Skip to main content

For an Afternoon Full of Delight in Astoria, Part II: “Comfortland”








Originally called “Donut Diva” (@DonutDivaNY on Instagram), Comfortland occupies the space that was formerly “Queens Comfort” (see previous post). 

Comfortland is owned by Montana D'Alessio Barbier and Jackie Legge. Montana’s brother is Donnie D’Alessio, owner of “Queens Comfort”. 



What initially drew me towards this place was their Instagram account and the fact that they were the creators of the Rainbow Crumb Cake, a take on the very popular Italian rainbow cookie. I have seen many takes on this cookie such as the cheesecake version served at Waterzooi (https://bit.ly/2L9KO0a) as well as a doughnut served at Glaze Artisan (https://bit.ly/2FT3Po6).  

But this was the first time I heard about it in crumb cake form. 

Sadly the last piece was sold to the woman who was in front of me on line. That was the beginning of the end. 







The pickings were slim when I arrived. There were only a few varieties available and since the flavors are seasonal and featured on a rotating basis, you never know what you are gonna get. Yes, I heard Forrest Gump’s voice in my head too.

This is mostly a coffee and doughnut shop although they offer a couple of breakfast sandwiches as well. 

When I arrived I was charmed by the space, especially the “Time to Make the Donuts” sign, reminiscent of early era Dunkin Donuts commercials, but wasn’t thrilled by my options. I went with the Nutella Creme Brûlée and the Coffee Coconut. They were huge and cost almost as much as my entire meal at “Queens Comfort”. I left already sensing my future dissatisfaction. 

In fact the most exciting part of this visit was getting a latte with heart shaped foam. I have always wanted one.

After arriving home several hours later, finishing my aforementioned lunch, I cut into each doughnut to sample them. I was in fact disappointed. There weren’t anything special. The flavors weren’t authentic and the combinations tasted worse together than they sounded. I suppose I could have eaten the rest of the Coffee Coconut but had no desire to. 

All this experience taught me was that when it comes to satisfying a doughnut craving I need to stick to my favorites: Doughnut Plant (https://bit.ly/2rMsL7f) and Orwashers (https://bit.ly/2CKgdCV).  

The grass isn’t always greener. 

But my time in Astoria wasn’t done just yet. I had one more stop to make.

For More Information:





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

For a New Chain of Mexican Fast Food: “Dos Toros Taqueria”

When it comes to fast food there are the names we are familiar with: McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Chipotle.  In you live in New York City, there is a new kid in town: Dos Toros.  Dos Toros is relatively new to this area but with any hope there might be one in your town soon.  Started by two brothers, Leo and Oliver Kremer, from Berkeley, California, the Mexican food you find here is inspired by food they loved growing up.  In California, the brothers grew up worshipping Gordo Taqueria, a favorite of Bay Area residents since 1977 (now promptly added to my San Francisco to eat list). Much of the recipes and even decor found at Dos Toros has been modeled on Gordo. Before moving to NYC in 2008, the brothers were living very different lives. Leo was the bassist for the band “Third Eye Blind”. Oliver fresh out of college, considered working in the technology or finance industry. Both disillusioned with their lives, they decided to pursue so...
Post a Comment
Read more

For Intermission in Hyde Park: “Eveready Diner”

I have been spending a lot of time with the Roosevelt’s lately, and it has been delightful. Despite the fact that my favorite members of this famous family have passed, they still bring me an exceeding amount of joy and inspiration. It is less strange than it sounds and I can prove it. As part of my ritual of trying to accomplish all of the things on my annual to do list (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2015/03/for-year-5-2015-2016-to-do-list.html), I decided this was the year I would finally make to each of the Roosevelt residences that have been on my list for as long as I can remember. Small goals like that are how I tackle a list as long as mine. But the houses aren’t the focal point just yet. First we are going to talk about the places I got to scope out because I was in the backyard of greatness. So while I am starting out with food, it is not the way the day progressed. First I found myself at...
Post a Comment
Read more

For a Doughnut Worthy of Food Network Glory: “Dun-Well Doughnuts”

All because I wanted a Boston creme doughnut. That is how this blog truly began. It was Father’s Day weekend and although I was initially thinking of myself, I knew my father wouldn’t mind having a sweet treat for dessert. Brooklyn is synonymous with great pizza, bread, and of course bagels. But it also has many great bakeries producing some of the most delicious doughnuts you have ever tasted. Just to name a few, there is: Doughnut Plant , Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop and Dough .   On the day of my craving, I did what any of us do countless times a day - I opened Google. When I Googled “best Boston creme doughnuts in Brooklyn” Dun-Well Doughnuts appeared high on that list. Intrigued I researched it further and learned that it had won the Canadian  Food Network’s contest called “Donut Showdown” in 2013. That was enough information for me to decide to visit the very next day.  Dun-Well Doughnuts was opened by Dan Dunbar and Christopher Hollowell in December...
2 comments
Read more