{"id":360942,"date":"2026-09-30T17:02:47","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T17:02:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/360942\/"},"modified":"2026-09-30T17:02:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T17:02:47","slug":"what-does-a-rock-and-roll-bass-player-and-a-nature-loving-podcaster-love-about-queens-qns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/360942\/","title":{"rendered":"What does a rock-and-roll bass player and a nature-loving podcaster love about Queens? \u2013 QNS"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are 8.5 million stories in New York City and close to 2.4 million stories in the second-most populous borough of Queens, where more than half of residents were born in another country. Featured here are two New Yorkers who were eager to share their own stories \u2014 and why they love their favorite borough \u2013 with QNS<\/a> readers.<\/p>\n

Die-hard Queens fans Mitch Zykofsky, a retired NYPD sergeant who plays bass guitar with his English-style rock band, the Pin Ups<\/a>, and his lovely wife, Queens Out of Doors<\/a> podcaster Shari Romar, have been living in Forest Hills<\/a> for more than 35 years.<\/p>\n

The active couple likes to keep busy while pursuing their unique passions: When Zykofsky isn\u2019t rocking with the band, he works part-time at the Havana Dreams<\/a> cigar lounge in Rego Park<\/a>. And Romar is a nature-loving photographer-turned-podcaster who can\u2019t get enough of the great outdoors and highlights all that Queens has to offer in each episode. She also chats with interesting locals and others who have something enlightening to share with viewers about a variety of Queens-related topics. And even longtime residents can discover new things to do in their unique borough.<\/p>\n

Rob MacKay, deputy director at Queens Economic Development Corporation<\/a> (QEDC) and director of the Queens Tourism Council<\/a>, was featured on the podcast a while back. He told QNS: \u201cShari used to work for the Queens Botanical Garden<\/a> (QBG). She\u2019s a fantastic nature photographer, especially of birds. Later, she had a company that made hats. So, I got to know her first. She invited me onto her podcast about nature in Queens, and I met Mitch in their apartment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince then, I\u2019ve been friends with both of them. They are great people and big supporters of Queens and Queens life. So, I always see them at events and in restaurants, and all that. They\u2019re also very talented in their own fields.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cI am much richer for having made their acquaintances.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Here are some things Mitch loves about Queens. Keep reading to find out about Shari\u2019s favorite picks and more about Queens Out of Doors.\n<\/p>\n

Good eats<\/p>\n

Zykofsky told It\u2019s In Queens<\/a> that there are so many great places, like Dirty Pierre\u2019s<\/a> (13 Station Square, Forest Hills), where he and his wife have been regulars for more than 25 years.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has great food, great drinks and great ambiance. I don\u2019t normally like mussels, but theirs are great, and the hamburgers are excellent. Plus, the co-owner and manager, Raquel, is a hoot,\u201d he raved, adding, \u201cTuscan Hills<\/a> (110-60 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills) is high on my list, too, because the food is fantastic and the owners are the best.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heading out of the neighborhood, he recommends Jackson Diner<\/a> (37-47 74th St., Jackson Heights<\/a>), which (surprisingly) \u201cserves the best Indian food I\u2019ve ever eaten.\u201d Over in Long Island City<\/a>, there\u2019s Tournesol<\/a> (50-12 Vernon Blvd.), which Zykofsky frequents for their \u201ctop-notch French cuisine.\u201d And he also appreciates how owner\/host Patrice \u201cmakes you feel at home, plus you don\u2019t get hit over the head with the bill.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wanderers<\/p>\n

The former policer officer also told It\u2019s In Queens that he and his wife love to experience nature in Queens\u2019 parks.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of our favorite routes is to walk from Little Bay Park to Fort Totten<\/a>. It\u2019s kind of like walking back in time, with all the historical buildings and other details that remind you that a U.S. Army base once operated there. We also like the peacefulness and the great birdwatching.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cI\u2019m a bass player, and I love the fact that so many important musicians came from Queens or lived here while they made it work: Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Simon and Garfunkel, the Ramones and Walter Becker from Steely Dan are just a few. It amazes me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Historic feats<\/p>\n

\u201cNot one, but two World\u2019s Fairs took place in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and many structures from those major events are still there. The Unisphere<\/a> is probably the most obvious one. I think it\u2019s one of NYC\u2019s most iconic structures,\u201d Zykofsky noted.<\/p>\n

QNS chatted with the avid Queens supporters about their lives and interests.\n<\/p>\n

Shari Romar<\/p>\n

\u201cI always loved nature but soon after moving to Queens nearly 30 years ago, I became much more interested in actually studying it \u2013 particularly birds. Mitch got me a pair of binoculars for my birthday and the next day \u2013 a very hot August afternoon \u2013 we made our first trip to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge<\/a>. We were hooked!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot long after that experience, I started working at the Wildlife Conservation Society<\/a>, commuting to the Bronx via three buses, including the Q44, which is how I discovered Queens Botanical Garden, as it sits along the bus route. Like so many people, I thought to myself, \u2018Gee, I didn\u2019t know Queens had a botanical garden\u2026\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

She added: \u201cWho knew only a short time later, that I\u2019d begin a career change into the horticulture industry, and a few years later, working at QBG?\u201d\n<\/p>\n

QNS: What inspired you to start podcasting?\n<\/p>\n

SR: I joke around that I will talk to anyone about nature who will stand still long enough, and that\u2019s especially true if I\u2019m talking about nature in Queens\u2026 and it\u2019s nice that people are very interested!<\/p>\n

As the medium became more prevalent, Mitch and I had a favorite podcast from Scotland about their outdoor areas. One fall afternoon, after listening to an episode, Mitch suggested I start a podcast, since I was so enthusiastic about our local outdoor areas and how much I enjoy telling others about great places to go and things to see. Next thing I knew, I was starting a website, taking a couple online workshops, buying a microphone and launching the podcast in March 2024.<\/p>\n

QNS: How did living in Queens influence your voice and perspective?\n<\/p>\n

SR: I was raised in a northwestern Indiana town called Munster, just outside of Chicago. But my mom was raised in Westchester, so there were regular summer trips to see family. In my teens, I was set on moving here, and in 1988, I did. My first years were in Manhattan and then Brooklyn when Mitch and I met. We \u2018discovered\u2019 Queens when visiting friends who lived in Forest Hills. Soon after those early visits we decided to move here.<\/p>\n

I liked Brooklyn, and I expected to like living in Queens as well, but I was \u2013 and still am \u2013 in awe of how much I grew to love this borough. It\u2019s the place I\u2019ve lived most of my life and really feels like home. Over the years, we\u2019ve toyed around with moving elsewhere, but when it comes right down to it, we always come back to Queens. It\u2019s home.<\/p>\n

So, the podcast kind of grew out of my connection to the borough and from enjoying the variety of outdoor spaces and activities, and how much I like sharing that with others. I admit that the podcast tends to focus more on nature, and I plan to incorporate more outdoor sports \u2013 I just happen to know more about nature than sports!<\/p>\n

QNS: What fascinates you about the borough\u2019s outdoor adventures?\n<\/p>\n

SR: I\u2019m a lover of the great outdoors \u2013 always! Not long after I moved to New York, I started getting interested in urban nature \u2013 I like cities and nature, so they became a combined interest.<\/p>\n

People understandably think that cities are concrete, buildings and the like. But gosh! There\u2019s so much outdoors to enjoy and appreciate, plus loads of beautiful species that also enjoy our open spaces! Also, people often think they need to be someplace remote or exotic to experience nature. Those areas are great, but you can find so much to enjoy right here, and I like bringing that to everyone\u2019s attention!<\/p>\n

As for nature photography, I\u2019ve been taking pictures since I was a kid. But soon after taking up birding all those years ago, it became clear very quickly that nature photography would start to take over my life. It\u2019s just so rewarding to be outside anyway, and if I can capture a nice photo of my experience, it\u2019s extra special.<\/p>\n

QNS: Tell readers about the episode with Rob MacKay, who was a guest on your podcast: queensoutofdoors.com\/podcast\/episode55<\/a>.<\/p>\n

SR: It was marvelous to have Rob on the podcast, and it was great to hear his favorite outdoor spots.\n<\/p>\n

Rob is the greatest! We met during my time at QBG, and I\u2019m so grateful that we\u2019ve stayed in touch all these years since. Besides being an all-around nice guy, I think his work promoting Queens is terrific \u2013 we\u2019re all lucky to have him here! And after all, who better to talk to about great places in Queens than the person who spends his working hours \u2013 and beyond \u2013 promoting our borough!<\/p>\n

QNS: Who are some other interesting people featured on your podcast?\n<\/p>\n

SR: One of the unexpected treats of the podcast is having the opportunity to meet and talk to so many wonderful people! On the most recent (9\/17\/26) episode, I spoke with a former Queens resident who completed a solo trans-Atlantic journey on a 21-foot sailboat! She happened to find out about the podcast via a Google search and reached out to me. To say she was amazing would be a big understatement!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s always a pleasure to talk with Don Riepe, the Jamaica Bay Guardian, who was one of the first people I featured. Mitch and I have known Don for nearly 30 years, since he was still a National Park Ranger at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Don knows everything about nature in our area and beyond, plus he is so engaging and just plain fun to talk with.<\/p>\n

Jason Antos has been on the podcast a few times, talking about Queens\u2019 history and important sites around the borough. I always enjoy meeting with him at the Queens Historical Society<\/a>, where he\u2019s the executive director. Jason is a delight and such a great storyteller \u2013 he really makes history come alive. And I\u2019m in perpetual awe of how much information and detail he can recall right off the top of his head!<\/p>\n

I actually met Jason through Maureen Regan of Green Earth Urban Gardens<\/a>. She was a terrific podcast guest, and I am always impressed with all her efforts \u2013 not only keeping our outdoor spaces pretty, but also how much work she puts into her programs for Queens teenagers.<\/p>\n

Speaking of working with kids, I was lucky enough to meet Deborah Camp, a Queens artist who has made my little local spot, MacDonald Park, far more engaging and cheerful with her colorful series of six sizable murals. She is so sweet, and I love that she brings art to so many children through her workshops.<\/p>\n

I really could go on and on, as every person I\u2019ve spoken with has been very interesting and enthusiastic. All the episodes are posted on Queens Out of Doors, so you can scroll through to catch other great people working in our borough (or find episodes on Apple Podcasts<\/a>, Spotify<\/a>, iHeartRadio<\/a> and Amazon Music).<\/p>\n

QNS: If you had to introduce someone to the \u201creal Queens\u201d in one day, where would you take them?\n<\/p>\n

SR: I\u2019d only have one day?! That is a challenge!\n<\/p>\n

There are so many itineraries\u2026 from culture to architecture to history and, of course, food. And there are people far more qualified to speak about those topics than I. But if I were to show someone around who has never been here, and assuming they want to spend some time outdoors, here are some thoughts which include a few food spots.<\/p>\n

Start the day at Utopia Bagels<\/a>, then enjoy said bagels at Little Bay Park, enjoying the views of the Long Island Sound and Triboro Bridge. Next, Queens Botanical Garden for a stroll, but I think a quick stop at the Queens Farm Museum<\/a> is nice, even if it\u2019s just for a short time, to show off this historical working farm, and to buy some pellets to feed their animals.<\/p>\n

After QBG, we might be a little hungry, and dim sum is always a fun treat. There are so many terrific places in Flushing<\/a>, but I tend to go to Lake Pavilion<\/a> on Main Street \u2013 the food is always great! Since it\u2019s pretty close, I\u2019d stop by Flushing Meadows Corona Park to see the Unisphere and remaining structures of the World\u2019s Fair, then a quick stop to the Queens Museum<\/a> for the Panorama of the City of New York<\/a> \u2013 a great way to get a view of the entire city, and every visitor I\u2019ve brought has been bowled over.<\/p>\n

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a perfect place for some afternoon nature enjoyment (even though I could spend all day there). I love the beach, so after the Refuge, I\u2019d take my visitors to Riis Beach<\/a> for the sunset and maybe we\u2019ll get lucky and see a humpback whale or bottlenose dolphins. Afterwards, I\u2019d vote for dinner along Jamaica Bay at Bungalow Bar<\/a>. Finally, end the day at Gantry Plaza State Park<\/a> because most visitors want to see that Manhattan skyline, and I think Gantry is the best spot around \u2013 plus it\u2019s a lovely park.<\/p>\n

QNS: What was it like working at QBG?\n<\/p>\n

SR: In a word, delightful! What a special place and special history! We were a small staff, so we all did a variety of things: at first, I was the grant writer, then took on more marketing and promotion, and was often involved in public programs, either leading tours, bird\/nature walks or helping to run larger festivals. Since I always had my camera with me, I\u2019d step in as photographer for events or other occasions when needed.<\/p>\n

It was a very busy job, but what a treat to be part of a great team working in a beautiful location. I particularly loved building up our bird list \u2013 unless the weather was terrible.\n<\/p>\n

QNS: Favorite local spots?\n<\/p>\n

SR: We\u2019re lucky to have several great spots in Forest Hills. Tuscan Hills (110-60 Queens Blvd.) is a go-to for stunning Italian food, and the owners are not only delightful but the real deal, as they are from Tuscany. For more New York-style Italian or a quick slice of pizza, Gloria\u2019s<\/a> is the spot. Besides great food, it\u2019s always nice to have a chat with Rob behind the counter or the other guys \u2013 makes one feel like part of the neighborhood.<\/p>\n

We have a weekly take-out (or delivery) from Sushi Time. Jenna, the owner, has become a friend over the years, and that would go for all the people who work for her. She is a staple in the neighborhood. King Wok<\/a> is another regular take-out spot. Whenever friends come to our place for dinner and want good Chinese food, I just give them a call.<\/p>\n

Five Burros<\/a> is legendary, but we don\u2019t go as often as we like because so many others flock there and there\u2019s always a line. But it\u2019s easier to get in for a weekday lunch \u2013 a fun treat! And a new lunch spot for us is Pink Forest<\/a>. The food is terrific and the staff is so engaging. It\u2019s become a regular spot when I want a sandwich or an iced tea break. Beyond Forest Hills: Fillmore\u2019s Tavern<\/a> (166-02 65 th Ave., Flushing) for an old-time Queens feeling plus great food and service.<\/p>\n

I could go on and on\u2026\n<\/p>\n

QNS: Best family activities?\n<\/p>\n

SR: Loads of locations have great programming for all ages, like QBG, Gantry Plaza State Park and the Voelker Orth Museum<\/a>. I adore the Queens Farm and buy plenty of pellets, so I can feed the goats. Besides that, they have loads of family-friendly events and activities.<\/p>\n

These are just a few suggestions, but on the podcast, I offer a sizable list of outdoor highlights for little ones, older kids, adults and the whole family. I\u2019m always rather overwhelmed by how many great activities and events are right here in Queens!<\/p>\n

A special note: our wonderful Urban Park Rangers have exceptional events for kids, adults and families, ranging from hikes or walks, to history, to fishing, to canoeing and beyond. I think our entire city owes a debt of gratitude to these rangers for all their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

QNS: How has Queens changed over the years?\n<\/p>\n

SR: Like in so many other places, there\u2019s been a lot of development \u2013 and I\u2019m not saying that\u2019s good or bad, but just something I\u2019ve seen over all these years. Long Island City is a great example \u2013 it looks completely different than it did 15 or 20 years ago.<\/p>\n

I also think that Queens is more \u2018on the radar\u2019 than it was when we moved here. Back then, Manhattan, and later, Brooklyn, were on everyone\u2019s minds, and Queens was, let\u2019s say, understated. I think the growing interest in the food scene plus our borough\u2019s diversity in cultures made a lot of people notice.<\/p>\n

QNS: What do you think people living outside of Queens misunderstand about the borough?\n<\/p>\n

SR: If you asked me this question about 20 years ago, I might\u2019ve said that people equate Queens with Archie Bunker. But of course, that wasn\u2019t the case \u2013 there\u2019s always been all sorts of people who live and work here with varying degrees of interests, opinions, mindsets, politics and backgrounds. And these days, I\u2019m not sure if many people would understand the reference to Archie Bunker, so clearly, I\u2019m showing my age!<\/p>\n

Another thing I never thought of until we decided to move here in the mid\/late 1990s was the perception of some people in other boroughs that Queens is far away and inaccessible. I recall Mitch\u2019s aunt, Brooklyn-born and bred, nearly falling over when we said we were moving here \u2013 until I pointed out that we were only a few miles farther away than our Brooklyn apartment at the time.<\/p>\n

Similarly, a friend who lived in Manhattan commented that he probably wouldn\u2019t see us too much anymore once we moved. Until he took the subway here and realized that it\u2019s not far or hard to reach! Of course, these days, given how Queens has become more popular and populated, I think this perception has diminished.<\/p>\n

QNS: What makes Queens such a unique place for artists, creators and entrepreneurs?\n<\/p>\n

SR: This probably isn\u2019t surprising, but it\u2019s the diversity. I think when you have all sorts of cultures and people coming together, it creates some neat stuff. In terms of entrepreneurs, I\u2019d really have to give a big shout-out to the Queens Economic Development Corporation. They have incredible programs and are a great help to both prospective businesses and those still growing.<\/p>\n

Mitch Zykofsky
\n\"\"<\/a>Mitch Zykofsky. Photo courtesy of Mitch Zykofsky and Shari Romar<\/p>\n

QNS: What about Queens inspires and excites you?<\/p>\n

MZ: I find the history of Queens to be an ever-unfolding tale of discovery. From the (George) Washington Spy Trail<\/a> to the story of the Flushing River, to an ash heap that became Queens Botanical Garden \u2013 and these are just a few examples. As far as what excites me, all I can say is \u2018Let\u2019s Go Mets!\u2019<\/p>\n

QNS: Why is your neighborhood special?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: Forest Hills is a mixture of old-world charm and modern style. Walking through Forest Hills Gardens<\/a> is a bit of a time machine. As you get off the LIRR at Station Square, you have the same view that President Teddy Roosevelt did when he stepped off that train. Then there\u2019s the tennis stadium<\/a>, home of the U.S. Open for many years and where the Beatles, The Who and countless other musicians have performed \u2013 and still do.<\/p>\n

QNS: What achievements in your career as a police officer are you most proud of?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: Just going to work every day to do the best I could for the people of NYC. It was amazing in its own way!\n<\/p>\n

QNS: When did you start making music and performing?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: I first picked up the electric bass guitar in about 1975. After learning how to play, it was off to the downtown music clubs of the time.\n<\/p>\n

QNS: Where have you performed around NYC?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: I play in a band, Pin Ups, and our style is that of the 1960s \u201cMod\u201d\u2028 music scene \u2013 a very British thing. We\u2019ve played at several venues, mostly in the East Village and the Lower East Side. Playing in a band is great fun, exciting and transports you away from your worries and cares.<\/p>\n

QNS: Who are your biggest musical influences?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: The music of the Who, the Small Faces and the Kinks come to my mind, but I can\u2019t leave out the great blues artists, such as Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and John Mayall. The list goes on and on.<\/p>\n

QNS: What made you decide to join the NYPD?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: One day, I saw some police officers responding to an emergency call in lower Manhattan, and it just hit me \u2013 that looks like something very meaningful to be a part of.\n<\/p>\n

QNS: What was a typical shift like?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: As clich\u00e9d as it might sound, there was no such thing as a \u201ctypical day\u201d \u2013 there were so many variables to take into account, making every tour different. Some days, the 911 calls were so numerous that you didn\u2019t have time for a meal; other days were slow.<\/p>\n

QNS: What do people misunderstand most about being a NYPD officer?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: That police officers are just people, with a hard job to do. Believe me, nobody wants to arrest someone, but there are times it must be done.\n<\/p>\n

QNS: What kinds of situations were the most difficult to handle?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: The most difficult, dangerous and unpredictable jobs were domestic disputes.\n<\/p>\n

QNS: What helps build trust between police and residents?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: An understanding that we all want the same thing: safety, respect and to be able to go home to your family when work is done.\n<\/p>\n

QNS: What is one thing you wish the public understood about NYPD officers?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: That we are people and come mainly from the city we serve.\n<\/p>\n

QNS: What is the biggest lesson you took away from your career?\n<\/p>\n

MZ: Respect and kindness go a long way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"There are 8.5 million stories in New York City and close to 2.4 million stories in the second-most…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":360943,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[134113,9,24,63,122,124,123,134114,134115],"class_list":["post-360942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-queens","tag-mitch-zykofsky","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-queens","tag-queens-headlines","tag-queens-news","tag-queens-out-of-doors","tag-shari-romar"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360942","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=360942"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360942\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360943"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=360942"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=360942"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=360942"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}