How can you measure diversity in a neighborhood? Let them eat cake. It’s New York City and it is not hard to find fast food or a gourmet restaurant. One does not need to travel all over the world to taste the various dishes of different countries. You only need to jump on the train and within a few city blocks can be found African, Thai, and Greek fare. This is great for the tourists who visit and the natives who like to explore different culinary delights. But Manhattan is not the only place in New York that can flaunt its diverse food samplings.
In Ridgewood, New York, a neighborhood found in Queens the differences of its residents can be seen in the sameness of their love of dessert. Take a walk down Myrtle Avenue and there is a bakery for every group possible. The Germans that first moved into the area at the turn of the century, the Polish that have been streaming in since the late 1990s, the Dominicans with their taste of the Caribbean, and the Puerto Ricans who are as American as apple pie and arroz con pollo.
Upon a recent stroll down Myrtle Avenue (and don’t forget the side streets) in Ridgewood I was struck by the variety of bakeries once I started looking. For everyone living here there is a sweet reminder of home. So come to Ridgewood for a taste of Colombian cake at Montanero Bakery & Restaurant or for a little bit of Polish sweets try Rudy’s Pastry Shop off of Myrtle Avenue.
I haven’t been to Ridgewood in forever, but I can appreciate where you’re coming from. People love to eat! I’d love to hear more in-depth info on exactly what kind of pastries are offered, and maybe you can bring in some of that deliciousness for class!
Every neighborhood should have a “Myrtle Avenue”! Diversity can definitely be measured by the types of food in the neighborhoods. I think it’s sad when people are not exposed to the different types of food/culture out there.