The name of the restaurant says it all . . . I LOVE PARAGUAY.  Me too!!  As New York's only Paraguayan restaurant, (located on a quiet street in Sunnyside, Queens) it won my heart for its cozy atmosphere, warm service, and hearty "interesting" first time ever-tried food items.

Chipa Guaza one of the most traditional dishes of Paraguayan cuisine. It is part quiche part souffle packed with creamy Muester cheese and large kernels of corn. There is a fascinating story involving this dish and 19th Century politics.  I encourage you to ask the manager Fabrico Ojeda to tell you it.

Wow, mama, what a feed! This is not just a cheeseburger, but is called the "De Lomito I LOVE PARAGUAY Sandwich." Take a close look at this artery buster - Filet mignon steak, lettuce and tomato, and a fried egg underneath, with a mountain of french fries. Messy yes, but very yummy!

I LOVE PARAGUAY is a family run restaurant. On the right is the manager Fabrico Ojeda. His mother Nancy is the head-chef and she with her husband Carlos have owned the restaurant for eight years. To the left is Carlos, the primary cook. The family is from Paraguay's capital city Asoncion. Fabrico is gregarious and more than pleased to discuss Paraguay's culture as well and the cuisine.

I LOVE PARAGUAY has several good hearty soups, and feature one each day. On the Monday I visited I had "Lorco" soup (white corn with beef in a tomato base.)

Mbeju is an ancient Paraguayan food of round cheesy bread. The texture is chewy and has a slight burnt edge to it. The word "Mbeju" is from the indigenous Guarani language which was spoken one thousand years before the Spanish arrived. The language is alive and well today, as five million of the total population of seven million have the ability to speak it in Paraguay. 

With large wooden beams, the cozy restaurant seating about forty takes on a slight feel of a Swiss chalet. The walls display large images of the best of nature and and ancient ruins of Paraguay.

Guarni (Paraguay's indigenous) language lesson - "Hello"  (Mba eichap)   "Thank you"  (Aguije)

Interesting fact about Paraguay - In December 2013, Paraguay became the world's first country to legalize the marijuana trade.

Address - 43-16 Greenpoint Avenue Sunnyside (Queens)