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The very amiable Alphonso from Rino’s Ristorante (an establishment in business since 1983). As I only had a cappucino (delicious!), I can’t vouch for the food, but judging by the regular patrons - I’m sure the food was just a yummy as the service was friendly.

 And since I’m such a sucker for those “Awww….” moments, I just had to interrupt this father and son game of catch to snap their photos.  As are most every Bronxite I come across for TheBronxRocks, they were very willing and happy to pose.  Thanks guys!

 

Just a few members of Joe’s friendly staff! Thanks guys for a great evening!

Exhausted after horsebackriding, I ventured in to a couple of places that I have often passed on my way to City Island or Pelham Bay Park - Villa Barone Ristorante and Sophie’s Diner (both located adjacent to the Pelham Bay subway stop). These two places are favorites with locals, but are also worth a bus or subway ride if you are in the mood to check out a new place (and then maybe walk across the street to the park to walk off the wine, pasta or burger!)

First, Villa Barone.  What a treat - great food (I had a delicious Fettucine in a white clam sauce), friendly service and great conversations with locals who are die-hard regulars here.

Anthony, Eddie and Roy provide diners with superb service!

I overheard these guys talking about The Bronx back “in the day” and I just had to stop by and say hello.  Frank and Louise Santucci (married for 61 years!) on the right, and Frank’s brother Frank (yep!), his Finnish wife Torborg and their son, Vincent were all so wonderful and friendly I could’ve spent hours listening to their tales and knowledge of Bronx history. They are true Bronxites to the core! Thanks guys! And thanks to the two Franks for their service to our country; both are veterans of World War II, but sadly were sent to fight against their homeland - Italy.  Ah, the stories of our elder generations…

And if you ever need to book a room for a private affair, check out the back room at the Villa Barone!

Now for Sophie’s Diner. After Villa Barone, I went looking for a cappucino and found the perfect place.   Mary Raffa owns Sophie’s (and all it’s fab 50’s decor) after buying it from her former employer - the owner of The Station Diner. (Mary used to waitress at The Station 20 years ago!) And the name of the restaurant? Well, check out the photo below.  Behind Mary is her neice named (you guessed it) - Sophie.  

Willie’s Steak House - Parkchester  (Live Music Wednesdays and Fridays!)

Just a few minutes walk from my apartment in Parkchester is Willie’s Steak House, a Zagat-rated restaurant that not only serves up fabulous criollo cuisine, juicy steaks and a variety of seafood dishes that have patrons coming from as far away as Manhattan, New Jersey and Connecticut but it’s also an establishment famous for showcasing top talent in the Latin Jazz arena.  Tito Puente I’m told was a regular here and called Willie’s his “home away from home”.  I spoke to the very hospitable owner, Dan Ortiz (pictured below), and learned that Wednesday and Friday nights are a jazz lovers dream.  Also very informative was the incomparible Miquel Martillo (pictured below with Ava out back in the garden patio) - a true afficianado of every type of Latino music! Check out his very impressive website!  (This guy knows his stuff!) Percussionist and composer Annette Anguilar and her Stringbeans were playing tonight and what a great treat they were! This woman ROCKED those drums, ya’ll! (Check out her appearance in this Infiniti commercial!) The steaks were delicious, the music superb and the fun and energetic vibe made for a combination that will have me coming back as a regular! Next Wednesday night - You’ll know where to find me! 
(Also, check out my write up of Willie’s over at The BoogieDowner)

PARKCHESTER

Not many places in the Bronx where you can get all three at one shot, folks - not all within walking distance!

But you CAN find it all here (and more) in Parkchester!.  This city-within-a-city is becoming quite the hub and destination spot for the East Bronx - with people coming in from other communities to take advantage of the wonderful amenities we have to offer.  Need to do some shopping? Macy’s is right here. (For a comprehensive list of shops, see my Home Sweet Home! post below). Then you can walk over to see a movie at the American.  OK, so it’s not Art House cinema, but for the Bronx - it’s a dream.  Next, stop on in at The Step-In Restaurant (where I had the most delicious Stuffed Shrimp With Crabmeat the other evening).  Be sure to say Hi to George the bartender (pictured) who’s been with the establishment since it opened in the seventies. And if you Karaoke - swing by on a Tuesday evening! After dinner, you can walk a few stores down to Starbucks for your beverage of choice and then head on over to enjoy the beautiful fountain in the Oval, Parkchester’s gathering spot for locals. You will be sure to find room on one of the many benches as well as smiles on the faces of those around you.  When you are all done, you can say that you truly enjoyed a night out on the town - and all without leaving The Bronx! (For more on Parkchester photos, see posts below.)

Mott Haven, South Bronx   Bruckner Bar & Grill and Sweetwater’s Bar & Grill

After the wonderful brunch I had at Alexander’s Cafe (see post below), I mosied on over to two other great Mott Haven establishments for coffee and drinks - the famous, Zagat-rated Bruckner Bar and Grill and Sweetwater’s. First, Bruckner Bar and Grill: great atmosphere, reasonable prices and a fun and always-friendly bartender  (link NSFW due to volume) who’s also a a pretty cool rock-n-roller!! (Who knew?!?) Because I had already eaten, I didn’t sample the food, but what I saw (and smelled!) coming out of the kitchen makes me vow to return quite soon. Oh, and P.S. - the best sighting in SoBro (bar none) was provided at The Bruckner - two nuns, eating burgers…drinking beers…out of the bottle!!! Priceless!

Sweetwater’s was next on my tour of Mott Haven - and what a great little surprise.  The charming bartender Starr, though not the owner or manager, seemed to be the enterprising driving force of the restaurant/bar.  When you stop in, try ordering her very own concoction - The Starr Bright! But be forewarned.  She made one for the photo (see below) and it looked like it would knock you off your you-know-what!!!

Alexander’s Cafe - Mott Haven, South Bronx

A friend of mine living in Mott Haven turned me on to this little gem on Alexander Avenue (at Bruckner Boulevard).  I ventured in for brunch and struck up conversation with fellow diners as well as with Mateo David and Chris Dimitriyadi - the two very friendly owners.  This creative and dynamic duo has created a charming cafe with a wonderful, soothing ambiance and remarkably refreshing customer service. Oh, and the food?  I ordered the Salmon Eggs Benedict and the very first thing I noticed after digging in (besides the overall deliciousness) was the amazing freshness and quality of the ingredients - right down to their freshly baked croissants - served in lieu of English muffins.  Best croissants this side of Paris, I promise you! It is immediately apparent in this age of homogenized and processed food just how much these guys take pride in what they serve to each and every customer.  And for all you beer lovers - stop in and sample a few of their 107 different types of beers!!!

And check out some serious international press for Alexander’s in this London Financial Times article: “Bonfire of an Urban Myth“.  Not too shabby, guys! Keep up the good work.  I will definitetly be back - see you soon! (For more, visit here and read my write-up - ”Culinary Delight in SoBro!”)

Pictured from top: Mateo David and Chris Dimitriyadi - owners; outside shot of Alexanders; patrons Tomas, Alex Abeles and Vered (Alex is the owner of The Bruckner Bar and Grill); and new Bronx visitors Dru and Josue, up from Staten Island to visit friends in the fabulous lofts in The Clocktower.  They secretly confided that they (like many) had some trepidations about venturing into the Bronx.  But after a few minutes here (and a few Mimosas!) they were all smiles.  Yes, guys - you found out in a NY minute that those Bronx myths are so YESTERDAY! It was a pleasure meeting you all! Keep in touch!

Check back tomorrow for posts on The Bruckner Bar and Grill, Sweetwaters and other fun SoBro stuff!!

City Island, The Bronx

  A trip to City Island (yes, IN THE BRONX!!) is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  My friend Ava (who just moved to our borough from Colorado) took time off working on her doctorate (go girl!) to come check out another City Island restaurant with me.  The Sea Shore Restaurant and Marina (around since the twenties!) was a perfect choice - right on the water, outdoor seating offering a cool breeze, wonderful seafood and great prices. Afterwards, we walked around soaking in the quaint, small town atmosphere. Check back here at TheBronxRocks for future posts on the unbelievable diverse architecture of the homes on City Island.

Where to get the best pasta, pizza, Italian sorbet, tiramisu and expresso in the Bronx? Little Italy on Arthur Avenue, of course! (more…)

 My family (mom, niece and nephew pictured) visits and we pig out at The Harbor Restaurant on CITY ISLAND- just a short cab ride from my home in Parkchester.  (more…)