Borough Vegetarian

La Cheesecake - A College Point, Queens Institution

Several weeks back, I paid my first visit to La Cheesecake, the College Point, Queens bakery that has been churning out highly regarded cheesecakes and desserts for decades.  

While my husband has been well acquainted with La Cheesecake creations since his childhood, I don't know if I can remember a La Cheesecake tasting in my past.  

I certainly won't be making that statement again, based on the wonderful desserts we picked up from their wholesale location.  Although the two desserts we selected were quite different from each other - a rainbow bar (like a massive rainbow cookie) and a mini oreo cheesecake - La Cheesecake nailed both.  

The rainbow cookie bar was perfectly moist, and the fruit filling was really fragrant.  The chocolate coating also imparted a great contrasting flavor and textural complement as well.

The mini oreo cheesecake was also great - sweet, light for a non-ricotta cheesecake, and nice flavor from the fruit preserves as well.

Although I had these desserts several weeks ago, I can actually taste both in my mouth as I am writing this post - so I'll definitely be back (as much as my weight goals allow!).

La Cheesecake

126-06 14th Avenue

College Point, Queens

Closest transit option is the Q20B, which connects to the 7 train at Flushing-Main Street

Little Pepper - Very Good Szechuan in College Point, Queens

Little Pepper is a widely reviewed Szechuan restaurant that made the move from Flushing to less transit friendly College Point a few years back.  We’ve been to the new College Point location a few times, mostly because a) we have a car, b) we are often in Whitestone, which is next to College Point, and c) it’s easier to park in College Point than downtown Flushing.  

None of this is to say that Little Pepper isn’t good - it is very good, though the uneven service and weekend crowds are a bit of a disincentive to add it into our more regular rotation.  The food is also slightly oiler and slightly less nuanced than Cafe China, which is our top Szechuan choice at the moment.  

The vegetarian favorites I have had at Little Pepper to date include:

(Dan Dan Noodles - which they will make without meat)

(Ma Po Tofu - which they will also make without meat)

(Scallion Pancakes)

(Vegetable Fried Rice)

So if you are ever in northeastern Queens, craving Szechuan food on the way to Long Island, or looking for an alternative to Cafe China, would highly recommend checking out Little Pepper!

Little Pepper

18-24 College Point Blvd.

College Point, Queens

Accessible via the Q65 bus, which connects at the Flushing-Main Street 7 street subway stop.  Driving is highly recommended, with ample street parking available.