On this week's show we will visit the neighborhood of Woodside, in Queens. My guests will be returning guest, historian, and author Jason Antos, who is also president of the Queens Historical Society; and Jonathan Cordeiro, owner and partner the Alcove Restaurant.
Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.
Segment 1
Jeff introduces his first guest Jason Antos a journalist and author and a frequent guest on the show. Jacob has been interested in history since a book report he did on NYC history in grade school. Jeff asks him when and how he got involved with the Queens Historical Society, which was Jason’s first source he went to when writing his first book in 2005. Jeff asks where the names of Woodside and Sunnyside neighborhoods come from. The names originated from the surrounding areas of the neighborhoods. Jason begins discussing the native people of New York and their relationship with the British and Dutch settlers. The Native Americans had a contentious relationship with both the British and Dutch peoples. During the American Revolution, was a home of military encampments for the British as most of Queens citizens were loyalists.
Segment 2
Jeff asks Jason which one of his books was his favorite to write, but Jason reveals he loves all his books equally. His most recent book will be released on March 22nd. The most challenging book he wrote was his one on Shea Stadium, because of all the licensed photos he had to acquire from the MLB. Jeff begins talking about Woodside and Sunnyside’s post-world war history and asks about Woodside’s housing projects. Jeff asks Jason about Sunnyside’s development, which started as a fledgling visit but saw a lot of development during the 1910s. They then talk about the Sunnyside Gardens, which was the first garden community built in NYC.
Segment 3
Jeff introduces his next guest Jonathan Cordiero, owner, and partner, in the Alcove Restaurant. Jeff asks where in Brazil, Jonathan’s father opened his restaurants, which Jonathan spent most of his younger years watching his father cook. Jonathan moved to New York when he was young but never left behind Brazil’s culture and food. Jonathan got his first restaurant job at 16 and grew to love the business over time. The first restaurant he worked at, The Copper Kettle, as and still is renowned in the community. Jeff asks Jonathan what influenced him and his wife to open the Alcove in 2015. He picked Sunnyside because he saw it as truly a special neighborhood. The restaurant’s name came from a brainstorming session that Jonathan had and the coziness inside the restaurant.
Segment 4
Jeff asks Jonathan if there’s a difference between the vibes in Woodside and Sunnyside. Jonathan’s opinion is that they both feel the same with a common feeling of community and diversity. Jeff asks if Jonathan has noticed if the neighborhood has changed since he started his restaurant. He talks about the influx of younger families and couples moving in. Jeff asks Jonathan if there is anything he struggles with as a business owner, and Jonathan talks about the effect of COVID on his restaurant. Jeff asks his advice to small business owners looking to start in Sunnyside. Jonathan stresses the importance of making a connection to the community.