La Perrada de Chalo + Cannelle Patisserie 04-28-2013

Location: La Perrada de Chalo 8312 Northern Blvd, Jackson Heights
               Cannelle Patisserie 7559 31st Ave, Jackson Heights
Time: 2pm
People: JB, DD, Yasmin, Deborah, RB, CK and myself

Feelings: After my first experience with Colombian hot dog at Los Perros Locos in LES, I had to see what more authentic version was all about. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the R+F crew headed to Jackson Heights on the 7 train. It turns out this section of Northern Blvd, around 82nd and 83rd streets, is quite fabulous. Drag shows, flamboyant bikini shops, over-the-top vibrant colors-- It resembled scenes from many Almodovar films.

Being so authentic, this Colombian "pack of dogs" burger and hot dog spot would of course not have veggie dogs available. Vegetarian dishes are almost nonexistent here, but if you are a hungry carnivore on a budget, this is indeed the place to be. Various types of hot dogs with diced pineapple and crumbled potato chips are all under $4, and some insanely packed burgers and sandwiches are under $9. Their Hawaiian Burger ($4.85) with pineapple and potato chips is the most popular one of all.

I honestly don't know what is all in the hot dogs. RB took a bite from his "con todo" hot dog, and a shrimp fell out! For vegetarians, their yucca fries are decent and not too greasy, and the side of frozen limonada is a refreshing option.

If you are still not convinced on a trip to Jackson Heights, Cannelle Patisserie will make it worthwhile. In the middle of nowhere, deep in East Elmhurst area, a regular suburban style strip mall welcomes you with Modell's, GameStop, and Pearl Vision. Skip the temptation from Carvel, and next to the grocery store's recycling station, there it is-- Cannelle Patisserie, perhaps one of the most classic inexpensive French patisseries in the city. What a view...of a parking lot.

Their Paris Brest is only $3, perfectly filled with airy praline cream. Foret Noire, the French black forest cake is mousse-y and light. Long lines await for the delicate Saint Honore and Napoleon and decadent Red Velvet. "Together there was a good balance of the subtle chocolate in the red velvet cake and the cream cheese frosting. I'd go there repeatedly," said JB.

There is nothing too inventive or new about this spot, but the variety of well executed classic desserts at this price is nothing but a pastry heaven. Thank you, Queens, for your continuous culinary authenticity.