TheBronxRocks.com

NEW YORK SPORTS CLUB COMES TO THE BRONX - Parkchester

Readers will now be aware of the fact that even though I have lived in the Bronx for almost two years, it wasn’t until I started TheBronxRocks that I learned of many of the great attractions this borough has to offer. I’ve discovered restaurants just blocks away that I never knew existed and now I have to clue you into yet another TREAT I came across just two weeks ago.  New York Sports Club!!!!  (Behind Sizzler on Bronxdale Avenue).  $69.95 per month will give you access to this brand nearly spanking new club (only 1 year old) with a pool, sauna, smoothie bar, lounge, babysitting service and several studios for classes and world class equipment (including cardio machines that come with their own personal TV screens!).   The times that I have been there, the place has never been crowded and I’ve never had to wait for anything (not so at the clubs in Manhattan).  

See you in Spin Class!

Yes, Sangrias…and great Mexican food!!! You have NO IDEA how fired I am about finding fresh and AUTHENTIC Mexican food right around the corner from my apartment! Growing up in Southern California, I crave this cuisine just about every other week and the many Dominican and Criolle eateries to be found in the Bronx just don’t always do it for me.  (Even in Manhattan, great Mexican cuisine is hard to come by). Taqueria Tlaxcalli (run by a former Mexico City resident - Mauricio), therefore is to die for.  And by the customers packing the place tonight, I’m obviously not the only one who believes they’ve just discovered a little slice of Heaven!  (Read some other favorable reviews here.) And pssst….don’t pass up the fabulous Sangrias!

 Judy (Go Fordham!) and Howard - Regulars at Tlaxcalli

Owner Mauricio - on the right - and his very talented kitchen staff.

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)