"A grassroots effort is taking shape to save owner and chef Alfonso Zhicay’s award-winning Casa del Chef Bistro in Woodside, Queens, from closing. To navigate ongoing staff shortages and supply chain disruptions, Zhicay has eliminated his a la carte menu, and on Wednesday, is debuting a new, flexible tasting menu-only approach based on ingredient availability. To support the struggling spot, Drew Kerr, founder of the photography-based Queens Chef Project, is helping Zhicay create gift cards, and is calling for diners to join them for dinner at the restaurant this Wednesday at 7 p.m. The tasting menu — a choice of $49 for three courses and $69 for six courses — includes steamed fluke with horseradish ragu and fried parsnips, short ribs braised in tamarind and red wine for twelve hours, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian substitutes." - Erika Adams
