April 7- Bronx Voice

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PSYCHO SLASHES SENIORS IN FACE

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4th Year, No.18

April 7 - 13, 2021

Slashed elderly man in his walker, Page 4 Bronx DA says Gunmen open fire Autism Awareness

on Bx street Page 2 Early intervention is First city nurse the best treatment felled by Covid honored

Page 8

Photo by David Greene

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Gunmen open fire on Bronx street

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2• BRONX VOICE• April 7 - 13, 2021

By Dan Gesslein A pair of gunmen opened fire on a busy Bronx street in broad daylight, the NYPD says. The shocking shooting was caught on video.

Police released surveillance video which captured a gunman opening fire near a school in broad daylight.

At around 5:44 pm on March 29, two men unloaded a series of rounds at an unknown individual in front of 2078 Walton Avenue. Somehow the intended target managed to escape un-

harmed.

The video shows one of the gunmen duck behind a Honda SUV and fire off several rounds.

Several cars were seen double parked with people inside. It is unclear how many people were on the street when the bullets started flying from two different directions.

The first suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion, 20-years-old, who is 5 foot 9 tall, 170 pounds, with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, black Nike sweat pants, a surgical mask and gray sneakers.

The second suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion, 18 years old, 5 foot 9, 160 pounds, slim build with short length dreadlocks.

He was last seen wearing a blue vest, surgical mask, white sneakers, a

Police released surveillance video of a shooting in Mount Hope area.

grey hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Cops say this individual was observed on surveillance video inside a Deli Grocery store located in the vicinity of Walton Avenue and Morris Avenue prior to the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS

at (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, on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

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4• BRONX VOICE• April 7 - 13, 2021

‘Bloods’ member slashed 8 men Slashed elderly man in his walker, DA says

An alleged member of the Bloods street gang slashed eight men in the face in four days, one an elderly man in a walker, prosecutors said.

A Bronx man has been indicted on a total of 66 charges--including multiple counts of Attempted Murder, Assault and Robbery charges-for viciously slashing and assaulting eight people in the Bronx.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark

said, “The defendant, who allegedly has ties to the Bloods, attacked nine people in the Bronx during a span of four days, slashing most of them in the neck.

The defendant mostly targeted men over the age of 50, with the two oldest victims being ages 65

and 75 years old. We will seek justice for the victims in these unprovoked attacks; and for Bronx residents who have the right to walk freely in their communities without fearing for their safety.

The defendant, JayQawn Byers, 22, of Byron Avenue, was arraigned on 66 counts, including seven counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree, 15 counts of first-degree As-

sault, 16 counts of second-degree Assault, seven counts of third-degree Assault, Attempted Assault in the third degree, two counts of first-degree Robbery, two counts of Attempted Robbery in the first degree, second and third-degree Robbery, Attempted Robbery in the second and third degree, fourth-degree Grand Larceny, Attempted Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, Petit Larce-

ny, Attempted Petit Larceny, fifth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and seven counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Michael Gross. Remand was continued and the defendant is due back in court on June 25, 2021.

According to the investigation, on August 4, 2020 at 888 Hunts Point Avenue, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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‘Bloods’ member slashed 8 men Slashed elderly man in his walker, DA says CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Byers approached his first victim, Earl Harrell, 55, and allegedly knocked him down to the ground.

He then allegedly kicked Harrell in the head multiple times while he laid on the floor. When the victim lost consciousness, Byers allegedly took Harrell’s money and wallet and fled the scene.

The victim suffered traumatic brain injury and was in a coma.

According to the investigation, on August 5, 2020 at 346 Baychester Avenue, Byers allegedly approached and slashed Anthony Gibbs, 59, on the left side of his neck and face in the Bay Plaza Shopping Center.

The victim sought treatment at a local hospital and received 24 stitches.

A p p r o x i m a t e l y five hours later, at 2134 White Plains Road, the defendant allegedly ap-

proached Michael Solnik, 65, from behind and slashed him on the left side of his neck. The victim received 20 stitches.

Approximately 20 minutes later, Byers approached Danny Estus, 45, who was walking down the street on White Plains Road, and allegedly slashed him in the neck.

According to the investigation, at approximately 6:00 p.m. on August 6, 2020, in front of

3821 White Plains Road, the defendant approached Shamil Mohamed, 40, and allegedly slashed him in the neck and mouth.

Approximately 30 minutes later, the defendant approached Jose Baez, 38, on White Plains Road and allegedly slashed him in the face. Shortly after Byers attacked Baez, the defendant approached Ramon Capellan, 75, who was sitting outside on his walker. Byers

allegedly demanded money from Capellan, then slashed the victim in the neck, face, and arm.

The defendant was arrested on August 7, 2020. While in custody, Byers allegedly punched a detainee, Lamont Odom, 48, who was inside the holding pen with him at the 47th Precinct.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

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6• BRONX VOICE• April 7 - 13, 2021

Protestors demand Cuomo resign, cancellation of rents

By David Greene More than 50 protesters gathered outside of the Bronx office of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie's office-vowing to camp outside on the sidewalk for the night.

The protesters gathered at just before 6 p.m., outside the office located at 1446 East Gun Hill Road, locat-

ed in a section of the Bronx called "The Valley.”

Demonstrators called on Heastie to support

several key points of action, the first the group called for the resignation of Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has been accused of inappropriate behavior by multiple women and an investigation is underway into his handling of the COVID-19 crisis relating to local nursing

homes.

The crowd, made up of multiple community-based organizations from across the city, are also calling for an added tax of the rich, as well the forgiveness of rent incurred by tenants during the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by David Greene

Angry protesters gather outside the East Gun Hill Road office of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

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Jacobi honors first city nurse felled by Covid-19

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By David Greene One year after the unimaginable global pandemic that has so far taken nearly 3 million lives, a handful of nurses and hospital staff gathered at Jacobi Hospital, to remember Freda Ocran, believed to be the first nurse from a New York City public hospital to have died in the line of duty from COVID-19.

According to her family, Ocran, 51, immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana in the late 1980s and earned her nursing degree in 1990. The wife and mother of two sons and a daughter, was a head nurse at Jacobi Hospital's Psychiatric unit when the virus engulfed the Bronx.

On March 28, hospital staff members joined members of the Ocran family in remembering Freda on the oneyear anniversary of her passing.

Kwame A. Ocran, Freda's oldest son, told those who had gathered, "Today we're here to remember our heroes.

We're here to salute those who have dedicated their lives to the service of others. Our memories of Freda live on in celebration and not sorrow.”

"At the dawn of the pandemic," the eldest son continued, "I remember urgently pleading with her and asking her to stay home and consider herself. She re-

sponded back, 'I can't, I have to go to work. I'm a healthcare worker.' This heroism is a testament to who my mother was.”

Joseph Ocran, the heartbroken husband recalled how he was restricted from visiting his wife at Lincoln Hospital, before receiving the news of Freda's death.

Joseph recalled, "They called me, I was

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in my living room sleeping, but I couldn't sleep, I kept thinking about her. I got up and went to stay in the bedroom and the call came from Lincoln." The grieving father's two sons reached out to console their father as he broke down sobbing.

Wiping away tears, the still grieving Joseph added, "I firmly believe one day we will meet again.”

Fellow nurse Flandersia Jones of BronxCare Health Systems, formerly Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, where both Joseph and Freda once worked, fumed, "We should not be

standing here today mourning a life, somebody that gave up herself, somebody that took care of patients, just because of a lack of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) or lack of staffing.”

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, currently running for Bronx Borough President, told those in attendance, "Our nurses and doctors and our healthcare workers put everything on the line and it is a disgrace that in that time we were entering turmoil, we cut the budget. I didn't, but the administration felt it was time to do

so.”

Members of the New York State Nurses Association who organized the memorial are currently pushing for the passage of the "Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act," that was introduced in the New York State Assembly in early January, it calls for minimum standards in the patient to care ratio at both hospital's and nursing homes across the state.

At the end of the ceremony Councilman Mark Gjonaj presented a New York City Council Citation to the family, in honor of Freda's service.

Photo by David Greene

Joseph Ocran is comforted by his two sons as he slowly breaks down as he recalled learning of his wife's death from COVID-19.

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Health Matters Early intervention is the best treatment for kids with Autism

By Dan Gesslein For parents, knowing the warning signs for autism is extremely important. The sooner a child is diagnosed and receives treatment the better they can become.

Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects communication and socialization.

Mindy Small, senior coordinator of Autism Services at Birch Family Services, said early intervention is the only way to make progress.

The earlier the child receives treatment and services the better they will be. In some cases parents do not put their children in school until the age of 5. At that point the child is behind by almost three years.

“The earlier we get them services the better the outcome,” she said.

However, several factors prevent parents from seeking help. It could be due to lack of communication in immigrant communities or simply maybe a case of denial. In either case early treatment is needed.

Here are some of the “red flags” for detecting autism as stated by the CDC:

A person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) might: Not respond to their name by 12 months of age.

Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months.

Not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months.

Avoid eye contact and want to be alone.

Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings.

Have delayed speech and language skills.

Repeat words or phrases over and over.

Give unrelated answers to questions.

Get upset by minor changes.

Have obsessive interests.

Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles.

Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel.

Small said several factors can prevent a parent from seeking early help for their child. Members of immigrant communities are less likely to seek help for a child.

“New York is a big city and we’re still struggling with getting kids the services they need,” Small said.

Others simply refuse to accept the possibility of autism and instead believe the child is just speech delayed.

“It’s a lot easier to accept a speech disorder rather than a child be-

ing on the autism spectrum.”

Today 1 in 54 children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

“We are catching more kids with autism.”

Frequently a pediatrician during a check up will see some of the red flags that indicate autism. Or a parent tells the doctor of behavior that they are concerned about such as delayed speech. The doctor then helps set up an evaluation to see if the child is on the autism spectrum.

If the child is diagnosed with autism then the child can receive treatment in their home if they are under the age of 3. Children older than 3 will be enrolled in treatment centers like the Kennedy Center in Morris Park.

Then the preschooler can enroll in a school that treats children with autism like Birch. Children attending such schools in addition to receiving the basics, are given speech classes, physical therapy and CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Autism awareness, vaccine eligibility

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By Dr. Richard Dal Col, MD April marks Autism Awareness Month.

In honor of individuals with autism in our Bronx communities, we want to not only raise awareness of what autism is, but also take a moment to highlight a timely health opportunity for those with autism to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a developmental disability that affects so-

cial communication and behavior. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in every 54 chil-

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dren has autism spectrum disorder. Despite the condition’s prevalence, however, no two individuals with autism are alike.

At EmblemHealth, we are committed to providing quality care for each person’s specific needs.

From covering behavioral health services to offering information and resources, we are uniquely suited

to serving patients with autism as a community-based non-profit health plan. We also know it’s been difficult for parents and caregivers of children with autism during the pandemic, especially as e-learning has increased.

At EmblemHealth’s medical practices, AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY) and BronxDocs, our care teams partner with parents and caregivers ─ particularly those who may not speak English ─ on solutions for optimal care and support.

Some individuals with autism require substantial support in their everyday lives, while others live independently.

Another way individuals with autism differ is whether they have other psychiatric or medical disorders.

For example, while some people with autism have intellectual disabilities, many do not. In order to know what someone with autism is like, you must get to know that specific person.

Despite the diversity of this population, one similarity that individuals with autism do share is that they are at a greater risk for complications from COVID-19. As a result, the State of New York has classified individuals with autism as a high-risk group prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Many neighborhoods in the Bronx have some of New York City’s highest

COVID-19 rates. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep yourself and your community safe. If you or a loved one has autism, we recommend talking to your primary care doctor as a first step. Primary care doctors can write a letter proving eligibility for the vaccine and answer any questions about how the vaccine impacts individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

If you have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, want to find a vaccine location near you, or need to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, our team of experts at EmblemHealth, Advantage Care Physicians, EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care, and BronxDocs can point you in the right direction.

You can also call the New York City Vaccine Command Center at 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692 or visit vaccinefinder.nyc. gov. People with autism strengthen our communities. The sooner they are able to get vaccinated against COVID-19, the safer they will be participating in the community and receiving any support they may need.

Dr. Richard Dal Col serves as Chief Medical Officer for the EmblemHealth family of companies.

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5 Autism myths busted 12• BRONX VOICE• April 7 - 13, 2021

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By Dan Gesslein Myth 2: Autism. It’s one of the most misun- Switching to a derstood disorders and many of the Gluten-Free Diet myths surrounding it have led to stigWill mas.

Myth 1: Vaccines Cause Autism

“Vaccines do not cause autism,” Small said. The “nonsense” that childhood vaccines cause autism has been disproven.

Small believes the

myth began because the onset for diagnosis for autism is between 12 months and 4 years old. This is roughly the same age period for children to receive vaccines.

Prevent and/or Cure Autism

Autism is a lifelong problem and cannot be “cured” by diet.

The myth has gained recent attention on social media for supposedly stop-

ping child outbursts.

Officials say in many cases a child may be experiencing stomach aches and act out. Unlike children without autism, children with autism have trouble verbalizing what is wrong and act out. And although a change of diet may cause the discomfort to go away it does not mean a child who is non-verbal will suddenly speak and not act out.

Myth 3: ‘Bad Parenting’ Causes Autism

Parents tend to blame themselves thinking they caused their child’s autism by letting them watch too much TV. Or they had the child spend time in daycare because they had to work. Or the parent did not read enough to their child, etc.

Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects communication and socialization.

Myth 4: People with Autism Don’t Want to Have

Friends and Socialize

People with autism have trouble socializing but do want to make friends. Many children are non-verbal or speech delayed and cannot communicate.

As a result they make noises or act out in ways that appear to be anti-social.

It is simply a communication problem.

Small says she has seen many cases with children diagnosed on the autism spectrum who grow up to have friends, marry and have children.

Myth 5: People with Autism are Like ‘Rain Man’

In the Tom Cruise movie “Rain Man” Dustin Hoffman’s character cannot communicate but is a savant and can have complete memory recall and high calculation skill. People on the autism spectrum have variations like everyone else.

“There are people with autism with average intelligence and above average intelligence,” Small said.

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How to help children with learning disabilities cope with mental health challenges

By Marie-Joane Cardin, PsyD, Director of the Fisher Landau Center for the Treatment of Learning Disabilities, Child and Adolescent Program at the Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at Montefiore Children and adolescents with learning difficulties are reporting more and more signs of anxiety, depression, anger, frustration, and even thoughts of suicide.

Yet, many of these signs go unnoticed and misunderstood, leaving many children feeling misheard and believing their feelings are unwarranted. As a result, children will remain silent about the internal mental

health struggle they are facing because of their learning problems.

It is not uncommon for children with learning problems to stop paying attention, become unmotivated, refuse to complete their

assignments, and/ or act out. These behaviors are a lot easier than attempting to do work they know they cannot complete. Too many times, these children are told their work was not good enough or they need to try harder despite giving their best effort. They would rather get in trouble for not trying than giving it their all and “failing.”

In order to truly help those with learning difficulties, we must accept, understand, and help them cope with the associated emotional challenges. First, we need to recognize the signs.

Children who are struggling with academics may complain of stomach-

aches or headaches, seem unmotivated, have low self-esteem, continually beat themselves up, seem stressed, avoid or refuse assignments, say negative statements about themselves, seem sad, or engage in acting out behaviors, specifically in moments they need to complete school work.

Once these signs have been noticed, they need to be addressed in the moment rather than forcing the child to push through the work. This does not mean that the child “gets away” with not doing the work.

The goal needs to be for them to return to the work. However, that will not happen if they are continually thinking, “I’m too stupid,” “I can’t do this,” “what’s the point,” “they won’t believe I tried anyway,” etc.

When you notice any of these signs, take the time to ask

the child what is going on. You can simply let them know that you have noticed the change in their mood or that they are saying hurtful things to themselves and you would like to understand and help them. It is important to help children talk about what is going on in those moments. Help them identify what emotion they are feeling and describe it to you in whatever language is comfortable for them. If easier, they can even draw you a picture of how they feel and where in their body they feel it. The goal is for them to see that someone has noticed they are struggling and cares enough to learn more and help.

After explaining, the child will benefit from taking a break to calm their mind, emotions, and body. These breaks can be five minutes or shorter, if well planned. Work with CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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How to help children with learning disabilities cope with mental health challenges

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

the child to see when they start feeling anxious, frustrated, or sad. Plan the break to be just before things become too much. If things become too much, unexpectantly, take a break then!

During these

breaks, children can use different coping skills to help them calm down or refresh. Taking slow deep breaths is a good place to start.

You can have the child place a stuffed animal on their stomach and watch it rise while their

chest and shoulders stay steady as they breathe in. They can watch the animal fall back down as they let the air out. Stress balls are a good way for them to release some of the anxious or frustrated energy that has built up.

Children’s five

senses are also helpful calming tools.

Have them build a toolbox of calming, distracting, or relaxing objects that incorporate all senses: a favorite lotion, a picture of a happy place or relaxing place, a toy or

animal, stress ball, or the name of a song they can sing. Any of these tools take only a few minutes and will allow them to either decrease the emotion or tolerate it enough to attempt more of the work.

Remember, the goal is for them to try the work again and to not avoid it; however, this can only be done if there is an understanding of what is going on and a genuine desire to help them through the moment. If these strategies are not enough, families should speak with their child’s pediatrician about resources and assistance in the community. The goal is to work together to help children cope with negative emotions and create a positive learning experience.

Marie-Joane Cardin is a psychologist, specializing in helping children with learning disabilities who need academic remediation and mental health services. As the director of The Fisher Landau Center for the Treatment of Learning Disabilities, Child and Adolescent Program, Dr. Cardin provides and supervises treatment to children and adolescents who experience chronic school failure due to comorbid neuro-developmental, psychiatric, and learning disorders. Clinicians use a variety of therapeutic techniques in the moment while children and adolescents are receiving academic remediation in order to address the anxiety, frustration, and sadness that arise during academic tasks. Through treatment, children and adolescent build an awareness and understanding of how their emotional and behavioral difficulties impact their academic functioning.

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Early intervention is the best treatment for kids with Autism CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

occupational therapy.

Before the child graduates preschool, a series of educators sit down to evaluate the child to create the child’s IEP (Individual Education Plan). This evaluation finds the best fit for a specialized kindergarten for the child. They also determine how

many speech classes a child should receive and whether a child needs programs for behavioral issues, etc.

“It’s tailor made to meet the specific needs of a student.”

Frequently children with autism are enrolled in physical therapy and occupational therapy programs.

This is because the child has mo-

tor planning issues. In autism, the communication between the brain and the limbs gets blocked. As a result therapists help the child with simple tasks like taking off their jackets or climbing stairs, etc.

Some children with autism have sensory issues.

Their senses are heightened caus-

ing them discomfort.

“Everything is too loud and too bright,” Small said.

One such example is a child covering their ears when they are with a crowd of people.

Some children will get upset and scream and others will just be annoyed. It depends on the child.

No one child has the

same issues and the same degrees.

Small works with people with autism who have college degrees, who are married with children.

“No 2 individuals with autism are the same,” she said.

For more info about autism resources: https:// birchfamilyservices.org or https://www.autismspeaks.org

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Bronx Night Market returns for fourth season

By David Greene Another sign that life is slowly returning to normal after a worldwide pandemic, The Bronx Night Market, a spring to fall smorgasbord of food vendors, who line Fordham Plaza as visitors sample the savory delicacies of different local eateries-- has returned for the 2021 season.

The 2021 season kicked off on Saturday, April 4 and features a rotating lineup of over 50 vendors from 20 countries, including: "Crabman Mike's Famous Uptown Crab and Seafood Boil,”

“Downeast Lobstah" and "Fried Lasagna Mama." As many as 20 individual eateries are expected to take part each week.

The opening comes as more than 10 million vaccines have gone into the arms

Photos by David Greene

Bronxites enjoy a night of eating out at the Bronx Night Market at Fordham Plaza on April 3, 2021.

of New Yorkers and at the same time health department officials are reporting the 7-day average of positive cases in New York is currently up 50% over the week before.

The Bronx Night Market, which began in 2018, is open every Saturday through November 13 and their website hinted at an announcement for a "Winter Series." The Bronx Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the mar-

ket for the spring to fall season.

The event is free, but tickets are required in order to comply with COVID-19 guidelines for public gatherings , anyone interested in attending or interested in becoming a vendor at the Bronx Night Market, visit their website at: thebronxnightmarket. com.

The Bronx Night Market is opposite 1 Fordham Road Plaza, at East Fordham Road and Third Avenue.

Culinary Road

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By Morris Gut

Maria serves up vibrant spring flavors

Brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been shaking up the dining scene in New Rochelle for the past two years, drawing patronage from all over the metro area to their flavorful riff on modern Italian/global cooking. There is a lot of talent at work here in front and back of the house.

In its first year, Maria was one of the first restaurants in Westchester to be recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide 2020 with a ‘Bib Gourmand’ designation.

Named after Mother, Maria is decorated with nostalgic memories from home: photos, artifacts, chandeliers. A mix of brick and color, exposed ceilings, old and contemporary. The bar is separated from the dining room. Serious cocktails are the domain of Anthony, the barkeep. The house mulls most of its drinks, and there are special squeeze bottles lining the bar full of flavorful impact. A good selection of craft beers and curated wines are on hand.

Like the atmosphere, Chef Gio serves an eclectic blend of changing signature specialties. Great starters include: Real Deal Baked Clams prepared with pork fat; Salmon Tartare with smashed avocado, ginger, scallion, sesame & tamari; and Creamy Burrata with semi-dry tomatoes, pistachios, aged balsamic & mint. Maria’s Big Salad is a wonderful bowl of mixed fresh veggies and legumes, a meal in itself.

Hearty pastas include: Potato Gnocchi Oxtail Ragu,

porcini, marsala, parmigiano; Pici Cacio Pepe, smoked pecorino crema, Telicherry pepper, scallion; classic Rigatoni Sunday Sauce with meatballs, sweet sausage, pork skin gravy; Black Linguine, shrimp, calamari, pomodoro, chile crumbs; and Wild Mushroom Ravioli, rosemary cream, rocket lettuce, Gouda.

Beautifully plated main courses include: Seared Branzino, whipped potatoes, confit tomatoes, capers, elderflower; BBQ Veal Minute Steak, jasmine rice, cucumber salad, sesame; Seared Sea Scallops, tomato farrotto, porcini agrodolce; Charred Octopus, braised butter beans, pickled peppers, salsa verde; and 10 oz. Premium Pork Chops, fingerling potatoes, rabe, peppadews, fennel pollen.

Getting back to his roots, Chef Gio offers ‘Spinning the Classics’: exemplary versions of Eggplant Parmigiana, Shrimp Francese, and Chicken Scarpariello on the bone.

A recent taste of their Grandma Pie from Fratelli’s Pizza next door, was delish!

Love the return of their Happy Hours, Monday thru Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the bar when they offer some of their favorite beverages and small plates each exploding with flavor. I am already hooked on: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Eggplant Fries, Real Deal Baked Clams, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers. Friendly staff, too.

Good networking spot.

By the way, save room for

a decadent Dannoli from Pop’s Expresso Bar next door. A truly decadent dessert: a cannoli-cream-filled Bomboloni donut. Kitchen hours at the moment: Monday, Tuesday & Wed. 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, to 11 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Covid protocols are in place.

Special Hint: The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pop’s Espresso Bar next door. www.popsespresso.com Maria, 11 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle. Appetizers: $9 to $18. Main courses: $21 to $30. Happy Hours: small plates, $6.

914-636-0006 www.marianewrochelle.com STEAK FOR TWO AT MACELLERIA, PELHAM! This high-end Italian steakhouse opened offers classic cuts of prime beef and chops along with a hearty helping of Italian/ American specialties. Johny and his crew will take good care of you. Be seated in the handsomely renovated dining room and bar/lounge and peruse the menu over a good glass of wine. Diver Scallops, Steak Tartare, slabs of Canadian Bacon, Spaghetti Carbonara, Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu, Zuppa di Pesce, even a Classic Burger. Carnivores should consider the Lamb Chops, Veal Chop, or New York Strip Steak. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Free parking. Reservations suggested: 914-219-5728. Macelleria Italian Steakhouse, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham. 914-365-2561

www.macelleriaitaliansteakhouse.com AL FRESCO AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO, HARRISON! The season for dining al fresco is starting up at Trattoria Vivolo in Harrison, as it marks a 20th Anniversary.

Chef/owner and personable host Dean Vivolo of Trattoria 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; Asparagi Gratinati; Aragosta E Capesante Italian stir fry; Calamari Piccante; Gnocchi Al Cinghiale; and Rib Eye Marinato. New specialty Sundaes for dessert. Good wine list. Trattoria Vivolo is located at 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Dean’s father Michael Vivolo had operated La Riserva in Larchmont for years. Free parking.

Phone: 914-835-6199 www.

trattoriavivolo.com BRONX NIGHT MARKET FOLLOWS COVID PROTOCOLS! This popular local market running Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m. thru Nov. 13th, will operate this year on a ticketed basis to observe social distancing protocols. Tickets for a one-hour spot are free but must be reserved in advance on the website. There will be more than 20 Bronx-based vendors including Crabmeat Mike, Empanada Papa, Fried Lasagna Mama, Hungarian Hotspot, Mixto Tacos, and Island Love Cake all selling food, drink and all sorts of merchandise. Fordham Plaza, East Fordham Road and Webster Ave. Belmont, The Bronx. For more info: www. thebronxnightmarket.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: 914-2356591. Email: gutreactions@ optonline.net)

20• BRONX VOICE• April 7 - 13, 2021

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