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Fireworks for Foodies for July 4 and Beyond

Fish & chips at Bread & Brine restaurant. -Photo by Morris Gut By Morris Gut  Bronx Voice  June 28, 2025 NEW YORK - Get some great seats for the fireworks and some great food during the July 4th holiday. MAMMA FRANCESCA ON THE SOUND  Check out the views on the rear enclosed deck and view random fireworks. When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories where of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farm-to-table and of course sea-to-table. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca in New Rochelle for nearly 40 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true. Italian/American specialties include freshly made Manicotti, Ravioli, Calamari Fritti, Ischia Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Misto Frutti di Mare. On occasion, Rabbit ...

Where to Dine after Seeing Van Gogh's Flowers at the Garden



By Morris Gut 

Bronx Voice 

May 30, 2025


NEW YORK - Internationally esteemed artist Vincent Van Gogh is the colorful focus of ‘Van Gogh’s Flowers’, the new spring, summer, and fall event at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. It runs through October 26, 2025.



I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and beholding the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. (For additional info: www.nybg.org) After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are a few suggestions…


DINING AT NYBG 


There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/ 


This year visitors can also enjoy ‘Van Gogh’s Flowers’ after dark during special Starry Nights, filled with entertainment, dancing, cocktails and snacks. These special evening events will take place through Sept. 13th. Check ahead for exact dates. Must be over 21. Evening hours: 7-10 p.m. Reservations are suggested. 


MARIO’S IN NEARBY LITTLE ITALY!


Arthur Ave. is just a stone’s throw from the Garden. Since 1919 five generations of the Migliucci family have worked the front and back-of-the-house making sure patrons are well served at this venerable ‘Little Italy’ institution. The amiable Regina Migliucci is at the helm. For starters enjoy the palate pleasing lagniappe of marinated carrots, hot peppers, and good crusty Arthur Ave. bread. Great appetizers include Hot Antipasto Platter for 2; and Spiedini alla Romana, skewered deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches. Move on to such entrees as: Penne Rustica with sausage; stuffed Braciola Napolitana; Osso Buco the size of Mt. Vesuvious; or the traditional Chicken Parm. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Private party facilities. Free parking lot and valet service. Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-584-1188 www.mariosarthurave.org 



DINING WITH A VIEW AT THE SEA SHORE!


Just a short drive from NYBG. Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew on City Island serve abundant platters of seafood at this sprawling 95-year-old institution: Oysters Rockefeller, daily Raw Bar, Lobsters galore, Surf & Turf, Italian specialties, too. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. Multiple seating areas. Sea Shore Restaurant, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. 718-885-0300 www.seashorerestaurant.com 


THE JOHNSON IS A MODERN DINER


Partners John Solo, Stefanos Katsikoumbas and George Ballis opened The Johnson a year ago, their vision of a contemporized diner and bar that combines the best traditions of the past and present. A great stop for reasonably priced breakfast, lunch, or dinner 7 days a week. Early Bird specials, too. We recently stopped in for a late breakfast and were quite happy. The menu runs the gamut from breakfast all day, Eggs Benedict, Corned Beef Hash, Cobb Salad, Pat Lafrieda Burgers and 14 oz. Ribeye Steak, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Moussaka. The Johnson Diner & Bar, 3533 Johnson Ave., Riverdale, the Bronx. 315-677-7665 www.thejohnsondinerbar.com 


LIEBMAN’S TRADITIONAL DELICATESSEN


Liebman’s original kosher Jewish delicatessen in Riverdale, the Bronx, has been serving their traditional larder since 1953. And now, for all you corned beef and pastrami mavens, owners Yuval Dekel and Craig Weitz have premiered a much anticipated new location at Addyman Square in Ardsley. Liebman’s serves a wide selection of old-world favorites including matzo ball soup; frankfurters with mustard & sauerkraut; knishes; smoked fish and appetizing; overstuffed sandwiches; stuffed cabbage; Hungarian goulash; and chicken in the pot with all the fixings. Dine in. Take out. Delivery. Liebman’s original deli is located at 552 W. 235 Street, Riverdale, Bronx. 718-548-4534 Liebman’s Ardsley, 472 Ashford Ave. 914-231-6222   www.liebmansdeli.com 

ARTIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD WITH PIZZAZZ!


Owner Spiro Chagares and his staff offer patrons an inspired melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several inviting dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: hearty Seafood Chowders; Asian Sticky Buns; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Wood Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; Chardonnay Poached Salmon with seafood; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. There’s loaded Lobster Salad Rolls at lunch and their Mediterranean style Pizzas are good to share, too. Check out the bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Craft beer selection. Private party facilities. Off premise catering. Open 7 days. Free parking. Artie’s, 394 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. 718-885-9885  www.artiescityisland.com


ANTONIO’S TRATTORIA ON BELMONT AVE.

 

Right smack in singer-composer ‘Dion’s’ old neighborhood, just a block off Arthur Ave. at 186th St., proprietor Anthony Lancione and his team offer a flavorful take on Italian-American cuisine. Sit in one of the inviting dining areas and treat yourself to such house specialties  as: Osso Buco, Short Ribs Toscano, Chicken Quattro Formaggio, and tasty versions of Linguine con Vongole, Rigatoni with Broccoli Rabe, and Lasagna di Casa. The thin-crusted brick oven pizzas are quite good. The same team own Alessia’s Trattoria in Mamaroneck.  Antonio’s Trattoria, 2370 Belmont Ave., Bronx. 718-733-6630 www.antoniostrattoria.com 


HEARTY TAVERN FARE AT MORRIS PARK INN!


Proprietor Steve Poli of bustling Morris Park Inn offers a full tavern menu and generous portions. Sit at one of the high-top tables in the dining room or at the bar. Specialties to look for: Nachos Supreme, Baja Crispy Fish Tacos, Chopped Cobb Salad, hefty Burgers, wraps and sandwiches, Mussels with Spaghetti, Baby Back Ribs, Fried Seafood Combo, and Center Cut Pork Chops. Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-239-4109 www.morrisparkinn.com 


(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net


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