Ganesh | Chopsticks and Marrow

08/26/17 1:21pm

Say Happy Birthday to Ganesh with Sweets and a Parade

It has been a very auspicious summer for Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or the Ganesh Temple of the Hindu Temple Society of North America, as it’s more commonly known. For one thing the temple on the outskirts of downtown Flushing celebrated its 40th birthday on July 4. And Sri Ganesh Chaturthi Nava-Dina Mahotsavam, a nine-day celebration of the elephant-headed deva’s birthday concludes this Sunday with a parade known as the Grand Ratha Yatra.

The festivities kick off at the temple at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow. Come a bit early and check out the arcade that has been decorated with images of Lord Ganesh and his favorite sweet ladoo, in such flavors as sesame, peanut, and dried fruit. (more…)

111 Places in Queens That You Must Not Miss, Flushing, Ganesh, Grand Ratha Yatra, Indian, Jackson Heights, ladoo, Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam

The Sweet Spot

by Joe DiStefano

10/15/15 9:49am

Of Pineapple Kesari and Taste Memory

by Joe DiStefano

3 Comments

Pineapple kesari called to mind sweet, comforting memories.

One of the things I love most about giving food tours of Queens is the opportunity to rediscover the delicious flavors of such neighborhoods as Flushing through the eyes of my guests. Every now and then I discover something new too, like the pineapple kesari, I found at the Ganesh Temple Canteen on a recent tour.

Typically I order a gigantic paper dosa at the Canteen. The crisp megaphone-shaped crepe never fails to impress. “Is that a sweet?” I asked when I saw a hand-written sign that read “Today’s Special: Pineapple Kesari.” Even before the lady behind the counter said yes I knew I was going to order it. (more…)

Cream of Wheat, dessert, Flushing, food tours, Ganesh, Indian, kesari, pineapple, Temple Canteen

The Sweet Spot

by Joe DiStefano

06/11/15 10:30am

Lovely Ladoo at Flushing’s Ganesh Temple

by Joe DiStefano

No Comments

One of Lord Ganesh’s favorite snacks.

The canteen located in the basement of the Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, more commonly known as the Ganesh Temple, is one of my favorite non-Chinese haunts in Flushing. I’m especially fond of turning tour groups on to the 2-foot long paper dosa. In addition to many varieties of the rice and lentil crepes there is an abbreviated selection of snacks and sweets. The other day I tried a ladoo. Slightly smaller than a handball the golden hued treat is made from chickpea flour, and is the elephant-headed god’s favorite mithai. (more…)

Flushing, Ganesh, Indian, ladoo, mithai, sweets, temples

Twofer Tuesday

by Joe DiStefano

12/10/13 9:53am

Savory Rices for Carnivores and Vegetarians in Queens

by Joe DiStefano

2 Comments

Bella Roza’s plof is real stick to your ribs fare.

Unless you count the crusty caramelized part, which adheres to the bottom of cooking vessel and is prized by Puerto Ricans and Koreans alike, plain white rice holds little appeal. Chinese takeout fried rice is much tastier. It’s been years—OK maybe six months—since I’ve eaten it. That’s because in Queens there so many other rice dishes from all over the world from biryani to bibimbap. Today, a look at two less common ones. (more…)

beef, Flushing, Ganesh, Indian, Rego Park, rice, tamarind, Uzbek, vegetarian

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