Bronx Voice - April 27, 2022

BRONX VOICE

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Hospital welcomes Easter Bunny back after 2-year Covid lockdown

FREE

FLIPPING OUT 6th Year, No. 18

April 27 - May 3, 2022

Page 4

Drivers keep crashing into traffic safety device Page 14

4 shootings leave 3 dead, 8 wounded in 3 hours Page 6

Photo by David Greene

Police released this surveillance photo of a suspect wanted in connection with shooting a 15-year-old girl.

2• BRONX VOICE• April 27 - May 3, 2022

PlayStation Stickups

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Robber used social media to target vics

By Dan Gesslein Beware of people you are selling your video games to. The NYPD is looking for a man who robbed at least 6 people looking to sell their Playstation video consoles and other electronics.

According to investigators, the thief targets his victim through an online market place and social media claiming to want to purchase a PlayStation 5. The suspect and his target agree to meet at a location, in some cases

in broad daylight on a busy street, to purchase the video game console. Once at the location he displays a gun or simulates that he has a gun.

He then takes the Playstation and other items from the seller.

The NYPD released surveillance video of a suspect in the robbery of several men attempting to sell a PlayStation game console. The suspect has a Michael Jordan tattoo on his neck.

The first incident took place on March 3rd at 7:35 pm in Parkchester. The 29-year-old man waited in Hugh Grant Circle to see his electronic graphics card valued at $1,050. The “buyer” showed up in a dark colored sedan and displayed a handgun. He took the electronics device and fled.

Cops say the gunman struck in Queens on March 3rd and Manhattan on April 3rd getting away with PlayStation 5s in each robbery.

The video game thief struck two more times in the Bronx. The first incident was in Pelham Bay on April 8. At around 2 pm, the thief met

his seller in front of 1603 Hobart Avenue. The thief simulated having a gun and took the man’s PlayStation 5 and fled on Crosby Avenue.

Cops say the gunman made a big score in the Bronx on April 10. In Mount Hope, the 39-year-old man who was expecting to sell his items entered the suspect’s car. Inside the vehicle, the “buyer” displayed a handgun and took the victim’s jewelry which is valued at $6,000.

A 6th victim was robbed on Manhattan on April 12. In that case the robber made off with $1,300 worth of camera equipment.

The NYPD released pho-

tos of the suspect who has a Michael Jordan tattoo on the right side of his neck.

Cops also released a photo of a dark blue early model Honda Accord believed to have been used in the crimes.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, or on Twitter @ NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

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BRONX VOICE• April 27 - May 3, 2022• 3

Here we go again:

4 • BRONX VOICE• April 27 - May 3, 2022

Safety device crash leaves driver upside down, injured

By David Greene A device that was supposed to protect pedestrians is being blamed for a car flipping onto its side during yet another accident at the Bronx corner.

An intersection where the Department of Transportation (DOT) had installed a pedestrian safety device called a "bollard," a 2-foot high device that is supposed to protect pedestrians on traffic islands-- is being blamed for the latest crash at this trouble-plagued intersection that residents and workers in the area claim are happening at least once a month.

The single-vehicle crash was reported at the intersection of Van Nest Avenue and East Tremont Avenue, at

ported one crash at the intersection and that one driver and a passenger injured. The DOT had vowed to look into the matter, but has not yet responded back.

After another possible bollard-related crash in March, 2021, "Antonio" a resident of the area told the Bronx Voice, "I've seen it happen almost half a dozen times, it seems like every time I come out and walk my dog... they flip the whole car over.”

On March 5, 2021, newly installed DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman was asked about the bollard situation when he told the Bronx Voice he was "not familiar with specifics" on the matter.

After a January, 2020 inquiry about another alleged bollard-related crash at White Plains Road and East Tremont Avenue, an unnamed DOT spokesperson stated, "As with many of our safety improvement projects, it takes time for motorists to get adjusted to the new street design."

That same location was so prone to accidents that it was featured by reporter Arnold Photo by David Greene Diaz in his “What a Shame” Police officers stand back as they use a truck and chain to upright a vehicle after the driver flipped his car onto segment for PIX 11 News. it's side after coming in contact with a bollard on Monday, April 4, 2022.

4:16 p.m. on Monday, April 4.

An unnamed official at the NYPD said of the incident, "The 69-year-old male driver of the vehicle states he was traveling westbound on Van Nest Avenue and attempted to make a left turn onto East Tremont Avenue, when his vehicle collided with the median causing vehicle to flip onto (the) passenger side.”

The police official added that the victim suffered a minor injury to his left hand and was treated at the scene, but declined hospital treatment.

The unidentified driver, whose vehicle had Connecticut plates, was observed with a bandage around his hand and he watched as po-

lice used a police truck and metal chain to upright the vehicle, so it could be towed away.

Citizens App user "Justice4All1961" commented on the crash, "This has to be the 15th overturned vehicle at the same location." Citizens App also had a photo from a similar crash at the same location from March 21.

The Bronx Voice asked both the NYPD and the Department of Transportation (DOT) on statistics for this particular intersection since the bollard installation sometime in the fall / winter of 2019, the NYPD sent back a link for statistics for the month of March, that re-

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4 shootings leave 3 dead, 8 wounded in 3 hours

6 • BRONX VOICE• April 27 - May 3, 2022

By David Greene Hours after a gunman opened fire on a crowded Brooklyn subway train wounding 10 and injuring 13 others, the Bronx recorded a rare night of violence as the NYPD reported four separate shootings that left three Bronxites dead and eight others wounded in just three hours-- a fact gone mostly unreported in most local newspapers.

According to officials, the

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first shooting was reported at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, as officers from the 47th Precinct were called to the Edenwald Houses at 1115 East 225 Street and Laconia Avenue. There police say a 15-year-old female was standing on the street when a police spokesman stated, "She heard gunshots and felt pain in her right leg.”

Photo by David Greene The victim was transported A crime scene investigator photographs a vehicle in the intersection of Cruger Avenue and Burke Avenue after to Jacobi Hospital and was CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

four people were shot, one critically outside of the Parkside Houses in the Williamsbridge section early on April 13.

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8 • BRONX VOICE• April 27 - May 3, 2022

BX District Attorney collects

prom dresses for needy students Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that 350 formal dresses, dozens of fancy shoes, handbags, and other accessories have been collected in the Office’s Prom Dress drive in partnership with Bronx Fashion Week.

“I just want to thank my staff, and the people in the Bronx community who donated formal wear that will help seniors at Bronx high schools to look their fashionable best on their big night,”

Clark said. “Graduating high school is a huge accomplishment that needs to be celebrated, and these dresses will help those who can’t afford to buy one celebrate in style. Thanks

to my Community Affairs Unit for organizing the donation drive.”

Bronx Fashion Week will host a Prom Dress Shop in May for girls to pick out their dresses.

4 shootings leave 3 dead, 8 wounded in 3 hours in Bx

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

expected to recover.

Police would later release a photo of the suspect who they said walked up to a crowd on the street and opened fire. The individual is a dark skinned male, wearing a dark hooded jacket and facemask, sweatpants and sneakers.

At 7:43 p.m. offices in the 48th Precinct were called to East 180 Street and Mohegan Avenue, where three men were also wounded as they stood on the sidewalk. Police say a 22-year-old male was shot multiple times and was pronounced deceased at St. Barnabas Hospital.

A 47-year-old male was shot in the right leg and a 21-year-old male was shot in the left leg and both were expected to survive.

The victim was later identified as Wayne Goodwin of East 180 Street. The following day police announced the arrest of Donovsn Wallace, 21, of Mohegan Avenue, who was charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal posession of a weapon.

A third shooting was reported at Sheridan Avenue and McClellan Street at 8:42 p.m., when officers from the

44th Precinct discovered a 23-year-old female was found with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was rushed to Lincoln Hospital, where she died a short time later.

One unnamed police official stated at the time, "A preliminary investigation determined that the victim was sitting inside a parked vehicle at the corner." Police would later identify the victim as 23-year-old Sally Ntim of the Grand Concourse.

The following day police released a video of one of the two male suspects, and an unidentified police official stated, "Two unknown males at the location displayed firearms and discharged them at each other multiple times," with one round striking Ntim, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Police say both suspects fled eastbound on McClellan Street on foot.

In the police surveillance video, one gunman seen wearing a blue hooded jacket slowly approaches a crowd standing on the corner. He pulls out his handgun and fires at least two rounds into the crowd, before he

turns and starts running in the opposite direction.

Officers in the 49th Precinct were called to a fourth shooting at 10:08 p.m. outside the Parkside Houses, 2825 Olinville Avenue in the Williamsbridge section, where three men and a woman were reported shot. Officials say a 21-year-old male was shot in the head and declared dead at the scene. A 33-year-old female was shot in the right arm, a 23-yearold male was shot in the right thigh and a 22-year-old male was hit in the back.

Police and EMS confirmed that one of the three wounded victims made their way to 2735 Bronx Park East, where an ambulance took that victim for treatment. Officials would later identify the victim as Jessie Bynum, 21, of Olinville Avenue. At the time of the shooting, police were looking for four male suspects who approached the victims on foot.Police officials had a second crime scene centered around a vehicle in the intersection of Cruger Avenue and Burke Avenue. Police officials declined to comment on crime scene investigators documenting as many

as 28 rounds fired during this incident.

On April 13, Senator Alessandra Biaggi issued a statement regarding a fatal stabbing at a parade held for the Mount Vernon High School's basketball team winning a state championship back on

April 8. A request for comment regarding the four Bronx shootings went unanswered

by Biaggi's staff.

Anyone with any information on any of the shooting incidents are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.

10 • BRONX VOICE• April 27 - May 3, 2022

Health Matters

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A shout out to volunteers helping NYC stay healthy

By Chandra Wilson This April marks National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the important role volunteers play in helping organizations and communities thrive in their mission to help others.

At the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY), volunteers play a crucial role

in supporting the health of New York’s diverse communities, and volunteers come from

equally varied backgrounds.

Volunteers bring their special skills to everything they do, running the gamut from hosting craft classes, providing a friendly call to those in hospice, knitting scarves for ill patients, or helping in less seen, but equally important, background roles like fundraising and clerical work.

Given the many challenges COVID-19 continues to pose for the health of New Yorkers, VNSNY volunteers are needed now more than ever, and their dedication, as well as the gift of time, cannot be understated.

Volunteers sacrifice their time and give back to the community simply in the name of kindness.

They also bring something to the table that VNSNY staff may not have and can help enrich the lives of those we serve.

As Kimberlyn Kinlock, VNSNY Volunteer Manager for the VNSNY Hospice team put it, “Every volunteer comes to us with unique talents and skills, as well as generosity and the desire to be helpful.” She added, “Together we shape their volunteer role to their abilities and match them with clients accordingly. For example, do you sing? Great—let’s find a way for your talent to benefit a

patient or caregiver during this pandemic.”

A perfect example of this in action is one of VNSNY’s stellar volunteers, Valerie Salwen, a hospice volunteer since 2018.

Valerie is also the music director of the Threshold Choir of New York (TCNYC), and has applied her musical skills to brightening the lives of others. For example, during the pandemic Valerie performed song baths for VNSNY staff and volunteers, made supportive and musical calls to clients and caregivers, offering tunes, compassion, and a listening ear. Valerie also connects with some VNSNY clients as a friendly visitor. One client’s daughter asked specifically for Valerie, as she knew her mother would love the soothing repertoire, with the music bringing immense joy and comfort at the end of that patient’s life.

For many seniors, isolation is a serious challenge, and has only worsened during the prolonged pandemic lockdown.

Loneliness can hurt both mental and even physical health, which is why community programs like VNSNY’s friendly visitors are especially helpful right now.

Of course, volunteering is very much a two-way street. “I

sometimes think that the volunteers get more out of it than the patients, and everybody I know who’s done it agrees,” said hospice volunteer Dolores Perin.

“Honestly, it is such a privilege.

Anybody who has the opportunity to volunteer will reap the rewards.”

Another benefit for many volunteers is the opportunity to get tangible career experience and learn more about an organization’s work. Douae Habbaoui, a volunteer intern with VNSNY’s Business & Development team said, “I gained a lot of valuable hands-on experience and professional exposure, and I was trained in vital skills like Homecare Homebase and faceto-face encounters.” She added, “It was a great way to transition from school to a work setting.”

These volunteers and many others really do make a difference in the lives of those they serve. While National Volunteer Month is a powerful reminder of the importance of service, organizations like VNSNY are grateful for volunteers every day of the year!

To learn more about VNSNY’s volunteer program and opportunities, visit www. vnsny.org.

Culturally sensitive therapy

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What it is and why it matters for the Bronx

By Candace Hatten-Powell, MD, Psychiatrist, Montefiore Health System Mental health is intricately linked to physical health and is critical for overall wellbeing. Stigma often leads people to delay mental health treatment.

Some feel therapy is only accessible to “rich people,” but support for mental health is important for all people, regardless of income or background. To keep our communities strong and make them more vibrant, we must encourage everyone to prioritize mental health.

One way to do this is to engage with a culturally sensitive therapist. The basic ingredients of culturally sensitive care are simple. Culturally sensitive therapists aim for clients to feel that therapy is relevant to their daily lives. These therapists look to understand who clients are in their communities and families – not just who they are during treatment.

Culturally sensitive care takes time to no-

tice the impact of early childhood experiences in adult’s daily lives. Therapists explore how family dynamics can help or hinder improvement in symptoms. Religion is important too – it can be both a positive and negative coping mechanism, depending on the person. A culturally sensitive therapist shares strategies that help people thrive in a way that makes sense with their past and present.

This care also examines factors like intergenerational trauma, structural racism, religious persecution, and discrimination of all kinds, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

Intergenerational trauma often comes up in my work. When an ancestor has suffered a trauma

in the past, for example physical or sexual abuse, genocide, and experiences of oppression, that trauma can impact their relatives today – even if they never witnessed or knew about these events.

The trauma echoes through the family often in silence and secrecy about their pain. Talking openly with a therapist can help break this cycle.

Finding a culturally sensitive therapist that you connect with can change the course of treatment. I’ve worked with people who shared that their past providers did not seem to listen or understand them. They felt others only focused on their diagnosis and medication.

When people start to see a culturally sensitive therapist, they open up – they share deeper struggles with identity, sexuality, and trauma.

During these discussions, people learn skills to be more effective at communication. As a result, they see improvement in their symptoms and can

Candace Hatten-Powell, MD, Psychiatrist, Montefiore Health System

resume daily tasks like work for example, when they couldn’t even leave their home before.

What to expect with a culturally sensitive therapist: • Respect for client’s identity, culture and beliefs • Respectful approach to stigma during treatment • Feeling heard and safe when discussing their identity • Discussing family, religious/spiritual consider-

ations as part of the care • Focusing on what is important to the client and their background – cultural humility • Considering each individual’s culture as part of the diagnosis and treatment More information on culturally sensitive care can be found on the National Alliance for Mental Health website: https://www.nami.org/ Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions

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12 • BRONX VOICE• April 27 - May 3, 2022

Congressmen deliver $3.3 million for Bronx kids through Monte school health program

Congressmen Espaillat and Torres joined Montefiore Medicine President and CEO, Dr. Philip O. Ozuah, at PS 8 Elementary School, to award more than $3.3 million in federal funding to the Montefiore School Health Program (MSHP), the largest and most comprehensive school-based health program in the country.

One in four Bronx students has a MSHP clinic with health experts — from doctors and dentists to therapists — who support children from pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.

The Bronx is the lowest income congressional district in the United States. This federal funding will upgrade the digital infrastructure and broadband capability across 99 schools, connecting more students and parents to Montefiore’s telehealth services and primary care network.

“Congressmen Adriano Espaillat and Ritchie Torres fought hard and delivered in a big way for this program and this community. They know

well that the children of The Bronx are the future of The Bronx,” said Philip O. Ozuah, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Office, Montefiore Medicine.

Montefiore School Health Program is the largest and most comprehensive school-based health program in the nation, providing primary medical care, counseling, optometry, and dentistry to 44,000 children.

Between 25-30% of students (>14,000) who utilize MSHP services do so for chronic care conditions.

Children with access to the support and resources made available by MSHP are 40% less likely to go home sick, resulting in stronger school perfor-

Photo by Lori Adams

Congressmen Ritchie Torres (Pictured) and Adriano Espaillat joined Montefiore Medicine President and CEO, Dr. Philip O. Ozuah, at PS 8 Elementary School, to award more than $3.3 million in federal funding to the Montefiore School Health Program (MSHP).

mance and fewer workdays missed by parents.

Emergency room visits and hospitalizations dropped by half after students started receiving treatment at MSHP clinics.

“This funding is transforming healthcare delivery in the highest-need areas of The Bronx — the increase in broadband and WiFi connectivity will

ensure nurses can access student health records quickly and that parents can advocate on their child’s behalf without having to leave work,” said Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “Thanks to the decades-long commitment of Montefiore, 44,000 children — one of whom will likely take my place someday — will have free access to

state-of-the-art healthcare services right at their school.”

“This $3.3 million will transform the Montefiore program with faster, more reliable internet and secure videoconferencing software,” said Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15). “The technology ensures that kids can get care when they need it, no matter what else is happening in the world.”

Health center helps manage diabetes in nabes ravaged by the disease

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By Vjolca Hetemi, Health Education Manager at MHHC India Dansby, Communication & PR Specialist at MHHC Morris Heights Health Center (MHHC), one of the oldest and largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in NYC, was awarded a grant from the Quest Foundation to improve diabetes-related outcomes in communities that the health center serves throughout the Bronx.

Studies have shown that diabetes disproportionately affects African Americans, Latinos, immigrants, and those living in underserved and low-income communities. Nearly 28% of MHHC’s patient population is diagnosed with diabetes.

The grant will support MHHC’s continuous efforts to address the increase in uncontrolled diabetes and the rise in diabetic limb amputations in the West Bronx and surrounding areas through their Achieving Diabetes Excellence Program (ADE).

The grant will also provide underserved communities with access to proper education and tools needed to successfully manage the disease.

MHHC’s ADE program

is a six-week initiative that will be implemented in two cycles, from February-June 2022 and September-December 2022. The program will focus on three main objectives: • Prevent diabetes-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

• Improve self-management to lower blood sugar levels.

• Decrease the number of diabetic lower-limb amputations.

“The West Bronx community has greater prevalence rates of diabetes than most Bronx neighborhoods,” expressed Vjolca Hetemi, Health Education Manager at MHHC. “Our aim is to

File photo

reduce uncontrolled diabetes through an innovative program that integrates clinicians and health educators to create lasting behavioral modifications.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes prevalence rates in the Bronx has risen by 31% over the past 8 years. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, and limb amputations. When not properly managed, the effects of this disease can be debilitating and sometimes fatal. A 2018 report published by the Health People Community Preventive Health Institute, indicated that diabetes-related lower limb amputations

in the Bronx are 38.3 per 100,000 population, leading all NYC boroughs and 79% higher than the New York statewide rate of 21.4.

MHHC initially began offering a diabetes management program in 2010, with an 8-week initiative called Redefining Diabetes or Project Red. Since then, the program has evolved into Achieving Diabetes Excellence. This recent grant awarded by Quest Foundation is the second funding source that MHHC has received for this program.

In 2020, MHHC received a grant from Ponce Bank in response to the rise in diabetes-related outcomes in the Bronx.

Diabetes and the pro-

gression of diabetes-related health outcomes is a silent epidemic. MHHC has been working to improve diabetes prevention and management through the development and sustainability of their diabetes management program.

The health center has also been instrumental in raising awareness of this disease and addressing some of the barriers that impact high diabetes rates in underserved communities such as the lack of healthy food options, knowledge of diabetes self-management practices, and the lack of resources available.

To learn more about the work that MHHC is doing to address diabetes management in the Bronx, visit www.mhhc.org

Easter Bunny returns to Bx after Covid lockdown

14 • BRONX VOICE• April 27 - May 3, 2022

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For the first time in 2 years, the Easter Bunny returned to the Bronx to delight children during an egg hunt on the grounds of Lincoln Hospital.

The egg hunt had been a yearly tradition for local children but was put on hold for two years during the pandemic.

In addition to finding eggs with Peter Cottontail himself, kids took part in games, music and face painting organized by Lincoln Hospital officials.

The beautiful weather as well as visit by the Easter Bunny helped to usher in the beginning of spring.

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Culinary Road

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By Morris Gut

Where to take Mom out to dinner on Mother’s Day

Mom deserves her special day. If you are planning to dine out on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8th, here are a few suggestions in greater Westchester that cover a wide variety of tastes.

Special Hint: It is a big restaurant day, so be sure to reserve a table early. If possible, you can even take Mom out before or after actual Mother’s Day to keep it less stressful. If you’re not dining out, most would be delighted to prepare a meal package for take home by advanced order. Enjoy!

DINE WITH BLOSSOMS AT HUDSON GARDEN GRILL!

This popular dining venue at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden serves global specialties using local farm-totable ingredients. This is a lovely setting that is a short walk from the dramatic Enid Haupt Conservatory. Specialties on the seasonal menu currently include: the short-rib blended Hudson Burger; Couscous & Cauliflower Salad; Braised Lamb Tagliatelle Pasta; and Spanish Grilled Pulpo. Hudson Garden Grill at the New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx. Check ahead for hours and availability.

Reservations advised. 718-8178700 www.nybg.org IRISH AMERICAN WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR!

Owner Shane Clifford and

his friendly crew have delicious finger foods and generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen.

Double-Stacked Smash Burger; decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Jack’s Meatballs; Seared Scallops; Chicken Curry; Shroom Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Berkshire Pork Chop; and Grilled Lamb Sliders. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester.

914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com

SOUTHERN COMFORT AT FREEBIRD KITCHEN & BAR! Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco serves tasty versions of Fried Calamari, meaty Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts. Shrimp & Grits and Braised Short Ribs, too.

The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. There is a seasonal rooftop lounge & dining. Sunday Night Jam sessions.

Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch.

Closed Mondays. Freebird, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains.

914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com STEAK FOR TWO AT MACELLERIA!

Recipient of a Michelin Guide Award, this high-end Italian steakhouse with locations in Pelham, Armonk and Greenwich serves classic cuts

of prime beef and chops along with a hearty helping of Italian/ American specialties. Tony Lala and his crew will take good care of you. Be seated in the handsomely renovated dining rooms and consider the menu over a glass of fine wine. Diver Scallops, Steak Tartare, slabs of Canadian Bacon, great Meatballs, Spaghetti Carbonara, Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu, Zuppa di Pesce, even a Classic Burger. Carnivores should consider the Lamb Chops, Veal Chop, New York Strip Steak, or Porterhouse for two. Macelleria, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham.

914-365-2561 www.macelleriaitaliansteakhouse.com COMFORT FOODS AT MORRIS PARK INN!

There’s a new reasonably priced chef driven tavern menu served here. While enjoying a cocktail recently, I could not help but notice a big German-style soft pretzel with side of cheese sauce served to a nearby patron. Enough to share.

Great finger foods. Tried the Chicken Wings and they were delish. Baja Crispy Fish Tacos; Half-Pound Burgers and Sliders; Baby Back Ribs, and Panko Crusted Fish & Chips. Beers and cocktails, too. Open 7 days.

Bustling bar and dining room.

TVs. Happy Hours. Live entertainment nights. Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-239-4109 www. morrisparkinn.com

Linguine with white clam sauce at Macelleria.

ROBUST ITALIAN OUT OF A DINER AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO!

Chef-owner and personable host Dean Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner just across from Harrison's Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; Crostino di Polenta topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola and tomato sauce; Grilled Lamb Chops; Braised Lamb Shanks; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; and wonderful Spaghetti a la Vongole.

Fine wine list. Sparkling lights evenings. Outdoor patio. Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914835-6199 www.trattoriavivolo. com DINE IN LITTLE ITALY

AT MARIO’S! Since 1919, five generations of the Migliucci family have been working the front and back-ofthe-house making sure patrons are well served. With the passing of long-time patriarch Joseph Migliucci, his daughter Regina has been doing a fine job welcoming her many guests. This restaurant has a landmark 100-plus year history full of colorful chapters. Step inside and you are transported to the ‘old world’. To many, the flavorful sauces and dishes produced in this kitchen are the stuff of Italian ‘foodie heaven’. Enjoy their signature marinated carrots as a starter, delicious Spiedini, Hot Antipasto for 2 or more, your favorite Parm, Osso Buco, or Braciole. Indoor & outdoor dining. Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-584-1188 www.mariosarthurave.com (Morris Gut is a restaurant 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 over 30 years.

He may be reached at: 914-235-6591.

E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)

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