Posts Tagged ‘SOBRO’

04.4
09

Wicked Art!

by Simone ·

BLANKA AMEZKUA, South Bronx

Blanka Amezkua has become one of my favorite Bronx artists, not only for her own highly original and fabulous work but because of her dedication to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming Bronx artists. Once a month, she opens up her home for her Bronx Blue Bedroom Project (see TheBronxRocks post here) featuring a new talent to showcase for the Bronx Trolley Tour.  Below are just a sampling of Blanka’s own work…According to Blanka herself, these embroderies are “depiction of heroines who have been liberated from the stifling territory of pulp fiction into a world where a women’s sexuality is fully eroticized on her own terms”. However you interpret them, I think they just plain ROCK! (Photos of Blanka’s pieces courtesy of Leonidas Alexandropoulos)

Blanka in her South Bronx home/studio 

02.13
09

The Anti SoBro Art Show!

by Simone ·

The Anti SoBro Art Show - LDR Studio Gallery, Mott Haven  (On the Bronx Trolley Tour)

I wish I could show you photos of this show’s curator, Vittorio Ottaviani, because he’s a gorgeous Italian with an exhuberant, infectious personality that is more renegade rockstar than your average struggling artist/entrepreneur. But alas, he prefers to let his fabulous work get all the attention (sorry, Ladies).  This show (I think you get the anti-marketing drift reflected in the name) is a new stop on the Bronx Trolley Tour. (Scroll down for more photos of LDR Studio Gallery -slash-cool artist’s pad).  Six extremely talented emerging artists round out the rest of the group whose work make this show definitely worth catching.  Not sure if they will still be featured the next time the Trolley rolls through the South Bronx, but keep checking Vittorio’s website for further info and to view his other pieces.  (Thanks, Vittorio, for the use of these photos!)   (Above painting by Rich Rethorn)
 
In God We Trust - Vittorio Ottaviani (above)

 James Pernotto (from the SCUD ATTACK series) (above)

Work by David Pochor (above)

  Knowledge is the Key to Success  (above)

 

Mother Earth - by Annalisa Ladicicco

08.31
08

SoBro! (part 3)

by Simone ·
Mott Haven, South Bronx
(From my earlier post at The Boogiedowner): “We all know that Mott Haven in the South Bronx is aggressively nippin’ at the heals of a certain neighborhood in Brooklyn, trying hard to displace that burg’s rep as THE spot if you are looking for future Hipster Heaven.  It’s not there yet, but is sure is gaining steam.  Back in the nineties, I called Billburg home and when I visit Mott Haven, I feel like I am stepping back in time. EXACTLY the same feeling that I got back then.  There is still enough raw urban grit, a rough-around-the-edges vibe and a certain uneasy desolation that will give newbies a feeling of being a hip pioneer ahead of his or her time.  Searching for some street cred, Manhattanites? I suggest you put Mott Haven on your short list! (Although to be honest, the real pioneers have been here for a good decade but shhh….we won’t tell!)”
The pictures below are random shots that I took while walking around for a few hours after leaving Alexander’s Cafe, The Bruckner Bar & Grill and Sweetwaters’s (see posts below):
Dimitris Garden - Mott Haven
08.30
08

SoBro! (part 1)

by Simone ·

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!!