Forest Hills to Get New Gourmet-Foods Shop

By Simon Butler

Yesterday we took a look at the rising group of food artisans in Brooklyn. Queens' edible entrepreneurs may not get as much attention, but there are certainly a number of operators trying to raise that borough's culinary scene. With its Bukharian eateries, upscale bakeries and even a "restaurant row" on 70th Rd., Queens' own Forest Hills is no stranger to the foodie arena.

Now local wine-and-spirits store Mr. Vino is getting into the act, with a new gourmet-foods shop expected to open in March. Called Mr. Vino's Cucina and located at 71-03 Austin St. off Continental Avenue (only a few doors down from its sibling oeno-emporium), it will purvey a variety of high-end edibles, including artisan cheeses, breads, caviar, crackers and salamis, as well as prepared foods such as paninis offered to go. The borough (and its residents) await.