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City Living: Corona, Queens

By Miranda Siegel | Special to amNewYork

October 4, 2007

Ice King of Corona. (amNewYork Photo/ Lane Johnson / October 3, 2007)

More than 150 years ago, residents of what is now Corona were hunting grouse, harvesting pumpkins and raising cattle. Then the advent of the Flushing Railroad in 1853 transformed the farmland -- branded West Flushing to appeal to developers -- into a thriving urban center.

Shortly thereafter, West Flushing was changed to Corona (the "crown jewel of Long Island") to distinguish it from the neighboring town of Flushing.

Long an intimate Italian enclave, Corona has in recent years developed into a burgeoning Spanish-speaking community. Koreans and Chinese are also calling Corona home.

"Walking through here, it's like a little United Nations," said Roman Collado, who came to Corona in the 1970s. "Everyone brings their food and culture to share, and for the most part, everyone helps everyone else."

Other residents are not as optimistic when it comes to relationships between the different groups.

"I'd be lying if I said there wasn't any racial tension here," said one resident, who did not want to be named. "I hate to say it, but it's true."

Despite these negative feelings, there is evidence that different populations have been able to find a common ground.

"I love this one Chinese restaurant," proclaimed resident Arturo Saenzde Viteri. "They do Spanish food and Chinese food, and they do both perfectly. The owners are Chinese, but they speak perfect Spanish."

Find it
Corona is defined by Junction Boulevard to the west, Flushing Meadows Corona Park to the east and the Long Island Expressway to the south.

TO EAT Corona means "crown" in both Spanish and Italian, and you'll see those cultural influences when it comes to local food. Latin American, Dominican and Cuban eateries line Junction Boulevard and Roosevelt Avenue; to the south, several Italian restaurants have clustered around Spaghetti Park. Chinese food -- including many Chinese-Spanish restaurants -- has a strong presence as well. Wherever you go, you're sure to be near a tamale cart, ice cream truck or fruit peddler.

Lemon Ice King of Corona
If you want to see a Corona resident beam with pride, just mention Lemon Ice King; you'd be hard-pressed to find anything that captures the area's old Italian flavor more than this low-key shop and its handmade ices. Listed on the hand-painted signs are all 29 flavors, including blueberry, licorice, fruit cocktail and peanut butter. Not in an icey mood? Rows of proud candy apples -- encased in caramel, crushed nuts or a candy shell -- are on display in the windows.
52-02 108th St.
718-699-5133

Jardin de China
In business for almost 40 years, this Chinese-Spanish restaurant is a friendly place to enjoy lobster, congee, sausages and plantains. The menu is huge, and the possibilities are endless.
37-37 Junction Blvd.
718-457-5293

Park Side Restaurant