Flushing Dumpling Stand

Flushing may not have the best reputation among most social circles in New York. Despite being home to the Mets, the terminus of the 7, filled with those crazy snake fish a few years ago, dirty, smelly and strange to the uninitiated; Flushing has some great food and great deals on that great food.

Chinese dumplings on 41st Avenue. Photo Credit: Ryan Gorman

Since the $5 Gourmet needs to brush up on his Chinese, we do not know the name of this place, we just know where it is. Are these the best dumplings this side of the Pacific? Head on past the break to find out.

Mama's Empanadas

Who doesn't like empanadas? Terrorists, that's who. Let's head on over to Jackson Heights and Mama's Empanadas to see if these creations hold up to the expectations of the $5 Gourmet.

Mama's Empanadas at 76th and Roosevelt in  Jackson Heights, just under the 7 train. Photo credit: Ryan Gorman

Immediately upon walking in, the first thing you notice is the trance/club music blasting at a festive level. The school bus yellow and blue interior reminded me of old footage of Wayne Chrebet running around in a Hofstra football uniform. The food, we'll see.

El Rey Taco Truck Astoria

El Rey Taco Truck at Ditmars and 31st in Astoria. Photo Credit: Serious Eats NYC

Astoria is known for Greek right? Well it also has a great taco truck at the corner of Ditmars Blvd and 31st St, just outside the DAstoria-Ditmars Blvd N/Q Station. The truck itself looks like any other taco truck in the city, but the tacos are anything but. Check out our thoughts after the break.