Who is Jennifer? I need to meet her because she can really cook! I have met a few women named Jennifer throughout the years, but I don't know if any of them can cook like this lol. It's so crazy because I have passed by this restaurant many times and even viewed it in my recommendations as a nearby popular spot. I continued to overlook this great Dominican restaurant until one day my taste buds watered for some Spanish food. I wanted something different than the usual spot I go to which had tasted salty my last few visits and since I am staying clear from the high blood pressure dishes I tried my luck somewhere else. Jennifer's Restaurant happened to be that place else and it was both taste bud and no high blood pressure approved.
Jennifer's is a local favorite in Hillside, Queens located at 153-41 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica N.Y. 11432, it's a small place right on the corner, thus is hard to miss. It happens to be not too far from another restaurant that I frequent in the area so this will be another regular spot on my list. Plus, they just gained another regular customer to be so boom! double win, right? Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. you are sure to get an early start on some good Dominican breakfast or dinner just before close time. The restaurant is quite small inside, I can best describe it as very cozy; ergo about only three persons can fit at a time, even pre pandemic. The food is seen behind the thick glass despite it's fogginess from all the hot steam. During my visit there were two gentlemen working at the time who were very generous and patient. Although they didn't know it was my first time as a customer, they didn't rush me to order as I grabbed a menu upon walking in. There is a menu on the wall as well, but because of my not so great eyesight (blink, squint) I could not see it clearly. Also, the prices are up to date on the paper menu.
I'm now ready to order only after just a few short minutes of browsing. I decide on the fried fish meal with rice and beans as my side order. I also asked for an order of fried green plantains but they were all out for the day (pout face). The gentleman serving my plate let me know that the fish was fried Tilapia and asked me if that was okay. "Sure, that's fine," I kindly replied, thanking him for informing me beforehand because most people would not care to tell; if any at all. I add some red beans atop my peas and rice only because I like the gravy from the beans to add more flavor to the rice. The service was great and now I am headed back home to see what my food taste like.
I open it up and the smell of the Tilapia was so arousing. I first taste my rice and peas with the added beans and it was good, not salty at all. I'm glad I got the beans on top because the rice would have been a bit dry if I hadn't. The fish I dug into next and when I tell you it was extremely good and fried fresh, I could hardly tell it was fish. He gave me two good sized pieces and even topped it with pickled onions and peppers. The Tilapia was seasoned lightly but well and was still just a little crisp. The pickled onions and peppers had a hint of vinegar that brought out the flavor of the fish even more. So this is what I've been missing out on huh? It is what I have been wanting and searching for in great Spanish flavor. All this time good Dominican food was closer by than I thought.
Jennifer's Restaurant is not only a place I recommend to others to try but a neighborhood favorite of locals alike. The food taste very good and the portions seem plentiful. You will be pleased with the overall service and quality of flavor. read more