TheBronxRocks.com

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!!

 Nothing to be melancholy about here. The former opulent Grand Concourse Plaza Hotel, built in the twenties, is now a very well run home for the elderly.  Rumor has it that with all the development going on around the area, the City and/or developers approached the current owners about buying the property with the intention of returning it to its former state - a luxury hotel.  “No deal”, was the answer they got.  Can we all not agree - those folks are living in some seriously glorious digs!

The formerly opulent and majestic Loew’s Paradise Theatre (recently restored), sitting seemingly forlorn on the Grand Concourse. Can’t you just imagine this place in its heyday!  And though from the outside, it looks like it has seen better days, I bet when the curtains goes up, it is just as mesmerizing as it was when it opened in 1929. For more information, please visit here to read my article on The Boogiedowner Blog - ”Treasures of the Grand Concourse”. 

I cannot wait to get inside.    (Picture courtesy of the NY Times…)

Horace Ginsbern's Art Deco Building

Tags: Deco Architecture, Horace Ginsbern, The Fish House
Posted in BRONX ARCHITECTURE, BRONX ART and CULTURE, SOBRO | 1 Comment »