Going Out of Your Way For Friends Produces Magic

     My immensely talented Hair Stylist, Dragan, said, "If Ken tells me that a place is wonderful, that's all the convincing I need."  Being a fellow Astorian and hearing about the new QWNS Cafe, he couldn't wait to experience it with Lewis and I.  He suggested breakfast at 9:30 before he opened his salon at 11 o'clock.  In coordination, I booked an appointment online to be his first customer of his fully-booked day.  That way, if we were late getting to the salon, it only affected me and not one of his other clients.  

     Enjoying the eatery's décor and quaint charm, Dragan salivated over the showcases of oven-fresh baked goods.  

     Being a supremely-talented home baker, he has an appreciation for the kind of handmade goodies that Chef Michael creates at QWNS.  Best part: the weekly rotating menu of "new ideas" that Chef Michael sprinkles amongst the "standards".  From his 6-person (all culinary-trained personnel) kitchen, he saw me and came out.  

He thanked Lewis and I for our fourth week of patronage.      

     Bright eyed, he described the newest additions.  Blueberry/lemon/ginger muffin (which we bought),

Fluffernutter: cookie sandwich (of banana bread) filled with peanut butter and melted marshmallow.  Chocolate tart with fudge creaminess, filled with berry jam (pictured at top).  Tiramisu tart with marscapone icing and topped with coffee-soaked brown rice crumbs and shaved cinnamon.

     Dragan ordered a well-pulled cappuccino in a sky-blue cup/saucer.  He was intrigued when I told him that the drink was named for a sect of Franciscan monks named the Capuchin friars from the Kingdom of Sicily, who were formed in the 1500s.

     Lewis and I chose lattes made with oat milk.  We sat in the sunshine on pillowed seats and soaked up the ambiance.  Alas, due to Astoria's outdated/above-ground subway, the view was slightly marred. 

     Opting to walk to Dragan's salon--in lieu of using the often-delayed subway--we enjoyed the crisp March air and admired the snowbells in curbside gardens, as well as the budding greens poking through the soil.  Soon, more daffodils and crocuses will emerge.

      Suddenly, Dragan said, "I just gotta say, you guys are amazing!  Thanks for spending your time with me, this morning.  Thanks for introducing me to a cool place.  Would you mind if I show you a place nearby?"  We readily agreed and were delighted to discover a natural food store on a side street.

     Fresh Start offers organic produce, freshly made juices, homemade soups & empanadas, and a vegan bakery section of cookies & muffins. 

     Watching my eyes light up at everything, he interjected, "I know you're a foodie, so you simply MUST try this organic Sicilian version of Nutella.  It's dairy-free and made with sunflower oil.  It's $7 but it's great, so I'm buying it for you!"

His kindness was unexpectedly rewarded when the cashier began gushing about how much she loves that product.  When she heard that Dragan was buying it for me to share the experience, she gifted an organic gluten-free maple walnut muffin to him.  (He gave that to us, too).  I was so impressed with the good-hearted deeds.

     Walking south, we strolled past Leli's Bakery, a wonderous bakery with a "golden Midas touch" on everything they do.  Not interested in buying anything, Dragan merely wanted to say Hi to the counter women.  Both women came around to hug him.  They missed seeing him, now that he was hired-away to a nifty new salon further away (instead of being across the street from them).  Lewis admired their daily offering.  I noticed a new entremet: an Opera Cake.  

Lewis and I recently lunched there, and we were happy to see locals breakfasting in the bakery.  The owner/baker makes scrumptious savory items, as you can see.

Finally, we arrived at Be Beauty Salon, switched on the lights & soundtrack, and Lewis helpfully put out the sidewalk sign.

I assumed my position in the expensively comfortable shampoo chair, while Lewis enjoyed a crystal goblet of complimentary wine.

    Kathy, our friend from Brooklyn, was due to meet us at a nearby café to taste its homemade quiche (that we raved about).  She got to Astoria early and was happy to come to the salon to wait for us.  She became enamored with Dragan's appraisal of her lustrous hair and how he could style it.  She will get her next styling with him.  By coincidence, Dragan's next client was also a Brooklynite--who took an Uber to the salon for Dragan's talented hands!  Both girls chatted while we all patiently waited for Dragan to finish my haircut.

     Two "walk-ins" arrived, showed pictures to Dragan, and asked about a certain styling.  Dragan had just expressed his wish for more walk-in foot-traffic!  We were happy to give testimonials to them.  I hope they choose Dragan; he's one of the best yet keeps his prices fair for the average income of Astoria.  

Our trio bade Goodbye to Dragan and appreciated a sunny Sunday, as we went to Madame SouSou Cafe.

Wafting out of its open doorway, the smell of sausage quiche reached our nostrils.  Sold!  Something new sat on a pedestal: a savory gallette.  Sold!  

We finished the quiche that they had on display, which meant that the barista would call the owner--whose wife would bake another--and deliver it ASAP.  

Lewis ordered a freddoccino.  

The place was "hopping", which is always a good sign.  I enjoy a coffeeshop or teashop that encourages socializing, as opposed to predominant laptop users giving a "library feel".

Suddenly, Kathy asked if she could go with us to QWNS Cafe, which she loved hearing us talk about.  Even though we had just been there, we saw her enthusiasm and desire to share the moment with us... and we cheerfully agreed to return there with her!  She was elated!

     Kathy also wanted to stop at Beir & Cheese, near QWNS.  Her new boyfriend is a cheese lover and was seeking Mimolette (recently released from an FDA ban).  We felt confidant that the shop would have it.  They did!

Mission accomplished, Kathy was ecstatic!  To reward ourselves for connecting the cheesemonger and Kathy's beau, we bought ourselves a slab of venison pâté.

Walking three blocks, we swept through the door of QWNS, Cafe again.  The barista was surprised to see us so soon!

Both owners were flattered that our friend took the hour-long subway ride from Brooklyn to taste their chef's creations!

Being lunchtime--and considering the 5 miles we walked--we ordered a Grain Bowl: edamame, butternut squash, chickpeas, quinoa, brown rice, and zucchini.

The smiley counter girl was excited to see us AGAIN in the SAME DAY--AND with someone ELSE.  I selected a Whole-Egg Frittata.  They coddle the egg in hot water (to give it a disk shape) and slip it between their warmed perfectly-flaky croissant.  Bright-green Avocado Toast with Turkey Bacon was perfect!

From the tattoo-sleeved barista, we received a Cortado, latte, and cappuccino (in a slightly larger cup with a slightly larger spoon, to show their attention to detail)!  He smiled when I shared a text from Dragan saying that starting his day with such a perfect coffee kept him airborne and in good spirits.

Kathy opted to try the chef's Tiramisu

Kathy bought a bouquet of flowers for Lewis and I, to commemorate our recent 7-year Anniversary!  As dried flowers, they will remain colorful for years.

Kathy also said that she happily recalled when Lewis and I gave her a Walking Tour of Astoria, a year ago.  Despite her one-hour subway ride from Brooklyn requiring another hour for ungodly delays, we made her experience bubbly, educational, and delicious.  She will always cherish those memories.  *To see a type of Walking Tour that we gave her, please use this link: https://halfwindsorfullthrottle.blogspot.com/2015/06/walking-tour-streets-food-architecture.html

Moral of the Story: following your heart allows you to attract good people and share great experiences.  All of that positivity evokes generosity of spirit... and warmth of heart.