Jackson Heights, June 13, 2009 \u2013 Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Member Helen Sears participated in a unique tasting tour of Little India as part of the \u201cNine in 09\u201d campaign. Mike Narula, owner of Delhi Heights restaurant and the Jackson Heights Merchants Association joined the Speaker and Council Member in the tour.<\/p>\n
The day\u2019s event follows an announcement Speaker Quinn made last month with Mayor Bloomberg, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito and NYC and Company kicking off the campaign, which invites New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore nine culturally diverse neighborhoods that New York City has to offer. The Speaker first mentioned the idea in her State of the City speech, as a way to support local small businesses during challenging economic times.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s visits included a savory tasting menu of goat curry, palak paneer and vegetable manchurian from Delhi Heights, window shopping on 74th Street and speaking with local business owners.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Nine in 09 campaign highlights the many treasures we have within our five boroughs,\u201d said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. \u201cNot only are these cultural jewels a way to help New Yorkers explore unknown areas, but they will also help tourists maximize their experience here and show off all we have to offer. Together, we at the Council are working as hard as possible to ensure that New York City\u2019s local businesses stay afloat during these tough economic times. 9 in 09 is just one example of those efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York is a city of neighborhoods,\u201d said Council Member Helen Sears, \u201cand they are some of the most dynamic and diverse in the world. During this upcoming year when the economy is tough it makes sense to explore all the great places right in our own backyard, Jackson Heights being one of the best. From Indian and Chinese, Latino to Russian, this area is a microcosm of the world. There is great shopping, fabulous restaurants, and even a Bollywood movie theatre. The \u2018Nine in 09\u2019 initiative is just the kind of thing the City needs to get New Yorkers exploring their own city again, and I thank the Speaker for efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Jackson Heights is a dynamic neighborhood rich in culture and diversity,” says Mike Narula, Owner of Delhi Heights( Fine Indian Restaurant & Bar) . “The entrepreneurial spirit in this community is second to none and it’s no secret some of the best South Asian cuisine can be found right here in our own neighborhood. Numerous specialty shops, boutiques, plus an abundance of authentic dining, Jackson Heights truly is a hidden gem in our great city.”<\/p>\n
\u201cIn these tough economic times, the City Council\u2019s \u2018Visit 9 in 09\u2019 is exactly the right type of incentive plan that our small businesses need, especially in areas such as Jackson Heights,\u201d said Alfonso Quiroz, a member of Queens Community Board #3 and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Queens. \u201dThis neighborhood is known for exotic Indian culture, beautiful jewelry and delicious cuisine. There are a plethora of fantastic Indian restaurants here to choose from, that welcome native New Yorkers and tourists alike. I applaud Council Member Sears and Speaker Quinn for this new and exciting initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York City has so many great neighborhoods and we are pleased to have helped develop \u2018Visit Nine in \u201909\u2019 to encourage New Yorkers to take the time this summer to experience all the rich shopping, dining, culture and entertainment that is right in their own backyards, \u201c said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. <\/p>\n
Jackson Heights
\nNew York\u2019s South Asian population is scattered around the City, but Jackson Heights, Queens is a central community for the New York\u2019s Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani families. Numerous grocery stores around the area import a variety of food items that bring home the aromas and tastes of age-old family recipes. The area is a delight for the senses and a great neighborhood for shopping. Clothing and jewelry stores\u2014displaying ornate necklaces and earrings, salwar kameez outfits or magnificent bejeweled fabrics draped into saris\u2014dot the streets, and delicious smells of curry, tandoori meats and freshly made sweets waft out of local restaurants.<\/p>\n
Nine in \u201909 highlighted neighborhoods and cultures include: Astoria (Greek); Jackson Heights (Indian\/Latin American); Brighton Beach (Russian); Flatbush (West Indian); the Bronx\u2019s Arthur Avenue (Little Ireland and Little Italy); Koreatown; El Barrio; and Staten Island (Sri Lankan). <\/p>\n
For more information on the campaign visit www.nycgo.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jackson Heights, June 13, 2009 \u2013 Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Member Helen Sears participated in a unique tasting tour of Little India as part of the \u201cNine in 09\u201d campaign. Mike Narula, owner of Delhi Heights restaurant and the Jackson Heights Merchants Association joined the Speaker and Council Member in the tour.<\/p>\n
The day\u2019s event follows an announcement Speaker Quinn made last month with Mayor Bloomberg, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito and NYC and Company kicking off the campaign, which invites New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore nine culturally diverse neighborhoods that New York City has to offer.<\/p>\n
…<\/p>\n