Bat-wielding thief steals box truck in Hunts Point
By Dan Gesslein
Cops are looking for a bat-wielding thief who drove off in a stolen box truck inside the Hunts Point industrial park last month.
The NYPD released surveillance video of the male suspect who is seen helping himself to a white box delivery truck on a street filled with parked delivery trucks and tractor trailers.
At around 7:40 am on March 15, a man dressed in black was captured on surveillance video casually walking up to a white box truck parked at 1129 Worthen Street. The man walks up to the
passenger windows and swings an aluminum baseball bat, shattering the window. The man walks to the back of the truck, looks around and then returns.
Video shows the man reach into the truck and unlock the door. The man then climbed into the truck and drove off.
The stolen truck’s license is issued by New York State with plate number 68382MG.
On the surveillance
video the suspect was seen wearing a black puffy jacket and black ski mask with a red hoodie underneath. He wore blue jeans and tan boots.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers. nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential.
The NYPD is searching for this man caught on surveillance video breaking the passenger window of a box truck with a baseball bat. Cops said the man then jumped into the truck and drove off.
Man gunned down blocks from Preston
By David Greene
A neighborhood source has stated that police are looking for several men who fled a Throggs Neck home after a young man was shot to death. The shocking shooting took place blocks away from Preston High School and the Marina Del Rey.
According to an NYPD source, officers from the 45th Precinct were called to the home at 226 Quincy Avenue, at 4:47 a.m. on April 13. The source told the Bronx Voice, “Upon arrival, officers observed a 24-year-old male victim with two gunshot wounds to the chest.”
The victim was rushed to Jacobi Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Police have made no arrests in the case and had no descrip-
tion of any suspects to provide.
Later the same day, police identified the victim as Jeremy Ortega, whom investigators say, lived at that address.
One female resident of the quiet block recalled, “The neighbor said there were eight gunshots and that they saw somebody running on Harding” (Avenue.) Asked if the neighbor had just seen one person running from the home, the resident replied, “If I’m not mistaken, he said there
were two or three people who ran into a white car.”
Asked if she lived on a quiet street, the resident said, “Yes, it is. I’ve lived here for 33 years, and this (a homicide) has never happened and all of a sudden, this neighborhood has changed.”
Asked if police patrol the area enough, the resident concluded, “I think they should patrol it more. There’s been a lot of stuff going on in the neighborhood.”
A second woman, a former resident of the block who moved out in October, was asked if she knew the young man. She responded, “Kind of sort of. I didn’t know him personally, but they moved onto the street. He lived there,
yes, he had just moved to that neighborhood.”
Asked about her impression of Ortega, the former resident said, “He seemed nice to me, I mean he was a young kid. I don’t expect much from young kids.” She added that Ortiz had lived in the home with his family.
Asked if she was surprised by the killing, the former resident said, “Of course, that is Throggs Neck, and you don’t expect that to happen there.”
She added, “I have nothing to say about the situation other than I’m glad I moved.”
A source told the Bronx Voice that the suspect(s) fled from the home in a white Honda Civic with dark tinted windows.
Bandit nets $43K in jewels after smash and grab theft
By David Greene
Police are looking for the suspect wanted in connection with a smash and grab robbery of a jewelry store—that netted the bandit $43,000 in jewels.
A police source called the incident a “burglary” that was later disputed by an employee of the shop. The police source stated that the incident was reported at 1:59 p.m. on March 29, at Gem Pawnbrokers located at 700 East Tremont Avenue, at the corner of Crotona Avenue.
The police source told the Bronx Voice, “An unknown individual broke the front window of a commercial es-
tablishment located at 700 East Tremont Avenue and removed jewelry worth approximately $43,000 from the location.”
Police have made no arrests and provided no description of the assailant.
A female employee answering the phone at Gems Pawn Brokers on April 14, was asked if surveillance video captured the face of the suspect, she replied, “I would
assume so, but I wouldn’t be able to give you any information. I have no idea about any of that.”
As police had described the theft as a “burglary,” the employee was asked if anyone was in the store at the time of the incident, she replied, “Yes, we were at the store, but as I said I wouldn’t be able to give you any more information than that.”
As previously reported, police are looking for two individuals who forced entry into a home at Lurting Avenue and Van Nest Avenue in Morris Park on March 25, that netted the suspects $25,000 in jewelry.
No suspects have been apprehended in an armed jewel heist of two victims who were apparently returning to their home at Delancey Place and Muliner Avenue in Van Nest on March 12.
In that incident, police stated that a 37-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were approached by a gunman in their doorway who forcibly removed $147,000 in jewelry from the couple before fleeing the scene.
Anyone with any information on any of these incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.
Easter Bunny beaten by egg-flation?
By David Greene
A visit by the Easter Bunny maybe curtailed this year due to the rising cost of egg-flation through inflation and tariff drama.
An employee of the C-Town Supermarket at 1859 Bronxdale Avenue in the Van Nest section, was observed painting flowers on the shop's storefront window on March 26, in celebration of spring and Easter.
Bronxites planning a traditional Easter egg hunt can expect to pay more for eggs as inflation and the ongoing bird flu epidemic continues. Now with the Trump administration’s imposing of tariffs on other nations, who
in turn are slapping tariffs on imports from their countries.
A visit to the C-Town on April 10, found “organic” eggs costing as much as $11.99 a dozen, while the store was fully stocked with eggs that were being sold for $6.99.
Chevon Young, a Yonkers resident who was visiting her former
neighborhood of University Heights, was asked if she would participate in any Easter egg hunts with family members, she replied, “I would like to, but we will have to look into it.”
Asked if the rising cost of eggs would prevent her from holding an Easter egg hunt, Young said, “Probably… The rising cost may slow that down
for many people who want to do an Easter egg hunt. So now they’re going to resort to the plastic eggs.”
On April 11, the United States Department of Agriculture issued a statement that said that the wholesale price of “large carton shell eggs” in New York City was down by $0.05 to an average price of $3.72 a dozen.
An employee of C-Town on Bronxdale Avenue paints a spring scene of flowers on the shops window ushering in spring and Easter.
C-Town on Bronxdale Avenue had “organic” eggs costing $11.99, but had a large inventory of packages of a dozen eggs that were costing $6.99.
Photos by David Greene
Health Matters Know the early signs of Autism, How parents can access support
By Rebecca Polchinski, DO, Developmental Medicine Specialist, Children’s Hospital
at
Montefiore
Autism spectrum disorder is just that – a spectrum. Each individual has their own set of strengths and weaknesses that makes them their unique self. Supporting an individual’s needs while also embracing their differences is important in creating a more inclusive community.
This is especially relevant as the rates of autism increase, with the CDC estimating that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. are on the autism spectrum. Improvements in diagnosis and awareness are likely contributing to this change. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism at 18- and 24-months of age in addition to regular developmental surveillance. Screening at this age allows young toddlers to receive critical therapies, such as those through Early Intervention, when the brain is rapidly developing.
So, what are the early signs of autism? The hallmarks are differences in social communication
or interaction skills, such as those indicated by the CDC:
*Not making eye contact, not showing a variety of facial expressions (like happy, sad, angry, and surprised), or responding to name by 9 months of age.
*Not engaging in interactive games, like peek-aboo or pat-a-cake, or using gestures, like waving goodbye, by 12
months of age.
*Not sharing interests with others, such as showing objects, or pointing to something of interest by 18 months of age.
*Not joining in play with their peers by 3 years of age or engaging in pretend play, like pretending they are superheroes or making their dolls interact, by 4 years of age.
Repetitive behaviors and narrowed interests are other important aspects of autism.
These behaviors may include:
*Lining up toys/objects and becoming upset when the order is disrupted.
*Playing with toys the exact same way without much flexibility, or focusing on parts of a toy, like the wheels on cars.
*Repeating words or phrases over
and over, or quoting lines from shows and videos.
*Obsessing over certain characters or interests, like cars, trains, or space.
*Difficulty moving on from an activity or handling minor changes in routine.
*Walking on tiptoes, flapping hands, rocking, or spinning in circles.
*Sensitivities to noise or textures of food or clothing.
*Looking out of the corner of their eye or closely at objects, rubbing or mouthing items
How to Get Help
In New York City, unlike other areas, Early Intervention can make a diagnosis of autism during their evaluation. This is important because anyone can refer a child to Early Intervention for developmental or autism concerns - just call 311 or speak with your pediatrician. Another option is to ask your pediatrician for a referral to a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, a neurologist, psy-
How to care for loved ones with Autism
Specialists at Montefiore’s Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) provide care to infants, children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, language disorders, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy and behavioral problems. They also host an annual full-day workshop for English and Spanish speaking families to share information that helps these families to look after their loved ones and themselves. During the 9th annual Parent Workshop on April 9, the sessions covered topics including self-care for caregivers, assistive technologies, supportive decision-making and guardianship. The attendees sought guidance from providers and spoke with other parents about how to navigate challenging situations when caring for an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability. This workshop brought families together to help create a support network of experts and peers to discuss challenges and solutions and share experiences and expertise. The specialists at CERC provide enhanced therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, education services and behavioral health support to thousands of families.
An ear, nose and throat doctor explains why allergy season is getting worse and how to manage seasonal allergy symptoms.
This article originally appeared in NewYork-Presbyterian Health Matters.
By Julia Morrill
As the seasons change and warmer weather arrives, many people may experience nasal congestion, watery eyes, and an itchy throat because of seasonal allergies. About one in four adults in the U.S. suffer from symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as one in five children.
Seasonal allergies are generally related to the life cycle of plants in the environment. In the spring, the pollen released from trees is the most abundant allergen. In the summer, grasses cause seasonal allergies, and in the fall, it’s ragweed.
“Spring allergies can significantly impact people’s quality of life,” says Dr. David A. Gudis, an otolaryngologist and chief of the Division of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
“When the weather is
Spring Is Here: Here’s what to know about seasonal allergies
gorgeous and the trees are blooming and kids want to run and play, we all want to be outdoors. It’s much harder when suffering from allergies. Today, there are great treatment options to alleviate allergy symptoms.
“While seasonal allergy symptoms are typically associated with a stuffy nose and itchy eyes,” Dr. Gudis says “they can also affect sleep, attention and memory.”
To learn more about why people develop seasonal allergies, how to prevent them, and if allergy seasons are getting worse, Health Matters
spoke to Dr. Gudis. What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are the immune system responding to something in the environment as though it were a threat. Everyone has immune cells throughout the body to protect us from infection — including on the surface of our eyes, our skin, and the lining of our nose, mouth, and airway. When something like pollen triggers one of the cells in an allergic patient, the body mistakenly treats it like a threat. The immune cells react with an inflammatory cascade as though they must respond, react, and fight. Thus, a massive and robust allergic reaction begins.
What are the seasonal allergy symptoms?
The allergic response, which is a form of inflammation, can cause lots of very uncomfortable symptoms for patients — itching, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal discharge, itchy throat, and eczema are common. People suffering from seasonal allergies can also feel fatigued and even notice difficulty focusing.
Do seasonal allergies have a mental health impact too?
Allergies are associated with changes in mood. When sleep is impaired, memory and attention can suffer as well. Allergic swelling in the nose can reduce the sense of smell, and believe it or not, a last-
ing poor sense of smell is associated with feelings of isolation and other mood changes. Lastly, allergies are associated with anxiety. All of these complex relationships can have an impact on mental health. Why do people develop seasonal allergies? It’s not entirely understood. Seasonal allergies equally affect all socioeconomic groups, races, ethnicities, and demographic groups, but the climate and environment in which one grows up can significantly impact the risk of developing allergies. The type of inflammation that causes allergies can also run in families. If someone’s parents have allergies, the child is
Jacobi, NCB Hospitals celebrate women
For the month of March, both campuses of NYC Health + Hospitals/ Jacobi | North Central Bronx celebrated their staff, patients, and community with Women’s History Month Celebrations. At North Central Bronx, staff celebrated with a educational gathering. At Jacobi, staff celebrated with a celebration and photo within the Jacobi Rotunda. Both facilities are fortunate to have many positive examples of female leadership in the medical, administrative, and patient relations fields.
3 steps to consider this spring to help you live a healthier lifestyle
By Dr. Greg Carnevale, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of New York
Spring into health this season by refreshing your well-being routine and building healthier habits for the rest of the year. While many Americans make health a primary focus of their New Year’s resolutions, 57% of recent survey respondents said they take up healthier lifestyle choices only after having a medical concern.
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s a great time to get moving and focus on living a healthier lifestyle. There’s no better time to get started than today.
Here are three steps you may start taking right away:
1. Choose a primary care provider and access preventive screenings.
2. A primary care provider can help guide you on your health journey, and studies
suggest that access to primary care providers may help people live longer. Yet more than 30% of American adults don’t have a primary care provider.
3. One important item to check off your health care checklist each year is an annual wellness visit with a primary care provider –even if you feel healthy.
A preventive care visit may help you better understand your health and detect any
problems early. If you don’t currently have a primary care provider, check with your health plan for in-network doctors in your area or other options for accessing care like virtual care options. Health plans usually cover preventive care, which means you may pay $0 out of pocket for certain covered preventive services if you go to an in-network provider.
You may also be eligible to earn rewards through your health plan for activities like your annual wellness visit, getting certain preventive screenings or completing a health survey. Some health plans also offer coverage for certain health screenings like those for breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
Check with your health plan to understand your coverage and eligibility and talk to your
employer about benefits and wellness programs that may be available to you.
Walk 15 to 30 minutes each day
Getting outside during the day and enjoying the sunshine may be an important source of Vitamin D, boost your mood and help you sleep better.
Taking regular walks, even for 15 to 30 minutes, may be a simple way to get some sun and fresh air, get your steps in and keep your body moving.
In fact, a recent study found that walking more may help extend life expectancy by up to 11 years. Ideally, adults should aim each week for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity like a brisk walk, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity like jogging or running.
Some employers now offer wellness programs as part of the health benefits available to
their employees.
Track and improve your sleep
Many people struggle with their sleeping habits, with more than one-third of adults in the U.S. reporting regularly not getting enough sleep. Experts recommend adults get 7 or more hours of sleep a night. Maintaining healthy sleeping habits may be beneficial for both your physical and mental well-being, from helping to reduce stress and improve your mood to lowering risk for some chronic conditions.
To help improve your sleep, consider avoiding alcohol, caffeine and too much screen time before going to bed, and try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Adding these tips into your daily routine may be a great way to boost your overall health and well-being this spring.
Know the early signs of Autism, Howparentscanaccesssupport
chologist, or psychiatrist, who can also confirm an autism diagnosis.
So, after a diagnosis is made, what’s next?
In Early Intervention, a therapy called Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA, may be offered. This treatment focuses on improving interaction skills, teaching developmental skills step by step, and reducing challenging
behaviors by rewarding positive ones.
For preschool-aged children, support in a mainstream or a specialized preschool may be considered following an evaluation by the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). Again, caregivers can request these evaluations themselves by contacting the CPSE offi ce associated with their school dis-
trict.
School-aged children can be supported in general education or attend various programs offered through the Department of Education, depending on the child’s needs. These autism-specifi c programs include Nest, Horizon, and AIMS. To apply, caregivers should contact their child’s school or the Committee on Special Education (CSE) offi ce for
their district. Further details can be found on the following website: www. schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education/ help/committees-on-special-education.
The Offi ce for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is a statewide program that coordinates services for families outside of school and those with an autism diagnosis may be eligi-
ble. More information is located at www.opwdd. ny.gov.
As a community, it is important that we advocate for continued supports and services for people with autism, especially as agencies experience funding challenges. This support can be lifechanging for families and help those diagnosed with autism reach their unique goals.
Rollin’ Colon returns to Monte
The Rollin’ Colon, a 10-foot-high inflatable colon, was at Montefiore Einstein to educate the community about colorectal cancer.
The event, honoring Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (March) was interactive with the goal of educating Bronx residents on how to prevent and treat this disease, which is on the rise in younger populations and represents the second-leading cause of cancer death in New York City.
This event offered access to the clinical team, helpful resources and literature to educate the community about the importance of early colorectal cancer detection and treatment.
The team stressed that unlike other cancer screening
tests, colonoscopies are the only form of cancer screening where during screening, early stages of cancer can be both detected and removed before cancer spreads.
Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center offers the most advanced colon cancer care, support and access to clinical trials, right here in the community. Newer initiatives like FIT testing (safe painless tests shared with patients to look for signs of colorectal cancer) from Montefiore Einstein primary care locations to AI-powered virtual patient navigators that engage people missing their colonoscopy appointments, to virtual colonoscopies, which are now covered by Medicare, were all discussed.
much more likely to end up well. Is it normal to develop
Spring Is Here: Here’s what to know about seasonal allergies
tem also changes over the course of our lives, and as has increased. These changes could represent another reason that seasonal allergies are more common or affecting people more severely than they used to. Are there ways to prevent seasonal allergies?
The first step is to try to avoid allergens. During those first few weeks of spring, when pollen counts are high, consider spending more time inside with air conditioning and an air puri- fier rather than keeping the windows open. It’s helpful to dust and vacuum regularly and make sure bedsheets are changed and washed regularly.
I also tell patients always to shower before bed so that they’re not spending all night rolling around in the pollen and other allergens that they may have accumulated over the course of the day.
What medications can treat seasonal allergies?
Over-the-counter medications can significantly improve seasonal allergy symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays, nasal antihistamine sprays and oral antihistamines are very effective at helping patients feel better. For people who suffer every allergy season, I recommend starting the medications before symptoms begin, as it may be easier to prevent inflammation than try to treat it after it’s severe.
What if medications are not enough?
If allergies are signifi cantly impacting your quality of life and over-the-counter treatments are not enough, it’s defi nitely worth seeing a doctor. Allergy testing and immunotherapy or allergy shots can signifi cantly help with your symptoms.
Reducing crime in our city, Keeping New Yorkers safe
By Mayor Eric Adams
Our North Star has always been keeping New York City streets, subways, and communities safe. This is a pro-public safety administration, and we know that in order for New York City to be the best place to raise a family, our neighborhoods need to be safe.
Since day one, our administration has been dedicated to making sure New Yorkers are safer and feel safer. We have put thousands of more cops on the beat, taken over 21,000 illegal guns out of the hands of criminals and off our streets, and made our subways safer while getting vulnerable New Yorkers the help they need. The numbers are in, and the first quarter crime data for this year shows our public safety strategy continues to work. We have now had five straight quarters of decreasing crime — since January 1, 2024 — and we are shattering crime record after crime record.
The first three months of the year saw the lowest number of shootings in recorded history. Since the start of modern crime tracking, there has never been this few shooting incidents in ANY quarter in ANY year in our city’s recorded
history. New York City also saw the second fewest number of murders in recorded history. Robbery and grand larceny are in their sixth consecutive month of decline, and robberies continue their double-digit dip.
Transit crime has also gone down by double digits in the first quarter — for all boroughs that have subway service. This is thanks to the surge of police in our transit system where we need them most, on our trains and platforms.
We have listened to New Yorkers and worked to make our city safer. The success of our public safety strategy is due to an intensified focus of police officers assigned to hot spot “zones” across the five boroughs.
Our data-driven, precision policing model has already led to the removal of over 1,300 illegal firearms in 2025, including 57 untraceable 3-D printed “ghost
guns,” and brings the total to over 21,000 illegal firearms taken off the streets since the beginning of our administration.
These gun seizures directly influenced an almost 29 percent drop in shooting victims in March and a 23.4 percent decrease in shooting victims for the quarter. That is 50 less shooting victims so far this year alone, which means more lives are being saved.
And we are starting to see some promising statistics when we look at retail theft — which is down over 8 percent year to date. Retail theft hurts our businesses, our workers, our customers, and our quality of life. New Yorkers don’t feel like things are working when everything from toothpaste to laundry detergent is locked up. We have been clear: we will not let shoplifters and organized crime rings prey on New York City businesses.
Additionally, thanks to steps we have taken, traffic deaths have reached a historic low in the first quarter of 2025. Over the last three years, our administration has created a record 1.5 million square feet of new pedestrian space across the five boroughs; improved over 5,700 intersections,
which has led to better visibility and drivers turning more slowly; installed 87.5 miles of protected bike lanes; and, because speeding is a factor in over a quarter of traffic deaths, we worked with lawmakers in Albany to keep our speed cameras operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are also working with Albany to expand the use of cameras at red lights to deter drivers from running red lights instead of coming to a stop.
These measures also resulted in decreased traffic injuries this quarter and show forward progress toward our Vision Zero goals. We’ve seen declines in injuries across the board, with drops in injuries among pedestrians, cyclists, motorized two-wheeler riders,
and motor vehicle occupants. Despite this progress, we know tragic traffic fatalities — like the recent crash that took the lives of three individuals, including two children, and left one child fighting for his life in hospital — still take place and we must continue to change driving behaviors. We will not rest until all New Yorkers are safe: at home, on our transit system, and on our streets. Because of our steadfast focus on public safety, and the hard work of the brave men and women of the NYPD, New York City remains the safest big city in America, and we will continue to work tirelessly every day to keep protecting New Yorkers, their families, and our neighborhoods.
Photo by Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
Culinary Road
By Morris Gut
Fine dining vets bring bold flavors to new eatery
A wonderful new addition to the Bronx/Westchester dining scene, Basilico Ristorante, a handsome dining room and bar, has been opened in Pelham by hospitality veterans Nick Demaliaj and Jetmir Arifaj. Partners Nick and Jetmir had previously worked at the iconic Russian Tea Room in Manhattan. They bring years of restaurant experience to the dining room floor.
The menu is a global mix of Italian, Mediterranean, and American specialties with European influences served in an inviting multi-room setting highlighted in classy white with French doors. Eclectic artworks and lighting fixtures adorn the walls and ceiling.
Basilico offers such tempting starters as delicious Veal Meatballs, Grilled Octopus, Tuna Tartare and classic Caesar Salad.
Pasta selections include Spaghetti Bolognese, hearty slow cooked beef and tomatoes; Squid Ink Linguine, clams, tomatoes and garlic in a white wine sauce; Seafood Ravioli served in a rich creamy tomato sauce;
Pappardelle with sweet sausage in a savory ragu with a drizzle of truffle oil; and Fettuccine Mediterranean, asparagus, olives, capers, tomatoes, basil and garlic, evoking flavors of the Mediterranean.
Beautifully plated meat and seafood entrees include: hearty Braised Short Ribs with mushrooms, homemade fettuccine in a red wine reduction; Zuppa di Pesce, a hearty seafood stew with garlic and fine herbs in a spicy tomato sauce served with garlic toast; classic Coq au Vin, the French version with braised chicken in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, carrots, and mashed potatoes; Pan Seared Branzi-
no, roasted potatoes and string beans in a lemon butter caper sauce; Braised Lamb Shank, slow braised and served with luxurious risotto; Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Burger, served avocado coleslaw and choice of fries or garden salad; and Wagyu Truffle Burger, with caramelized onions and truffle pecorino cheese and side of fries. Save room for such
tempting desserts as classic Tiramisu; Risotto and Pistachio Cake; Crème Brulee, Gelati or Affogato.
There is a pre-fixed lunch daily: 2 courses $35 p.p; 3 courses $45 p.p. Served with coffee or tea. An a la carte weekend brunch features such dishes as Crab Cake Benedict; Classic Caesar Salad; Polenta Funghi; Avocado Toast; and Pro-
sciutto and Mozzarella Omelet.
Basilico Restaurant, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner and Weekend Brunch. Kid’s menu. Private party facilities. Full take-out & delivery. Proper casual dress. Municipal parking; free evenings. 914-740-5900 www.basilicopelham. com
Braised short rib with pappardelle and mushrooms over ricotta.
Fine dining vets bring bold flavors to new eatery
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
SOFT SHELL CRAB SEASON HAS ARRIVED!
The season for fresh soft-shell crab runs April-September and there are legions who crave this delicacy simply sautéed or deep fried with some lemon and butter. Nothing like a crispy softshell crab sandwich with the proper condiments. I am a big fan. They first show up from Florida and the Gulf Coast at area markets followed by the popular bounty from Chesapeake. As the season wears on more venues will be serving them. Here’s where to seek them out locally…
Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-9885) Jumbo soft shell crabs are on the blackboard as a special. Great with one of their craft beers. www.artiescityisland.com
Sea Shore, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-0300) Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew serve soft shells in a variety of styles. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. www.seashorerestaurant.com
Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle (914-637-3777) This restaurant, the first to specialize in Croatian/Adriatic cuisine in the metro area, excels in fish and seafood so you won’t go wrong here. Indoor, al fresco, takeout & delivery. www.dubrovnikny. com
Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. (914-835-6199) Chef/ proprietor Dean Vivolo will be serving soft shell crabs out of his vintage diner any style in addition to this popular regional Italian dishes. www.trattoriavivolo.com
Dive Oyster House, 1201 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor (914236-3911) In the coming weeks, owner Kenny Neziraj will offer Soft Shell Crab as a daily specialty. Happy Hours. www.diveoysterhouse.com
Cosenza’s Fish Market, 2354 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-364-8510) It’s right in the heart of Little Italy, a full-fledged fish market with counters set up as an Oyster Bar & Clam Bar. Take your pick. Randazzo’s Seafood, 2327 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-367-4139) Started 3 generations ago by a
Sicilian family of fisherman, this market has soft shells in stock all season. Current hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.randazzoseafood.com
Caffe Regatta, 133 Wolf’s Lane, Pelham 914-738-8686 Veteran chef/proprietor Anthony Labriola offers an eclectic contemporary mix of pristinely fresh fish and seafood specialties along with a daily Raw Bar. Soft
shells are waiting for you. www.cafferegatta.com
Bread & Brine, 119 Main Street, Hastings-On-Hudson (914-479-5243) The place bustles inside and out, and ‘summers in Maine’ is the theme. Soft shells are a seasonal treat. www.breadandbrinehoh. com
Kee Oyster House, 128 E. Post Road, White Plains (914-437-8535), Owner Ekren & Elvi offer
a daily raw bar. The blackboard lists the daily catch and will soon include Soft Shell Crab. And they are pristine. www.keeoysterhouse.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food & dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)
