Local Legend: Anita Flores Never Forgets Her Astoria Diner Roots

ASTORIA, QUEENS — Comedian Anita Flores met her first love in Astoria: the egg sandwiches at Neptune Diner, around the corner from where she grew up.

As the host of monthly comedy show "Party of Two" and the podcast "I'm Listening," Flores is always on the lookout for diverse talent to feature. It's a mindset that she says comes from her upbringing in the diverse neighborhood of Astoria.

The Latina-Jewish comedian has produced and starred in videos for Buzzfeed, Univision and Pride.com and is on tour with the comedy show Awkward Sex and the City.

Her podcast explores themes and pivotal moments from the hit television show "Frasier," with such guests stars as "Broad City" star Eliot Glazer and Rachel Bloom of the show "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."

Flores may now live in Borough Park, Brooklyn, but Astoria's influence still sticks with her.

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Patch talked to Flores as part of our Local Legends series, where we interview iconic New Yorkers about the neighborhoods they call home.

Here's what she had to say about Astoria.

Describe Astoria in three words.

Delicious, familial, original.

What was the best part about growing up in Astoria?

My earliest memory of Astoria is frequently eating at a diner owned by a Greek family [Neptune Diner] around the corner from where I grew up. I really enjoyed going there because it's when I realized the joy of being "a regular." As an only child of parents that didn't really cook — I still love you, mom and dad! — it was nice to feel like I was part of an extended family that provided me with delicious egg sandwiches.

What spot do you wish still existed in Astoria?

Rizzo's Italian Village, which I believe closed in 2011.

How does Astoria influence your work?

I believe the early exposure I had to such a unique community of people in Astoria has influenced me to always be on the lookout for diverse talent when I'm booking my monthly comedy show and podcast. Also, I think my egg sandwich cravings come from the diner in Astoria!

How did growing up in Astoria influence you?

Being born into such a diverse borough affected me in a way I didn't realize until I was older.

I lived in Astoria until I was 7 years old, then my parents and I moved to West Hartford, Connecticut, where my mom’s parents lived. I ended up moving back to New York to attend Brooklyn College and I've been back in New York for almost 12 years now.

It's taken me a long time, but I think I finally understand why I never felt like I belonged anywhere else but NYC.

My high school and college experiences in New England were extremely white. Growing up in a suburb felt like a bubble, a bubble where I no longer had access to diverse communities and more reliable public transportation.

The desire to be a part of a diverse community all started for me in Astoria.

This interview was lightly edited for style.