share a table and realize that they were actually neighbors!
This place "nails it" in ways that other coffeeshops and bakeries fall short. Its ambiance is cheerful, encourages chatter like a Viennese kaffeehaus, has an ideal location for foot traffic, has superb recipes, and gives service with an authentic smile.
If the extensive coffee aficionado menu doesn't impress you (cortado, flat white, cold brew, iced matcha latte, oat milk, or 50-cent extra shot), then the customized embossed napkins--of upscale restaurant quality--surely will. Seeing Tim take care and attention for such presentation, you know the bright kitchen is humming smoothly by a quality-driven team.
Now, that's worth a visit, in order to make it your regular spot for an uplifting experience!
