Bronx Voice - January 31, 2024

BRONX VOICE

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7th Year, No. 16

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January 31 - February 6, 2024

6 injured in GUNMAN’S ODD TASTE Soundview fire Page 4

Page 7

Lincoln Hospital wins award for Page 13 excellence

Photo by Citizen

unveils State of the City here Page 8

Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

CIGS, CINNAMON WHISKEY Adams ROBBED

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2• BRONX VOICE• January 31 - February 6, 2024

Kids targeted by muggers in Bronx

By Dan Gesslein Cops are looking for a group of muggers who have beaten up one child and threatened a teen with a knife during two robberies in the Bronx.

The NYPD is searching for a group of muggers who robbed two youngsters. One teen was robbed at knife point and another child was beaten

The NYPD released surveillance video of three, possibly four suspects wanted in two violent robberies of youngsters during the holidays.

The first robbery took place at around 3 pm on December 23 across from the Sack Wern Houses in Soundview. A 14-yearold male was walking down the block when he was approached by four males who demanded his property. Cops said one of the group pulled out a knife and told the teen to hand over his cell phone and wallet. The robbers then ran off with the

phone and a wallet containing $40.

Investigators said the same crew struck again at around 2 pm on December 26 across from IS 131 in the vicinity of Underhill Avenue and Story Avenue. A 12-year-boy was approached by two males who demanded his property. The pre-teen refused.

Cops said the muggers jumped on the young victim, repeatedly punching him. Then they ripped the coat off the 12-yearold and forcibly removed his cell phone. The attackers then ran off in an

unknown direction.

The victim sustained minor injuries but refused medical attention.

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.

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6 people injured in Soundview fire

4 • BRONX VOICE• January 31 - February 6, 2024

Video from Citizen App 12:30 am.

By Dan Gesslein shows flames shooting Those who suffered injuSix people were injured during a three- from the roof of the build- ries were taken to area hosalarm fire in Soundview. The cause of ing. Firefighters mounted pitals. At least a dozen peoladders and poured water ple have been displaced by the fire is still under investigation.

from above. the fire.

The FDNY reported FDNY officials are still The fire broke out at around fire. FDNY crews raced to 11 pm on January 22 and soon 1053 Boynton Avenue and that the fire was brought investigating the cause of the quickly grew to a three-alarm began tackling the blaze. under control at around fire.

Photo by Citizen app

Firefighters battled a three-alarm fire in Soundview.

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BRONX VOICE•January 31 - February 6, 2024• 5

Man stabbed in neck with glass outside Assemblyman’s office

6 • BRONX VOICE• January 31 - February 6, 2024

By Dan Gesslein A Soundview man was stabbed in the neck with a glass bottle outside the office’s of a Bronx assemblyman. Cops said the stabbing was the result of an argument.

At around 5:15 am on January 14, a 20-yearold man got into an arguement with three men standing in front of the offices of Assemblyman Kenny Burgos at 1163 Manor Avenue - the office was closed at the time.

Cops said the argument became heated and then turned physical with the trio attacking the man. Then one of the suspects took a piece of glass from a bottle and stabbed the man in the neck.

The attackers then ran eastbound on Westchester Avenue.

The victim, who sus-

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described as a male with a slim build and light complexion.

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 https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

tained heavy bleeding, was rushed by EMS to Jacobi Medical Center.

He was listed in stable condition.

Investigators said no property was taken during the attack.

The NYPD released surveillance video of the alleged attackers. The first suspect is described as a male with a heavy build and a light complexion. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored jeans, and a baseball cap.

The second individual is described as a male with a slim build and light complexion.

The NYPD is searching for three men in connection with the stabbing of a man in the Bronx.

The third individual is The victim was stabbed in the neck with a piece of a glass bottle.

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BRONX VOICE• January 31 - February 6, 2024• 7

Gunman steals cigs, cinnamon whiskey from gas station

By Dan Gesslein A gunman robbed a Bronx gas station of liquor cigarettes and cash on New Year’s Eve and it was all caught on surveillance video, the NYPD said. Unfortunately for the gunman he wore a mask to hide his identity when he went to stickup the cashier and not while he was walking around the store in which his face was captured on video.

At around 9:48 pm on December 31, the suspect walked into the convenience store of a BP gas station in Allerton. Surveillance video captured the suspect entering the store and walking around it without a mask on. Before he approached the counter, the suspect donned a black mask.

He walked up to the 56-yearold cashier, put a paper bag on

the counter and pulled a handgun out of his waistband. Waving the gun at the worker, he ordered the cashier to hand over the cash. He removed $300 from the til and put it in the paper bag.

Then motioning with the gun he ordered the cashier to hand over 30 packs of Newport cigarettes. He also made off with two, 12-ounce bottles of Fireball liquor before

fleeing the store.

The suspect is described as a male with a medium complexion and medium build. He was last seen wearing a red hoodie, blue jeans and white and red sneakers.

He also wore a black Durag and a black face mask.

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 https:// crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

The NYPD is searching for this man in connection with the gunpoint robbery of 30 packs of Newport and two bottles of cinamon whiskey.

Adams holds ‘State of the City’ at Hostos despite protest

8 • BRONX VOICE• January 31 - February 6, 2024

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Adams’ speech, delivered “by double digits.” Ad- the city that helped create

By David Greene on January 24, was held failed to mention that 270,00 private-sector jobs, Halfway through his term as mayor, at the Center for the Arts ams some categories of crime bringing the total number Eric Adams held his 2024 ‘State of the and Culture. Touting that are on the rise such as as- of working New Yorkers to a record 4.1 million.

City’ speech at Hostos Community Col- “Crime is down,” Ad- saults and auto theft. ams credited the NYPD Touching on his new Coming into office lege on the Grand Concourse, despite with taking 14,000 illegal during a global pandemic, Green Economy Action the many individuals and groups outside guns off the street, while Adams laid claim to 4 mil- Plan that his administraprotesting a slew of Adams administra- boasting that homicides lion people back to work tion plans to roll out in the and shootings are down, and 62 million visitors to coming weeks, Adams betion policies. lieves his plan will create

Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor Eric Adams walks on to the stage at Hostos Community College where he delivered his State of the City address.

400,000 new jobs by 2040.

Addressing the housing crisis, Adams hopes to build 500,000 housing units over the next decade and convert 136 million square feet of unused office space into affordable housing units.

Adams told guests, “And thanks to the hard work of this administration and millions of dedicated New Yorkers, the state of our city is strong—far stronger than it was two years ago.”

Adams also said he is seeking assistance from Albany in closing the illegal marijuana shops.

Adams said he is working with the City Council to create the ‘Department of Sustainable Delivery” that would regulate the delivCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Adams holds ‘State of the City’ at Hostos despite protest

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ery drivers on scooters that would establish guidelines and hold corporations accountable.

On the 172,000 asylum seekers assisted by the city so far, Adams said, “We are proud we have done our part, but we need others to do theirs.

The federal government must step up and step in.

This is a national crisis that calls for a national solution, so that our newest arrivals can contribute to our economy, like the generations of immigrants before them.”

Outside Hostos Community College the crowd was protesting a variety of hot-button issues such as NYPD arrest practices, the closing of the Rikers Island jail, and the Israel – Hamas war.

Sunny Vasquez of Pelham Parkway told the Bronx Voice, “We’re out here protesting Eric Adams and all of his budget cuts pertaining to the health, the mental health and well being of all New Yorkers.”

Rachel Cholst, an ac-

ademic advisor at Hostos Community Collage spoke of cuts at CUNY and cuts to the grants of students, telling the Bronx Voice, “They need to be successful in school and what we see over and over again is students that dropout of classes because they need to work.”

Photo by David Greene

Protesters denouncing many different policies of the Eric Adams administration hold a rally at the corner of East 149 Street and the Grand Concourse as the mayor held his State of the City speech at Hostos Community College.

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10 • BRONX VOICE• January 31 - February 6, 2024

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Four charged in ‘Happy New Year’ subway assault

By David Greene Three young men from the Bronx and an unidentified teenager are in custody after a bizarre New Year’s assault that took place in the subway.

According to po- The four suspects lice the incident fled the scene on began on the south- foot. The victim bound D-train plat- was removed to St. form of the East Barnabas Hospital 182nd Street Sta- in serious but station at 9:47 p.m. ble condition. on January 1, in the The NYPD anconfines of the 46th nounced the arPrecinct / Transit rests of Emmanuel Awah, 19, of District 11.

Police say that the Townsend Avenue 29-year-old male and Elias Affla- Police say they have captured all four suspects wanted in connection with a bizarre New Year’s victim wished four da, 19, of Sheridan assault and robbery at the East 182 Street Station on the Grand Concourse. individuals, “Hap- Avenue. The pair old male who was arrest of the fourth three counts of aspy New Year,” and were charged with charged with at- individual identi- sault. a dispute ensued. attempted murder, tempted criminally fied by police as A criminal charge The four perpetra- robbery, and as- negligent homi- Abdul Abdulai, 18, is merely an accutors began beating sault.

Rochambeau sation, and a decide and robbery of officials and three counts Avenue. Abdulai fendant is innothe man and stab- Police announced of assault. bing him numerous later was charged with cent until proven times throughout the arrest of an un- Police would attempted murder guilty in a court of identified 16-year- also announce the and robbery and law. the body.

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Community Op Ed

Balancing City’s budget while delivering for working-class

By Mayor Eric Adams plications for asylum, work Our administration came into office authorization, and tempoprotected status. We also with a clear mission: to protect public rary helped more than 60 percent safety, revitalize our economy, and make of migrants take the next all five boroughs more livable for the 8.3 steps in their journeys.

Our strong fiscal managemillion people who call New York City ment also helped to make their home. For the last two years, we restorations that put dollars Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office towards public safety, have worked every day to make our vi- back public space, and young peo- New York City Mayor Eric Adams makes a housing related ansion a reality. And the recently released ple. nouncement at City Hall on January 18, 2024.

Fiscal Year 2025 Preliminary Budget We restored funding for the so that students and fami- cautious.

April Police Academy Class, lies can continue to get the Experts expect the econokeeps us on track. which means 600 additional support they need, both in my and job markets to slow

I am proud to report that jobs are up, crime is down, tourists are back, our streets are cleaner, and our children’s test scores are better.

We have accomplished all this and delivered a balanced budget for New Yorkers.

It is important for New Yorkers to understand how we achieved this balanced budget that invests in working-class families, despite a perfect storm of COVID-19 stimulus funding drying up, tax revenue growth slowing, labor contracts that went years overdue, and an ongoing national humanitarian crisis that has brought more than 170,000 asylum seekers to our city in less than two years.

Despite a record $7.1 billion gap, we were able to balance and stabilize our budget without laying off a single city worker, raising taxes, and with minimal disruption to services that New Yorkers rely on. This is the result of careful fiscal planning and management.

We made tough but necessary decisions like implementing a hiring freeze and a Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) savings program. These steps, along with an unexpectedly strong economy, and lowering asylum seeker costs helped balance the budget.

And to properly manage the asylum seeker crisis, we helped file over 27,000 ap-

officers out on our streets this fall. Additionally, we restored the fifth firefighter at 20 of the city’s engine companies because more firefighters on the job always helps.

We will maintain 23,000 litter baskets across the five boroughs, and continue to install the award-winning “Litter Basket of the Future,” so we can keep can winning the war against rats. And we will continue to fund our Parks Opportunity Program, which keeps our public spaces clean and green while helping our neighbors find job opportunities.

And to support one of our young people, our administration restored funding for 170 community schools

and out of the classroom. In addition, for the first time ever, our city will invest new funds into and entirely pay for Summer Rising, a program that impacts 110,000 children, and had originally been funded with temporary federal stimulus dollars.

Finally, libraries across all five boroughs will maintain their current level of funding so they do not have to further reduce the library programs and services that New Yorkers of all ages love.

All of these wins are possible because of our fiscal planning and discipline that keep our city safe and clean and open the doors of opportunity for everyone.

But we must continue to be

this year, and asylum seekers will continue to arrive, so we must be vigilant and remain focused on making government more efficient and spending taxpayer dollars carefully. That is why we are proud that our preliminary budget includes a near-record Rainy-Day Fund of $8.2 billion.

Running a city of any size is never easy. And balancing the many competing needs of a city like New York requires us to think ahead and make the best decisions we can for today and tomorrow. Everything we do is about making this city safer and making it work better for working-class New Yorkers. That is what this budget delivers.

Health Matters 12 • BRONX VOICE• January 31 - February 6, 2024

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Monte gets $2 Mil to train community health workers

There is growing recognition that community health workers (CHWs), local experts who fill gaps between medical care and social services, represent an enormous opportunity to address challenges in healthcare access and improve overall health outcomes. Despite their importance, inconsistencies in education and training prevent CHWs from reaching their full potential.

The Community Health Worker Institute (CHWI) at Montefiore has received a $2 million grant from the New York State Department of Health to create a robust program that can serve as a new model for prospective and current CHW instruction and support.

The CHWI at Montefiore launched in 2021, and to date, CHWs completed certificate training through Hostos Community College. As CHWs were deployed throughout Montefiore’s primary care, OBGYN and specialty locations, the leaders of the Institute saw an opportunity for enhanced education and training standards that would open pathways for CHW’s upward career mobility and improve their consistency and effectiveness.

Enabling CHWs to Grow and Prosper Nationwide, CHWs have various job descriptions and training across healthcare settings. Most basic CHW training programs include approximately 81 hours of educa-

tional activities and 80 hours of on-the-job training. Courtesy of this new grant, Montefiore’s bolstered CHW program will include 160 hours of education and approximately 2,000 hours of supervised engagement with patients. An additional 16 CHWs will also be trained from this funding.

“Our CHWs are remarkable, and we owe it to them to have more standardized education and training that will not only add value to how we deliver healthcare but also ensure CHWs have the tools to be successful, feel pride in their work and to advance in their careers,” said Kevin Fiori, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., director of CHWI and Social Determinants of Health, as well as associate professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Family & Social Medicine at Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

“We are grateful for this new funding which will help ensure we are enhancing experiences for our CHWs, but also will provide a roadmap for how to share and replicate CHW best practices elsewhere.”

Through the new funding, CHWs will be compensated as they participate in an enhanced

intensive four-week training spanning data management to social service workshops that lay the foundation for how to navigate systems and help families with their most pressing needs like housing security and quality, food security, transportation, access to healthcare, child/adult care and legal services. They will also have a full year of supervised practice experience. Once enough job hours are completed and coursework is passed, trainees will have the opportunity to earn full NYS Department of Labor recognized apprenticeship certification.

The newly robust training, which will also be available for current Montefiore CHWs, gives a leg up for those looking to pursue future health careers, such as certified nurse assistants.

The CHWI at Montefiore is informed by the health system’s screening of social determinants of health (SDOH)— conditions that people are born into, work and live in that impact health outcomes (e.g., housing, transportation, education). To date, more than 215,000 patients have been screened for SDOH and 1520% were identified as having

at least one social need.

By having an academic medical center, which combines education, research and clinical care in the Bronx, one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse counties, Montefiore is uniquely positioned to create a training program that can serve as a model for how to educate and train this new workforce, particularly in vulnerable communities.

“Our CHWs are the Bronx,” said Scott Wetzler, PhD, vice president, Behavioral Health Management, Montefiore, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “They are creative and hardworking, and some have also had to overcome challenges like inadequate housing and food insecurity. Having that firsthand experience on the frontlines, backed by this new education and training program, brings an amazing opportunity for us to learn from the experiences of our colleagues. In turn, we’re proud to offer a more extensive educational experience that allows this emerging workforce to prosper.”

Lincoln Hospital wins award for excellence

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NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln announced that the Medical Intensive Care Unit II recently received a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

The Beacon Award for Excellence, a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and a healthy work environment, recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s Healthy Work Environment Standards.

The silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence signifies an effective approach to policies, procedures and processes that includes engagement of staff and key stakeholders. MICU II earned its silver award by meeting the following evidence-based Beacon Award for Excellence criteria: * Leadership Structures and Systems * Appropriate Staffing and Staff Engagement * Effective Communication, Knowledge Management and Learning and Development * Evidence-Based Practice and Processes * Outcome Measurement

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Medical Intensive Care Unit 2 for attaining the silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN),” said NYC Health + Hospitals Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive Natalia Cineas, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “Earning a Beacon Award represents a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments. This impressive designation is a clear indication that Lincoln MICU 2 maintains a positive and supportive work environment with a high degree of collaboration between colleagues and leaders, nurturing empowerment and leadership among the nursing staff, and working together to successfully improve patient outcomes.”

“We are very honored and proud of the silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence recognition given to MICU II. They work extremely hard providing the highest level of critical care to our patients and the community we serve.

Congratulations, as you’re fulfilling our ICARE values and being recognized for

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your excellence,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln CEO Christopher Roker.

“I am so proud of our MICU II nursing staff for achieving this outstanding recognition of nursing excellence! Your commitment to quality and safety in the delivery of patient care is exceptional, and your Beacon Silver Award is shining bright on Lincoln Hospital, congratulations to the entire team,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Chief Nursing Officer Lillian Diaz, DHA, RN, NEA-BC. “Our nursing team is very proud to celebrate with our frontline team, this well-de-

served testament of exceptional achievement for nursing excellence. The prestigious Silver-level Beacon award recognition is a true testimony to the compassion, dedication, teamwork and unwavering commitment, towards high quality patient care by the MICU2 II front line staff,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Deputy Director of Nursing Greta Bayne, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CMC. AACN President Terry Davis, PhD, RN, NE-BC, CHTP, FAAN, applauds the exemplary efforts of the caregivers at MICU II at Lincoln Hospital

for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence. “These dedicated healthcare professionals join other members of the exceptional community of nurses who set the standard for optimal patient care,” Davis said. “The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in stellar units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes.

Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care.”

The Medical Intensive Care Unit II team at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.

14 • BRONX VOICE• January 31 - February 6, 2023

Culinary Road

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By Morris Gut

Where to enjoy Mardi Gras season 2024

‘LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER’! Let the good times roll! Carnival season has begun all over the globe. Mardi Gras will culminate on Fat Tuesday, February 13th. If you want to take in some of the revelry here are some local suggestions…

NEW ORLEANS & SOUTHERN STYLE MARDI GRAS DISHES & VENUES! They’re calling it a ‘soft opening’. But Crawdaddy’s Creole Kitchen, 68 Wheeler Ave., Pleasantville, was jumping when we first walked in, past the Voodoo Lounge and to the bar. It’s the newest spot in town bursting with the flavors and vibes of The Big Easy. Tempting bites include Pimiento Cheese, Popcorn Shrimp, Crawfish Mac & Cheese, Po’ Boys, Seafood Gumbo, and Fry Baskets. Partners Michael Boulos, Veronica Kallas, Maria & Anthony Amato are planning special treats during their Mardi Gras celebration.

914-449-6199 www.crawdaddyscreolekitchen.com Proprietor Peter Van Cott of The Bayou Restaurant,

580 Gramatan Ave., Mount Vernon, has been serving up the spirited sounds and flavors of Cajun country since 1991, and the place is still funky and enjoyable. So, if you can’t make it to New Orleans, this is the spot to revel to authentic blues and zydeco music while hunkering down to an overstuffed Po’ Boy or such house specialties as: Voodoo Wings, fat Muffulettas, Southern Fried Chicken, Grilled Peppered Catfish, Tender Pork Ribs Smothered in BBQ Sauce, Jazzy Jumpin’ Jambalaya served with Louisiana Andouille Sausage, Alligator Sausage, and Crawfish Tails Smothered in rich Creole Gravy. Their Annual Mardi Gras Bash will be held on Fat Tuesday featuring live entertainment.

Reservations are suggested.

Phone: 914-668-2634. www. bayourestaurantny.com Owner Nick Fusco at Freebird Kitchen & Bar, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, serves a Southern-themed menu that includes such specialties as: Shrimp Po-Boy Sandwich; Fried Green Tomatoes; Cajun Pasta; Shrimp & Grits; and a darn good Pi-

Big Muffuletta with chips at the Bayou. mento Cheeseburger. Look for a swarm of artsy flying birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room. Open for lunch & dinner. Great Happy Hours 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Weekend brunch. Phone: 914-607-2476. www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com Owners Greg & Jon DeMarco and Kevin Campbell of Rye Roadhouse, 12 High Street, Rye, will be marking Fat Tuesday all day. The fun starts with specialty cocktails, authentic New Orleans Cajun/Creole dishes and tra-

ditional Zydeco music. Try their tasty Shrimp Po’ Boy or mixed bowl of Jambalaya with meats and seafood including Andouille sausage and crawfish tails. The sweet potato fries served with remoulade are great. Beads and giveaways are also promised.

Reservations a must. Phone: 914-925-2668. www.ryeroadhouse.com Owner Spiros Chagares of Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island in the Bronx, does a wonderful job with his American

Shellfish Jambalaya. It is on the menu, and it is loaded with the flavors of the New Orleans. It can be easily shared, as with so many of their other big combo platters. Good craft beer selection and cocktails. Phone: 718-885-9885. www.artiescityisland.com Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar, 2375 Central Park Ave., Yonkers, is part of a 70-store chain of eateries espousing the delights of southern seafood. There are CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Where to enjoy Mardi Gras season

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Crayfish Boils, Po’ Boys. The menu allows you to select your favorite meat, seafood & vegetables and they will prepare a New Orleans-style meal. Also: Concourse Plaza and Parkchester Metropolitan Oval, Bronx. 718-293-0388, 914-355-7739 www.hookreel. com Southern Table Kitchen & Bar, 39 Marble Ave., Pleasantville, offers a big dose of Southern hospitality along with such open kitchen house specialties as: Fried Green Tomatoes, Cheddar Biscuits, Grit Bowls, Cajun-style Seafood Boils, and Chicken & Waffles. Good Fried Chicken, too. Open daily.

Phone: 914-618-3355. www. southern-table.com Ekren and Elvi, owners of KEE Oyster House in White Plains, serve a delightful seafood-rich menu in a contemporary, white-tiled setting. Their version of a Po Boy is a winner.

Kee also serves a pristine selection of East/West oysters with all the trimmings. An indulgent platter of Oysters Rockefeller is a specialty.

Their version of Fried Calamari teases my palate. While the taste of their Pan-Seared Scallops with seafood risotto and brown butter sends me into foodie heaven. There are dramatic Hot or Cold Seafood Towers, too. For you

Popcorn shrimp with cajun remoulade at Crawdaddy’s.

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carnivores out there, a hefty 16 oz. Dry-Rubbed Prime Sirloin is on the menu. Good beer and wine selection.

Open Mon-Sat. KEE, 126 E. Post Road. White Plains.

914-437-8535 www.keeoysterhouse.com Multi-talented artist, model, actor and consummate host Alvin Clayton of Alvin & Friends, 14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle serves up solid doses of American Soul Food, Southern favorites, a taste of the Caribbean, spirited jazz sessions and art. Alvin & Friends Restaurant has a sophisticated Manhattan vibe. Check out the Classic Jambalaya, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken, and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops. Burgers and Mac & Cheese, too.

Combine your visit with some live music. Love their Friday night jazz featuring local talent. Saturdays, too.

The Sunday Jazz Brunch is a winning combination as well. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

914-654-6549 www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com Holy Crab, 32 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, serves fresh Cajun-style seafood as you would see in New Orleans. It is a long sprawling space with bustling bar/lounge. Open daily.

Check out such specialties as: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Po’ Boys, Gumbo, Snow Crab Legs and Jambalaya Shrimp. Phone: 914-948-

3888. www.holycrabny.com You can enjoy a good Jambalaya at Savanna’s Southern House, 3901 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor.

Blackened Catfish & Shrimp, too. A convivial spot offering a southern themed ambiance.

914-736-1203 www.savannahandco.com FESTA DI CARNEVALE AT LA BOCCA! Chef/proprietor Tony Spiritoso will be holding his annual Italian multi-course Carnival feast on Sunday, Feb. 18th. The cost is $85 per person. Begin with platters from Tony’s signature antipasti bar loaded daily with tempting cured imported meats, cheeses and appetizing house made salads. Tony has brought his vintage bright red slicing machine along wherever he has been, and it sits here ready to roll at the antipasto counter. Italian music. Some consider La Bocca the most authentic Italian kitchen in the area.

Seasonal pastas, meats, fish and game. The wine selection is among the best in the county. The dining room is strewn with artistic columns and seasonal artifacts. There is a wine room for private events. Open 7 days. La Bocca, 8 Church St., White Plains. 914-9483281 www.laboccaristorante.com BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL AT FOGO DE CHAO! Warming things up for the

start of Carnival, Fogo de Chao, the bustling Brazilian steakhouse in White Plains, will be holding a spirited Bar Event on Thursday, February 8th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Cost is $29 per patron for 2 Caipirinhas, the national cocktail of Brazil, and bar bites. Traditional specialties will be served throughout the month. Fogo De Chao is a sprawling spot for drinks, giant Market Table salad bar, and waves of fire-roasted meats served on skewers in the churrasco style. If you have never experienced this type of dining concept, get ready and make sure you are hungry. Additions to the traditional meat offerings include a fresh daily seafood selection, a variety of freshly made salads, and a dramatic bar/lounge area. Bar menu. Happy Hours. There is also a butcher shop on the premises for takehome. Fogo de Chao, 235 Main Street, White Plains. www.fogodechao.com (Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor.

He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline. net)

16 • BRONX VOICE• January 31 - February 6, 2024

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