Smile of the Beyond

Cuisine: Vegetarian
86-14 Parsons Blvd.
Jamaica 739-7453

Open: Mon-Fri: 7 am – 4 pm; Sat. 7 am –3 pm

If light blue is truly the color of imagination, then Smile of the Beyond is indeed the most imaginative eatery in all of Queens. Painted in this eye-pleasing color, the fast-food restaurant of the vegetarian set is always abuzz with the aroma of creative dishes that please the palate and the pocket simultaneously.

"Nothing tops $6," they say of their "convergence of vegetarian fare with comfort food." And I soon took great comfort in a "grilled veggie-cheese pita sandwich ($3.85). It was a whole wheat pita bulging with grilled mushrooms, onions, peppers and melted Swiss cheese topped with fresh bean sprouts. A dash of soy sauce at the table and a glass of freshly squeezed carrot and apple juices (small for $2) and I was hooked and judging by the bustling 2 o’clock crowd, I’m not the only one .

The eatery with the enigmatic name, according to Blazei, my server from the Chezc Republic, has been in that location managed by various different groups. Now, however, is under the management of the followers of "meditation master" Sri Chinmoy. Blue is the color of choice for the followers of this spiritual leader known for his guidance of "hundreds of thousands" of devotees, in 150 centers around the world. In fact, about five or six nations are represented by the staff of the tiny restaurant.

Clean and neat with natural lights beaming in from a steeple-shaped skylight, it is a good place to enjoy a delicious, inexpensive meal just one block up from Hillside Avenue. And just like the staff, the diners are multinational. An eclectic mix of diners revolved through the doors during my stay and based on the warm greetings exchanged, one gets the feeling many knew one another. Maybe it’s the choices and the prices or maybe it’s the warmth, whatever it is it works.

Meals such as Auevos Ranchers (riche, chile, 2 eggs sunny and corn muffin - $3.25 for small and $5.35 for large) will always keep ‘em coming back for more.

The meditative teachings of Chinmoy, who is originally from India, seems to keep them mellow regardless of what’s going on outside. "Smile, smile, smile, smile, smile of the Beyond, your life is made of God’s Heart-Diamond," the menu cover reminds you. Inspirational messages from Chinmoy’s teachings also adorn the place in small plastic frames. Messages such as the one at my table that reminds "Your tomorrow’s problems can be nullified by your today’s prayers."

Nothing could nullify the feeling of peace and flavor I got at Smile of the Beyond. It has left me with a smile in the here and now.