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Jennifer’s
Restaurant
153-41 Hillside Ave., Jamaica
718-523-1551
Cuisine:
Dominican, Hispanic American
Hours:
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Specials:
Breakfast and Lunch discounts
Parking:
Street
Credit
Cards:
All Major
Jennifer’s
Restaurant is a modest little spot on the northwest corner of Hillside
Avenue and Parsons Boulevard, located just inches from the F train stop.
Inside the eatery, there isn’t much in the way of seating—just
two small counters, really, and about ten stools.
But
since the dedicated patrons at Jennifer’s are generally coming to or
from a subway or bus in Jamaica’s busy transit hub—and since the meals
on offer are so outstanding and reasonably priced—no one seems to mind
the lack of seats.
“It’s
a very busy corner here,” says Jose, who has owned this Dominican
flavored joint since 1994 and can still be found busy behind the counter.
“A lot of everybody comes here.”
But
people don’t come just by accident, according to Jose, who named his
restaurant after his 15-year-old daughter. “I think it’s the flavor
and the taste,” he said.
That
flavor and taste are nowhere better exemplified than in Jennifer’s
stews, which feature simple and hearty arrangements of beef, chicken,
pork, oxtail or goat.
I sampled the Beef Stew ($5.00), served on a plate full of rice
with peas and two large fried plantains.
The meat was succulent and well flavored, accompanied with the sort
of soft potatoes and carrots that stew lovers dream about.
The dish also came with a cup of white beans in a red sauce with
bits of onion and celery, which was very nearly a soup and was entirely
delicious.
For
lunch—which at Jennifer’s runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—most stews and
several other items, including pepper steak, pig feet and the ever popular
roast chicken, are offered for a mere $4.
The
chicken was really tremendously tasty as well, and the soft meat was so
nicely cooked that it literally dropped from the bone with a mere touch of
the fork.
Sandwiches
are also a specialty at Jennifer’s, with about a half dozen varieties
that cost between $3 and $3.50.
While Bistec, Chicken and Pork Chop sandwiches are all on the menu,
the Sandwich Cubano looked like the real winner—featuring roast pork,
ham, swiss cheese and pickles and a long roll.
Not
to leave the early morning patrons out, Jennifer’s also offers a
“student special” from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., where early birds can catch
an egg sandwich with cheese and choice of meat, as well as a hot drink,
for $2.50.
For
a sip of something sweet, the staff at Jennifer’s whips up its own
renditions of popular Dominican drinks ($2.50).
The Lechoza, made of papaya, and the Batido de Sapotes, made from
mixed tropical fruits, both sounded tempting, but I selected the Morir
Sonando—a smooth, creamy treat made by mixing orange juice and milk.
Jose explained, “In English, it means like you died and you’re
dreaming.” The
drink was a perfect way to end a meal on a hot summer afternoon.
—
Aaron Rutkoff
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