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THE BRONX CULTURE TROLLEY - SOUTH BRONX

My friend Karen and I hopped aboard the Bronx Trolley this past Wednesday for a great little urban adventure – a foray into the cultural hot spots of the South Bronx. The Bronx Council of the Arts‘ hospitality was in full force at their reception held at Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos College.  Cheese platters, crudités and wine were served in abundance and the works of art by Samuel Lind and Raul Ayala on display were a pleasant surprise.  Once aboard the trolley, we rode down the Grand Concourse for a spin, dropped fellow passengers off at the Bronx Museum and then continued to travel East into Mott Haven where we eventually hopped off for visits to The Bronx Blue Bedroom Project, the Bronx Museum Project Space, Haven Arts Gallery and The Bruckner Gallery at the Bruckner Bar and Grill (with martinis and sushi at the Gallery Lounge along the way!).  Fellow passengers were from many parts of the City and were all in great spirits (the free flowing wine at each event didn’t hurt of course!)

See posts below for photos of all of these wonderful South Bronx must-sees. The Trolley rolls through various Bronx neighborhoods every First Wednesday – I highly suggest you give the next one a try!  

(My friend Karen up from Manhattan to visit the South Bronx)

Blanka Amezkua immediately reminded me of an artist channeling the spirit of the great Frida Kahlo. I had the good fortune to make a pilgrimage to Kahlo’s home in Mexico City (Casa Azul) years ago, and Blanka’s Bronx Blue Bedroom Project had the same feeling of the artist’s living space becoming an intertwining extention of the art and artist herself. The idea behind the BBBP is to showcase a different artist every month – giving them the run of her Tiffany-box blue bedroom as a gallery. They in turn bring dinner, snacks and drinks for the guests who show up.  The artist this past Wednesday was the delightful Melissa Calderon.  (Send me those pics, Melissa!) But Blanka’s own work is definitely worth a visit in and of itself.  How often do you see in one collection a sculptural collage made entirely of multi-colored pipe cleaners, a figure made of several disparate and seemingly tortured doll parts and a framed thorned brassiere?!? 

I highly suggest you visit this unique artist’s home, studio and gallery – I promise it will bring out the inner-bohemian in all of you!

 (Following photos courtesy of Blanka’s Website)

BRONX MUSEUM PROJECT SPACE - Stop on the Bronx Cultural Trolley Tour
Mott Haven, South Bronx

After Blanka’s Bronx Blue Bedroom Project, we meandered down the streets of Mott Haven and ventured into The Bronx Musuem Project Space, filled with art that was definitely my cup of tea – I mean the first thing I saw upon entering was a painting definitely worth a thousand words - George Bush in Mickey Mouse ears.  Now THAT had me at Hello!

          HAVEN ARTS, Stop on the Bronx Trolley Tour
Mott Haven, South Bronx(Reposted from an earlier entry): Located right around the corner from Alexander’s Cafe and across the street from what used to be (sigh!) Antique Row, sits Haven Arts - a gallery I’ve been meaning to check out for quite some time. On exhibit now is Men on Maps - a unique idea whereby 40 male artists use NYC subway maps as their “blank canvas” and inspiration.  Pretty cool stuff! Check out their website for upcoming events and exhibits. Thanks J.C. for your hospitality! I hope you continue to flourish!

BRUCKNER GALLERY - Stop on the Bronx Trolley Tour
MOTT HAVEN, SOUTH BRONX

Actually, the last stop was at Sweetwater Bar & Grill, but by the time we reached the Bruckner Bar and Grill, the martinis, wine and high heel shoes had taken a toll and all we wanted to do was sit, pig out and people watch at this South Bronx institution.  Great music, yummy food and a fun crowd was the perfect way to end this great SoBro evening. (See Sobro! (Part 2) for another post on The Bruckner Bar & Grill)

(Photo courtesy of Elle Perez)

MOTT HAVEN - SoBro

For all you young and hip underground rock fans - here’s a SAVE THE DATE for you:

A REVOLUTION! Party - Friday, September 26th at  Bruckner’s Bar & Grill

Connected with the same group that brought you the Bronx Underground (NSFW), Revolution! has finally brought the dance party scene to the South Bronx! Here’s what one of the organizers, Anita Colby, has to say: “Produced by a collective of Bronx native musicians and artists with a vision to mix live bands, art, nightlife and Bronx authenticity; the Revolution! Party exploded onto the scene this July”.  And yes, Anita, we agree with you when you say that “The Bronx is burnin’ indeed!” She also says that this will be a monthly event at the Bruckner Bar & Grill! We think that’s great news for Mott Haven (and, of course, the Bronx in general)! You not only get great music, a fresh and hip party scene, but you get Bronx prices as well - A $7 cover and $3 shots! Show me any where else in NYC where you are going to find that combination! Yeah- I didn’t think so!

Take a listen to a few past and present acts from a Revolution Party: Fire and Reason, The Scene,
Kissy Kamikaze, and William Control. (NSFW)

Photos by Elle Perez from Revolution!’s last event:

Malikka Style

THE BRONX EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Horses in the Bronx?!?! Shut Up! That’s exactly what I said when I passed the BEC on my way to City Island a while back.  Located on Shore road next to the Pelham Split Rock Golf Course and surrounded by the beautiful woods of Pelham Bay Park, this equestrian facility will take you out on the trails, give you lessons, offer your little ones pony rides and even board your horses. An hour ride through the woods is a mere $30, and I popped for an additional $10 to take a lesson just to be able to get up to a trot and cantor. It is a wonderful way to spend the day (especially with kids as the families below can attest to!)

Isn’t there just SOMETHING about little girls and horses!

The family below was up from Manhattan for lessons.   And all I can say about the little boy on the horse is….awwww!!!!

ORVILLE DAVIS - BRONX EQUESTRIAN CENTER

I had the pleasure of walking by the Bronx Equestrian Center a few weekends ago while on my way to visit the Bartow-Pell Mansion (see post below) and having a great conversation with Orville Davis, a bad-ass rockin’ country musician who’s called NYC home for 20 years.  Orville moonlights at the BEC as a horseback riding guide.  Check out his sound, y’all! Having ties to the great state of Tennessee, I love this music!!!!  (Several of his songs are already on my iPod - so check him out on iTunes!) Orville also hosts the Open Mic night Monday’s at Keenan’s Piano Lounge in Inwood/Washington Heights.  

And for more on the Bronx Equestrian Center, stay tuned - I plan on another visit soon to get on a horse and go exploring through the beautiful wooded trails that surround the stables.

(Photo courtesy of Orville’s website)

THE BARTOW PELL MANSION MUSEUM - THE BRONX (Near City Island)

Visiting this 1836 historic country mansion is such a wonderful way to spend a weekend afternoon. Architecture, antique and history buffs will be delighted at what this Greek Revival home (with wonderful touches of Federal Style) has to offer.  (Be sure to visit their website for a beautiful slide show, directions and to find out when the hour-long tours are scheduled.)  Afterwards, feel free to enjoy the beautiful grounds complete with koi pond and cherub fountain. And then perhaps head on over to City Island for your seafood fix!

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…)

THE BRONX ZOO
Photos courtesy of The Bronx Zoo