A Kitchen in Queens

I have my fair share of regular spots that I go to.  Within the past year, LIC Market has become one of them.  Tucked away underneath the 7 train, this gem is hidden in the heart of Long Island City Queens.  When everyone was standing in line for hours to get into M. Wells, (which seems to be gone), I was sipping a cafe au lait and eating fresh, locally grown produce, organic eggs and bacon at the LIC Market.  

Chef Alex Schindler built LIC market with his bare hands in a sense.  He personally sourced every bit of wood that’s used, worked on the layout and the design, and didn’t treat the food any differently.  Hand picked from local farms, he has made an effort to make to sure that the menu stays fresh, changing the dishes seasonally and changing the specials daily.  

The bread plate, which generally features mini chocolate croissants, 7 grain bread and a slice of carrot cake bread is paired with locally churned butter and whatever amazing jam they’ve got in stock.  

Although I usually opt for a breakfast option for brunch, I figured it was imperative that I try their Market burger, and I was not disappointed in the least.  The burger itself was perfectly cooked, and the carmelized onion bun was a nice addition, but it was a bit bready.  I wish the burger to bun ration had been a bit better.  They used fresh greens and white cheddar with an aioli sauce and paired it with their famous breakfast potatoes rather than fries.  I will admit that I would have rather had fries.  I enjoy breakfast potatoes, and LIC market’s potatoes are pretty much the best I’ve had in NYC, mixing the perfectly cooked bite sized pieces with onion, pepper and spices, but with a burger, I tend to want a straight up french fry.  If I’m going lunch, I’m going lunch all the way.

If you’re looking for a brunch spot, this is a must try!