From mozzarella to masa, the itinerary below explores the past and present of south Corona, Queens.

*from left to right: al pastor, barbacoa and pescado tacos, some of the kitchen's best*

Emblematic of the neighborhood's evolution from an historically Italian enclave to a now predominantly Hispanic community, a small tortilla factory has become a major dining destination in Corona.

Using an ancient Mesoamerican process from which the venue derives its name, Tortilleria Nixtamal produces fresh masa, the corn dough used to make tortillas and tamales, which it then distributes to many of the top Mexican restaurants in New York. An excellent restaurant itself, the kitchen at Tortilleria Nixtamal makes the most of its in-house tortilla operation by putting out some of the city's best tacos, drawing in diners from far off neighborhoods to try them.

As a result, the colorful and kitchy restaurant gets pretty packed for dinner, so lunchtime is a better bet to avoid a long wait.

STOP 2: LEO'S LATTICINI (1:00PM)

Affectionately known as Mama's, Leo's Latticini is an old-school Italian deli and specialty store serving sandwiches, pastas and its famous fresh mozzarella, made daily on-site. Mama's is another Corona eatery that has come into prominence among young instagramming gastronomes, with many swinging by for the "Mama's Special," a massive hero sandwich stacked with layers of prosciuttini, salami and, of course, the mozz. Finished with mushrooms and peppers (your choice of hot or sweet) and priced at just $8.00, it's a steal.

Since you just had a taco lunch, pack the sandwich away for now; you'll be eating it later. Move next door to Mama's Cafe, where you can enjoy some cannoli and other Italian sweets in the backyard (if you're feeling extra gluttonous, you're welcome to sample your sandwich back there as well). Be sure to grab some water before heading off to your next stop.

STOP 3: FLUSHING MEADOWS - CORONA PARK (2:00PM)

Walk off all that pork and pastry and spend some time in the largest park in Queens. Famously the site of two World's Fairs, Flushing Meadows is a sprawling green space with tons to do.

For the athletically inclined, there are many courts, fields and pitches to play your favorite sport (even cricket). Or, you can rent a Cruiser to explore the park's over 800 acres of land. After your ride, relax at Meadow Lake, a nice spot to sit and eat (finish) that sandwich you brought with you and where you can rent pedal boats and kayaks by the hour.

If you want to head indoors, check out the Queens Museum, featuring rotating contemporary art exhibits and a unique permanent collection. Highlights include a gallery of stunning antique Tiffany lamps, a floor dedicated to artifacts from the World's Fair, and the Panorama of the City of New York, a massive scale model of the entire city.

STOP 4: EMPANADAS CAFE (6:00PM)

Head back across the highway to Empanadas Cafe, a diminutive take out counter serving fantastic empanadas. Select from almost thirty fillings in a choice of white flour, corn flour or whole grain shells. There are a few seats inside and some benches lining the white picket fences out front, but you won't need those. Get the empanadas to go and head to your next stop.

Pro tip: The turkey and cheese variety is a must order.

STOP 5: WILLIAM F. MOORE PARK & THE LEMON ICE KING OF CORONA (6:30PM)

Also known as "Spaghetti Park," a vestige of Corona's Italian heritage, this public gathering space is a perfect spot to enjoy your empanadas.

At the center of the park is a grand bocce court, home turf of the 2014 NYC Parks Bocce Tournament champions, an achievement prominently displayed on a banner hanging at one end. On summer evenings, longtime neighborhood residents, mostly men pretty well past their prime, gather to play bocce late into the night under the string lights hanging above the court. Spectators assume their usual seats on the park benches to watch this endearing remnant of the neighborhood's history.

For dessert, make a pit stop at The Lemon Ice King of Corona, just across the street from the park. For over sixty years, the lemon ice served by the Benfaremo family has been the gold standard of Italian ice. There are almost forty other flavors to choose from, many of them using actual fruit. But, the purists that they are, the folks at this ice stand won't combine flavors; they enforce a strict one ice per dixie cup policy. If you want to sample several flavors, you may be double fisting your frozen treats as you head back over to the park for the rest of your evening.

RECAP:

Tortilleria Nixtamal: A tortilla factory cum taqueria making fresh masa utilizing ancient techniques. Great tacos.
Leo's Latticini- Old Italian delicatessen famous for its fresh, house-made mozzarella and massive sandwiches.
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park:The largest park in Queens, site of two World's Fairs, the Queens Museum and tons of outdoor activities.
Empanadas Cafe: Tiny take out operation serving an extensive variety of terrific empanadas.
William F. Moore Park: Central neighborhood park with a bocce court where old-timers gather in the evenings to play.
Lemon Ice King of Corona: The best Italian ice.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

-Tortilleria Nixtamal is located at 104-05 47th Avenue. Leo's Latticini is located at 46-02 104th Street. Empanadas Cafe is located at 56-27 Van Doren Street. The Lemon Ice King of Corona is located at 52-02 108th Street.

-Total Cost: About $75 per person for food and drink at all dining locations, Queens Museum admission, boat and bike rentals. Tax and tip included.

-Leo's Latticini is open from 10:00am-4:00pm Tuesday-Saturady. With its growing celebrity over the years, Mama's has had to churn out so many "Mama's Specials" that they are now prepared in advance, the toppings spooned on at the time of purchase. As you'd expect, loyalists haven't fully embraced this more streamlined operation. If you want a fully bespoke sandwich, order one of the other sandwiches on the menu or just create your own.

-The Queens Museum is pay what you wish with a suggested admission of $8.

-Empanadas Cafe and The Lemon Ice King are cash only.