Mixing it Up With Some Japanese

          Growing up in Morris Park in the Bronx, I have never had a reason to satisfy my craving for Chinese food with anything other than Mr. Q's Chinese Restaurant. The decor is inviting, simple, and clean and the staff could not be more attentive. This is not your traditional take-out Chinese place, it is far more than that. It is an experience in itself of the Chinese culture that helps you to appreciate the food even more.

         Recently, as I was driving down Williamsbridge Road towards my house, I glanced at my favorite Chinese restaurant and noticed that something had changed. The awning no longer read "Mr. Q's Chinese Restaurant," but read "Mr. Q's Chinese and Japanese Restaurant." Boy, was I confused. What I did next was completely out of my control. I pulled over, found a parking spot, and marched right on in there.

         Kim, the woman who is usually working the counter, greeted me with a smile.

California Rolls from Mr.Q's

         "Do you have..... SUSHI???" I asked, half shocked and half overwhelmed with excitement. She said they did, and she would be happy to give me some and have me tell her what I thought.

         The sushi is great. The California rolls, which are most popular, are very, very good. The crab in them tastes fresh and each roll is made to order. Nothing is ever pre-made.

         To this day, I have never been disappointed by anything I have ordered from Mr. Q's. Both the Japanese and Chinese food are both top-notch. As far as taste goes, I give them an A+.

Blackboard Pizza Shop Opens in New Rochelle

        The smell of fresh baking bread and homemade marinara sauce hits you the moment you walk into Blackboard Pizza Shop. Promptly, a friendly man by the name of Joe greats you and gives you a warm welcome. Suddenly, a feeling of great comfort overwhelms you and you feel as if you're already part of the Blackboard family.
       Blackboard Pizza Shop is owned and operated by college-aged culinary professionals who are attempting to give the word "pizza" a whole new meaning.
        Among the traditional pizza featured on the menu, there are many sweet deserts and twists on traditional-style Italian food
        The Peach BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza is to die for! It is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Its ingredients include BBQ pulled pork, pepper jack cheese, roasted corn, and scallions. Each bite is bursting with an unexpected flavor. 
        Aside from the traditional pizza toppings such as grilled chicken slices and Sicilian-style pizza, Blackboard offers a wide range of paninis, salads, and pastas.
        For the dieters, there is a whole wheat pasta dish dubbed"Cousin Steve." The pasta is tossed with sautéed broccoli, sundried tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella in garlic & oil. Need I say more? 
        The "Freshman 15" desserts are made to order. These devilish treats will have your stomach full and are sure to keep you coming back to Blackboard for a long time, maybe even after you've gained those 15 pounds! Included on this portion of the menu are Fried Nutella Oreo's and Reese's and Nutella Pizza. 

Reeses and Nutella pizza paired with vanilla ice cream

        Both desserts are made to order. The Fried Nutella Oreo's are similar to any fried oreo's you might find at a carnival or a neighborhood feast, but with a genourous helping of fresh, creamy Nutella. The Reese's and Nutella Pizza consists of pizza dough topped with tons of Nutella spread and numerous small chunks of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Talk about Freshman 15, more like Freshman 30!
       All in all, Blackboard Pizza Shop is, so far, very successful. Iona College students, as well as the locals, have been flocking to this new spot since it has opened only a month ago. Business has been booming and shows no signs of slowing down.