The New York Daily News called me to say they wanted to meet with me.
I thought it was a prank.
It wasn’t.
If I really thought that the Daily News was coming over, I would have done my hair and dieted!
The link below shows a pic is of me and a client as I am preparing her for a skin care treatment.
![](http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l246/ExecutiveClearance/ArleneRBatzShireenNelsonalg_breier_.jpg)
Arlene R. Batz, of Breier Hair Removal and Skin Care in Briarwood, Queens, tends to Shireen Nelson, a patient at Breier’s for the last three years.
Briarwood, named in the early 1900s after the Briarwood Land Co., is a lesser-known Queens neighborhood often mistaken for Jamaica because of its location.
The area’s large international population gives it a variety of locally owned businesses that offer great savings. Parking can be scarce, but you can take the E or the F train to the Briarwood-Van Wyck Blvd. station to catch some great neighborhood deals.
[b]SKIN CARE: Breier Hair Removal & Skin Care, 85-15 Main St., Suite 9-N; (718) 206-2744
In Briarwood for 21 years, Breier specializes in electrolysis, skin care and massage. Owner Arlene Batz believes that electrolysis hair removal, as opposed to laser hair removal, is the safer and better option, and says Breier offers affordable prices for all skin care needs. Electrolysis begins at $30 for 15 minutes. A list of prices and services can be found at the Web sitewww.breierhairremovalandskincare.com.[/b]
HAIR: Purple Star, Inc.,138-45 Queens Blvd.; (718) 739-8690
Purple Star is Briarwood’s friendly local beauty parlor, and has been for about 25 years. If you’re looking for a place with quality service and a family-like atmosphere, this is your stop.
Wash and blow-dry specials begin at $18 and vary depending on hair length, and you can add a haircut to your salon visit for a total of $21.
DINER: The Flagship Diner, 138-30 Queens Blvd.; (718) 297-7494
The Flagship is a family-owned Greek diner that has been in the neighborhood for 30 years. In the middle of busy Queens Blvd., Flagship is a good stop for families or a person on the go looking for classic diner food.
In keeping with many local diner prices, many meals begin at $8 for items such as burgers and omelets.
INDIAN FOOD: Taj Mahal, 148-01 Hillside Ave.; (718) 297-2201
One Taj Mahal customer called the restaurant’s food “the best in Queens.” Whether you agree or not, the popular neighborhood spot does offer some great deals. With classic Indian favorites such as tandoori chicken starting at $6, the prices can’t be beat.
BAKERY: Pane Dolce, 137-67 Queens Blvd.; (718) 526-4407
This timeless Italian bakery was the one Briarwood locals immediately recommended trying for their quality baked goods and affordable prices. As soon as you walk in, you are hit with the unmistakable scent of a neighborhood bakery. With the large black-and-white cookies for $1.25 each and cakes starting at $16, it won’t cost you much to satisfy that deal-seeking sweet tooth.
BARBER: Albert’s Barber Shop,83-32 Parsons Blvd.; (718) 206-9536
Just as women need a good local beauty shop, men need a friendly barbershop when it’s time for a haircut. Albert’s offers just that in addition to speedy quality service. Stop in for a haircut for $12.
NAILS: J F Nail Salon, 84-48 Manton St.; (718) 558-8939
When you’re looking for the classic, affordable Queens nail shop, J F Nail Salon is the place to go in Briarwood. It offers various specials on different days of the week for nails and eyebrows, but the best combination is the manicure and pedicure for $17.
VEGETARIAN: The Panoramaof My Silence-Heart Café, 84-73 Parsons Blvd.; (718) 526-0723
This unexpected gem, more commonly known simply as Panorama Café, can be found in the middle of a Briarwood residential area. In addition to staple drinks, such as a coffee to go for $1, the cafe specializes in vegan foods. All “meats” are made with soy. Owner Ketan Goldman recommends the popular $5.95 chicken Caesar salad, or the lunch special of a sandwich with soup or salad for $5.95. Stick around in the evenings to catch live music and poetry readings in a contemporary atmosphere.
(Arlene’s paragraph appeared here, but we moved it to the top for our purposes)
PIZZA: Alba Pizzeria, 137-65 Queens Blvd.; (718) 291-1620
Alba Pizzeria has eat-in dining and a large Italian menu that includes dishes such as eggplant Parmesan and penne with vodka sauce. Owner Paul Virdone said people in the neighborhood like nothing better than the regular traditional cheese pizza. Pop in for a slice for $2.25 or grab a large pie for $13.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2010/01/19/2010-01-19_savings_in_queens_the_best_bests_in_briarwood_deals.html#ixzz0d9YhRAg2