Lunch In
A Calm Oasis
ONENESS-FOUNTAIN-HEART RESTAURANT:
159-19 72nd Ave. (corner of Parsons Boulevard and 72nd Avenue), Flushing; (718) 591-FOOD
CUISINE: Eclectic vegetarian with
free delivery ($10 min.) 12 noon until 8 p.m.
HOURS: Open six days a week. Closed
Wednesday. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. for lunch and from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.
for dinner.
MAJOR CREDIT CARDS: Accepted
PARKING: Curbside without meters,
usually not a problem.
Our dear friend Kritagyata Nicholls, a
student of the international peace ambassador Sri Chinmoy who resides in Jamaica, had just
returned from a visit to South America with the guru and we met for lunch at Oneness
Fountain Restaurant, an oasis of calm in Queens’ hectic world.
For the last two years, this vegetarian
spot under the direction of owner Aparajita Fishman, also one of Sri Chinmoy’s
students, with its airy, sky blue, spacious seating has gained a regular clientele –
especially for lunch. The new Viennese Chef Alex Jiresch has made some interesting taste
additions which you should try any time you are in the neighborhood.
We started with our favorite drinks; rich
Mango Lassi ($3.50) and Very Berry (blueberry, strawberry and banana drink for $2.75)
smoothie followed by a fragrant broccoli soup and an appetizer platter to share –
Magic Mushrooms (sautéed in ginger sauce), fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, grilled
vegetables, homemade Hemus, carrot, cukes and celery sticks along with a delightful small
loaf of hot, dark bread.
Although we have enjoyed the Duck Surprise
on previous visits, this time we opted for two new dishes to share : Thai Heaven (carrots,
potato, and yams in a lightly spiced coconut/cashew sauce, sautéed tofu
"chicken", and Royal Rice at $7.50 Lunch or $9.95 Dinner) and the Orient Express
– a melange of flavorful stir-fried vegetables with tofu in tamari sauce served with
Royal Rice. One of the most popular entrees is the Neat Loaf (NO, that is NOT a
mis-spelling). It is the great American classic, Vegetarian style, served with mashed
potatoes and a hearty mushroom gravy ($6.95 lunch, $9.95 dinner). Do try this unusual
entree.
Along with soup and salad specials you can
enjoy sandwich specials from El Burrito del Corazon to Infinite Blue. The selection is
eclectic, well-prepared and presented artistically in a serene atmosphere with music for
meditating in the background.
Don’t miss the tempting selection of
desserts. The creamy, moist Tira Mi Su is made on the premises ($3.95). There is also
gourmet home-made iced cream, apple pie with walnuts, wildberry pie, hazelnut and
chocolate mousse and more. So, leave room!
– J. Davis |
