Latest on New Mall in Flushing

The Wall St. Journal reports on the new Sky View Center, an 800,000 square-foot shopping mall and residential complex opening in the business district of Flushing.

Here’s the link to the development’s website: http://www.svcnyc.com/

Construction Update

Just some things I noticed around town:

• Work is progressing nicely at the new tapas lounge called Common that they are building on the middle level of the Austin St. “Mall,” between 70th Avenue and 70th Road. I peaked inside and one wall looked to be all red brick.
• I just caught a glance, but it looks like they did a nice job tucking the old Piu Bello Gelato place into the back of Positano on 70th Ave. It looks like its own cute little dessert shop. I have to remember to visit for dessert. (I wonder how many people will find Piu Bello in that spot though?)

Forest Hills, The Natural Way

For all my griping on this blog about how Forest Hills could use a more upscale supermarket, a trip to Natural, the large independent grocer at the corner of Austin and Ascan, recently made me really appreciate just how good we have it here in FoHi. I mean, this really is a quality store. Just think if we didn’t have it. Yes it’s not a big chain like Whole Foods, but it really stocks high quality, fresh food to the rafters. If you’re looking for food that is good for you, it’s an excellent option. I’ve been going there for years and years and I have always, always found the people who run it to be friendly and helpful. And their expansion a few years ago made an already good thing that much better. Keep up the good work Natural!

Natural has been improving its beverage selection. They have a really impressive selection of healthy drinks and craft beers.

The owners of Natural usually keep the line, which can get pretty long sometimes, moving very fast.

When it expanded a few years ago, Natural also expanded its deli counter.

Always friendy and fast, Natural's cashiers will also give you free fruit if you buy a certain amount.