Sunnyside Gardens is a charming little secret. I have no authority to call it anyone's "best-kept secret," but I give myself authority to sing its praises nonetheless. Wedged between yuppie Long Island City and eclectic Jackson Heights, Sunnyside is no more than a forgotten stop off the finicky 7 local train for most Flushing-bound commuters. But for a year now it has been my home, and a sweet one at that. And Sunnyside Gardens, a quiet, haven-like neighborhood nook within Sunnyside, is home to many attractions I have only begun to tap into...including the tiny, bizarre Stray Vintage shop, the guarded, gated playground that supposedly boasts outdoor Shakespeare for youngsters, and of course Aubergine Cafe.
I went to Aubergine soon after moving here, the result of an exploratory trip into the heart of the neighborhood, and I was pleased beyond measure. With its old brick interior, quaint wooden furniture, and delicious ice coffee, the cafe is a perfect summer brunch spot. Twice now I've eaten their smoked salmon sandwich - perfect light layers of cream cheese, lox, cucumber and fresh lettuce, and it's both satisfying and energizing. Displays of yummy muffins and cakes call out to you after dining, and I haven't had anything there I didn't like. The lighting inside is low, relying mostly on daylight streaming in from front windows, allowing for a cozy, cave atmosphere toward the back of the room. I was there just the other day with a friend who lives in Jackson Heights, home to amazing eclectic cuisine from anywhere and everywhere, but even she complained that the only thing she was missing was a nice, quiet cafe like Aubergine. It's quite simply a great, feel-good place to go.
