The Kickshaw, derived from the French word quelque-chose meaning a tidbit or delicacy, has a minimalistic design incorporating exposed wires, pipes, and a time-honored brick wall. The use of wood siding from a water tower, salvaged tin ceiling panels, weathering steel table tops, and various mementos sweeten the stripped down aesthetic. Sandler and Lim believe that everything in their space has a purpose; each element speaks for itself and should be appreciated in its use. The space includes a sizable, square table made from recycled wooden planks that Sandler and EcoSystems co-founder Matt Tyson pulled from a dumpster at a construction site. When asked why the Kickshaw was designed with a green aesthetic, Tyson replied, “Why green? Why waste?”
After cruising through the front of the shop and past the long wooden bar, complete with a La Marzocco Strada coffee machine (for the coffee geeks), customers find their way into a cozy back room reminiscent of an old Irish pub. Aimed at pulverizing the awkward feeling of asking to sit at a small table with a stranger, a lengthy “community table” can be found with a few smaller tables along the wall. The 20-seat table is a “world mix” made from at least 15 types of hardwood shipping pallets from around the world. As a nod to the community, Matt describes it as being “as diverse as the people it will bring to it.”
The Queens Kickshaw will serve coffee from Coffee Lab Roasters, pastries from Balthazar, and specialty grilled cheese sandwiches like fontina with marinated mushrooms and basil pesto on focaccia. Sandler and Lim also have plans to expand the beverage offerings to include seasonal beers and wines.
The Queens Kickshaw
40-17 Broadway
Astoria, NY 11103
Mon – Fri: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Sat – Sun: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Images © Leonel Ponce
