ama, a new restaurant tapping into traditions from around the world, is now open within co-living pioneer The Collective’s first U.S. location—The Collective Paper Factory—located in the heart of Long Island City, Queens. Situated in the former paper factory, ama pays tribute to the local community in Queens, bordering Astoria, a neighborhood known for its rich history and culinary diversity.
ama is a name used across multiple cultures to signify “mother.” Offering an all-day dining experience, Executive Chef Randall DeFalco, formerly of The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center, brings his formal training and international knowledge to introduce a seasonal menu utilizing global flavors.
Designed by interior design studio K&Co, the restaurant is located in The Hub (lobby) of Paper Factory, which has been reimagined as a stomping ground for the neighborhood. An open layout located in the newly renovated ground floor, ama pays homage to the space’s original architecture as an industrial building while adding warmth and texture through the use of natural wood, brass accents, and soft tones. The versatile space features seating from intimate booths to dining tables for larger gatherings. Located on the opposite side is the bar, which features the original concrete complemented by greenery, additional dining seating, and pendant fixtures.
The restaurant connects to an outdoor courtyard, a seasonal extension of ama with signature cocktails, casual seating, and games. Guests are encouraged to move between the spaces freely, deepening the connection between indoors and outdoors to offer a multitude of eating experiences. The variety of spaces furthers The Collective’s brand ethos to create meaningful public spaces to foster different types of social interaction.
“Long Island City is an eclectic community with an undeniable energy,” said The Collective’s Head of U.S. Operations, Joseph Turano. “Each of our locations around the world will have a standalone food and beverage concept that will serve as a destination and gathering point for our members, the local community and visitors from all over the world. We see ama at the center of The Collective Paper Factory’s action, serving as a place to meet any time of the day.”
Breakfast and brunch include a “market table” concept with diverse offerings where guests can create their own plates or order directly from the menu a la carte. On weekends, guests can opt for a bottomless brunch with a choice of unlimited mimosas, bellinis and bloody mary’s for 1.5 hours. Notable dishes include Early Bird Grain Bowl with ancient grains, grapefruit, bok choy, edamame and seeded crunch; Baked Free Range Eggs a red pepper shakshuka, spiced tomato, and feta with grilled country loaf; and Frittata & Pesto with smoked ham, leek, and gruyere. Highlight dishes during brunch include Crispy French Fries with runny egg, bacon, cheese curds, and sausage gravy; a signature Burger with a double brisket patty, caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, toasted brioche, and crispy fries; and Brioche French Toast with pecan praline, caramelized banana, and bourbon whipped cream.
ama features themed carts inspired by traditional dim sum carts that alternate depending on the day and meal. Options include a Seafood Cart with oysters, clams, ceviche, salmon poke, and crudos; Dessert Cart with warm cookies and bourbon spiked milk, chocolate dipped honeycomb, ice cream, and sorbet; and a Wellness Cart with assorted teas, unwind tonics, veggie crudite and build-your-own smoothies.
“Queens is the most culturally diverse borough in New York City,” said DeFalco, “I wanted to create a menu that brings together different culinary traditions in a setting that feels like a home away from home.”
Global influences are evident from plate to palate with a dinner menu featuring a mix of signature and classic dishes in addition to rotating Family Style dishes for larger gatherings and moments. Standouts include Grilled Branzino with za’atar spiced tabbouleh, chickpeas, bell pepper, cucumber and herbed lemon vin; Pan Roasted Amish Chicken with herbed spatzle, roasted spring carrots, creamy fennel, snow peas and pea shoots; to larger family style dishes such as Bo Ssam Style BBQ Pork Shoulder with baby lettuce heads, steamed forbidden rice, spiced scallion slaw, turnip top kimchi and assorted pickles; and Southern Fried Chicken with garlic mash potatoes, wilted spinach, macaroni salad, gravy and buttermilk biscuits.
Guests can sip on wine and beer in addition to signature cocktails including the Paper Factory Spritz with aperol, belvedere, strawberry-rhubarb and ginger beer; Peat Fire Old Fashioned with Dewar’s White Label, Benedictine, The du Hammam Tea and St. Germain Orange Blossom Rinse; and the Spicy Mezcal with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Carrot, Ginger and Beet.
ama is located at The Collective Paper Factory in Long Island City, Queens at 37-06 36th Street.
Open for breakfast Mondays through Fridays from 7-10 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner is available Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5:30-11 p.m. and Sunday through Monday from 5:30-10 p.m. On the weekends, breakfast can be enjoyed from 7-10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. for brunch and a full market table.
