Bronx Voice - January22

BRONX VOICE

WHAT A RACQUET

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

9th Year, No. 16

FREE January 22 - 28, 2025

Still no arrests in Mall Brawl

Muggers Page 14 smash How to deal with teen in head a stomach bug with tennis racquet, Page 2 Page 12 rob him Photo by Bronx Antics

Tennis racquet swinging muggers rob teens

2 • BRONX VOICE •January 22 - 28, 2025

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

By Dan Gesslein The NYPD released survideo of four A tennis racquet swinging robbery veillance members of the book bag crew is being sought by cops for a pair wearing young suspects seen running from the crime of violent robberies targeting teens. scene in the Forest Houses.

In both cases the crew targeted a teen coming home from school.

At around 4 pm on December 12, a 15-year-old male was walking in the vicinity of Forest Avenue and East 166th Street. Cops said a group of young suspects ran up to the teen and pounced. The group began punching and kicking the teen. Then one of the attackers smashed a tennis racket into the victim’s face.

The attackers then ran away without removing property.

The victim refused medical treatment at the scene.

At around 4 pm on December 17, a 13-year-old was attacked in the vicinity of Intervale Avenue and Kelly Street. The crew attacked the teen and forci-

bly pulled the sweater off the victim. Another attacker struck the teen in the face with a tennis racket. And another member of the crew took the victim’s book bag which was on the ground.

The attackers then ran off.

The victim refused medical attention at the scene.

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.

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE • January 22 - 28, 2025 • 3

4 • BRONX VOICE • January 22 - 28, 2025

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

Air conditioner theft leads to police involved shooting

By David Greene officers.” One officer gave when he was shot.

The NYPD’s Force Investigation Unit the man verbal commands Griffith added, “This sithand signs to stop, be- uation was extremely fast is currently investigating a police of- and fore firing a single shot into moving, lasting only a few ficer involved shooting after cops say the man’s torso. seconds in an extremely According to Griffi th the tight stairwell.” He adda man, who called 911 about someone cers “preformed life sav- ed that the incident was stealing an air-conditioner, approached offi ing measures" on the man captured on both officer’s officers with a butcher knife and was who was rushed to Lincoln body-worn cameras as well Hospital in serious but sta- as surveillance cameras in shot by an officer.

According to police officials, officers from the 40th Precinct were called to 335 East 148 Street in the Mott Haven section at 5:40 p.m. on January 12.

At 9:15 p.m. that evening Deputy Chief Rohan Griffith of the NYPD’s Force Investigation Unit briefed reporters on the incident.

Griffith said. “A 911 call was placed reporting that a Photo courtesy of Citizens App

male was attempting to steal the air conditioner” and responded to the caller’s home on the second floor of the building but were unable to find the caller.

Griffith continued, “As the officers approached the first floor, a 32-year-old was coming up the staircase from a side entrance with a kitchen knife in his right hand.

He quickly approached the

ble condition.

Noting that the investigation was at its early stages, Griffith continued, “At this time we believe that the male with the knife was actually the 911 caller. After calling 911 the male exited the building and confronted a male that was in the side courtyard of the building.”

The 911 caller returned to the building with the knife

the building.

Fielding questions from reporters Griffith said the 911 caller spoke Spanish to the 911 operator and he could not immediately say if the officers spoke Spanish.

Griffith confirmed a second man was in the alley with the air conditioner who fled the scene, Griffith added, “He is currently unidentified and we’re going to be looking to identify him.”

Police officers and paramedics outside of 335 East 148 Street after police officers shot a man with a knife after the man reported someone trying to steal his air conditioner.

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE • January 22 - 28, 2025 • 5

Community Op Ed

6 • BRONX VOICE • January 22 - 28, 2025

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

Making NYC the best place to raise a family

By Mayor Eric Adams Last week in Harlem, the neighborhood where generations of Black families have flourished, I reported to New Yorkers on the state of our city and outlined an ambitious agenda to make New York City the best place to raise a family.

When we came into office three years ago, COVID, crime, and chaos had thrown New York into uncertainty

and pushed too many families away. I told you then that we would not just bring our city back; we’d make it better than

ever.

That started with keeping families safe. We put thousands of new officers onto our streets, took nearly 20,000 illegal guns off them, and launched a $485 million action plan to prevent gun violence. These efforts have paid off, with murders and shootings down by double digits since we took office.

We put over $30 billion back into your pockets and delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in tax relief. Last year alone, we broke new records for the most jobs and small businesses in city history and enrolled a record 150,000 young people in our early childhood education system.

We also continued to deliver for our minority-and-women owned business enterprises, awarding $6.4 billion in contracts.

We shattered affordable housing records two years in a row, unlocked billions of dollars for public housing, and, after decades of in-

Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivers his fourth State of the City address at the Apollo Theater in Harlem on January 9, 2025.

action, passed the most pro-housing zoning proposal in city history.

The state of our city is strong.

But there’s no denying that New Yorkers are anxious about their future. Extreme costs are forcing too many families to make hard choices. I know because I’ve been there.

My mother worked several jobs to raise six kids by herself. But even though the odds were stacked against us, Dorothy Mae Adams never stopped fighting to provide her family with a better life, and that is why I will never stop fighting to do the same for you.

To make America’s

safest big city even safer, we are adding hundreds of new officers to our subways and making the smart, upstream investments that prevent crime in the first place.

This year, we will begin a $163 million expansion of five of our most successful programs that connect young people to careers, college, and counseling. We know that if we do not educate, we will incarcerate, which is why we will expand these programs to reach 8,000 young New Yorkers.

When we came into office, we said the days of letting people languish on our streets and subways were over. We CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE • January 22 - 28, 2025 • 7

Making NYC the best place to raise a family CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

moved 8,000 New Yorkers from our subways into shelter and committed to caring for those who could not care for themselves. But we need to go further.

Last week, I announced a $650 million investment to bolster that work and tackle street homelessness in New York City.

We are going to add 900 more Safe Haven beds that offer people on our streets extra support and specialized services; open a new facility to care for unhoused New Yorkers suffering from serious mental illness; and launch

a new program to connect soon-to-be parents applying for shelters with permanent housing, because no child should ever be born into our city’s shelter system.

To make sure more families can afford to live across the five boroughs, we’re launching “City of Yes for Families.” We’ll work with city agencies and with the City Council to build more family-friendly neighborhoods; that means more family-sized homes and homes for multi-generational families, so parents, grandparents, and grandchildren can live togeth-

er. It also means building more homes alongside schools, libraries, grocery stores, and playgrounds so families have everything they need close to home.

To put more money back in your pockets, we put forward an ambitious proposal to eliminate city income taxes for working-class families making 150 percent of the federal poverty line or less. Our “Axe the Tax” proposal will give over $63 million back to 582,000 New Yorkers and their dependents to help you make rent, afford groceries, and cover the cost of child-

care.

And to lay the foundation for a lifetime of financial freedom, we set a new goal of making sure every student can learn how to save and spend money by 2030. We are going to put a financial educator in every school district to provide workshops, counseling, and curriculum, and we are going to open new bank branches in city schools to give students handson experience creating a bank account.

Finally, from Central Park to Flushing Meadows, our city’s parks are where families come to-

gether, so this year, we are going to open up more playgrounds for use on nights, weekends, and during the summer to put another 20,000 New Yorkers within a 10-minute walk of a park.

No matter what challenges New York City faces, I promise you this: no one will fight harder for your family than our administration will.

With these investments in public spaces and public safety, housing and financial freedom, we will make sure that the greatest city in the world is also the best place to raise a family.

Landlord of burned Bx building sued to stop heat monitoring

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

8 • BRONX VOICE • January 22 - 28, 2025

This article originally appeared in The City.

By Samantha Maldonado, Mia Hollie and Jonathan Custodio The landlord whose Bronx building burned in a five-alarm fire Friday fought the city’s housing agency in court last year in an unsuccessful bid to exit a city program that requires monitoring for landlords with chronic heat complaints.

Landlord Ved Parkash owns 2910 Wallace Avenue, a now burnt-out 98-unit apartment building in the Allerton neighborhood of The Bronx, just east of the New York Botanical Garden.

That apartment building, along with nine others owned by Parkash, is one of 50 currently assigned

to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Heat Sensors Program, which requires landlords with the most violations and complaints to put monitors in each apartment that automatically send temperature data.

Landlords of buildings in the program must notify all tenants of the monitoring

and give them an opportunity to opt out. Landlords must also report the heat sensors’ locations and readings to HPD, which is required to conduct heat-related inspections of the buildings at least once every two weeks.

Failure to install the sensors in each apartment or provide them with adequate heat could result in penalties of thousands of dollars for the landlords, depending on the type and amount of violations.

While the FDNY is still investigating the blaze’s

Photo by Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

Hundreds of tenants were displaced after a fire ripped through the top floor of 2910 Wallace Ave. on Jan. 14, 2025.

cause, displaced residents said some tenants used space heaters and stoves to keep their apartments warm, a potential fire risk.

The Red Cross is providing temporary shelter to 87 households consisting of 252 residents, including 58 children.

Nearby, in an adjacent Parkash building also enrolled in HPD’s program, residents said they also contend with inconsistent heat.

“We struggle with heat a lot. We don’t got no hot water right now. Yesterday, we had no heat; the day before, we had no heat,” said one tenant, Shaquille Cassanova. “The water been going out since winter started. Every now and then you get hot water.”

Cassanova, 28, said he wasn’t aware of a heat sensor in the apartment he shared with his mother. Another tenant, who declined to provide their name, said they did have a sensor installed.

The Wallace Ave. building had one still-open HPD heat violation as of Dec. 16, and 11 total since the start of 2022, city records show.

The adjacent Parkash building, 2911 Barnes Avenue, has two open violations, and 11 total since 2022.

‘Important Public Safety Concern’ In September 2024, Parkash and several associated LLCs sued HPD to challenge his buildings’ inclusion in the program, alleging the agency failed to “sufficiently inform” him why they’d been selected and therefore did not “satisfy minimum due process necessary.”

The lawsuit stated he could face initial civil penalties as much as $2.9 million plus an additional $5.1 million for each day out of compliance.

By November, a judge denied Parkash’s petition and ordered him to comply with the Heat Sensors Program by this Wednesday. The fire at 2910 Wallace took place five days before that deadline.

“The costs imposed are directly tied to ensuring that tenants receive adequate heat during the winter months, a legitimate and important public safety concern,” Judge Raymond Fernandez wrote in his decision.

According to HPD, Parkash submitted some of the necessary documentation last Thursday, the day before the fire, showing progress toward compliance.

A Parkash Management spokesperson said in a statement that all buildings in its portfolio had been outfitted with heat sensors prior to HPD implementing the proCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• January 22 - 28, 2025 • 9

Landlord of burned Bx building sued to stop heat monitoring

10 • BRONX VOICE • January 22 - 28, 2025

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

-gram, and that the company is “committed to meeting our obligations as affordable housing providers in some of the most underserved communities in The Bronx.”

Parkash is well known to tenant organizers in The Bronx. The Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition and Community Action for Safe Apartments have been working with residents of the landlord’s buildings for more than a decade, including on heat outages.

“Issues like rodent infestations and other safety, health hazards are increasingly a higher priority in Parkash buildings,” said Edward Garcia, organizing co-director of the coalition.

“Heat is such a seasonal issue it’s harder for people to stake an organizing campaign around, but we’ve had issues with sufficient heat and hot water.”

Parkash, who topped the Public Advocate’s office “worst landlords” list in 2015 for the sheer number of housing code violations in his properties, has been the subject of multiple lawsuits filed by tenants over the years. In 2023, tenants in Jamaica, Queens, sued for repairs, in a case that is still ongoing. That same year, tenants in The Bronx alleged he harassed them and subleased rent-stabilized apartments to charge

A fire in a Wallace Avenue residential building in The Bronx displaced hundreds of tenants on Jan. 14, 2025.

Photo by Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

more than the legal rent, which resulted in a restraining order against Parkash and his associates.

Struggling for Solutions Space heaters have proved deadly in recent incidents. Just three days before the fire at 2910 Wallace Ave, one person died in a Washington Heights fire that originated with space heaters plugged into extension cords, according to the FDNY. A malfunctioning space heater was the source of

the devastating Twin Parks fire in early 2022, which killed 17 people. After that catastrophe, Rep. Ritchie Torres and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand introduced a bill to require federally assisted rental apartments to install temperature sensors, but it did not advance.

In 2023, a report from New York City Comptroller Brad Lander found that the Northwest Bronx led the city in heat complaints.

The report recommended scaling up the Heat Sensors

Program, among other actions, to prevent potentially dangerous situations from desperate tenants using space heaters or stoves to warm their homes.

The program was created through legislation introduced in 2018 by Torres, then a City Council member, at the request of then-Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who’d previously partnered with a nonprofit called Heat Seek NYC to pilot its sensors.

The heat sensors program

is a necessary but insufficient condition for holding the worst landlords like Ved Parkash accountable,” Torres said in a statement on Monday. “There is a need for federal legislation that makes the installation of heat sensors in buildings like 2910 Wallace Avenue a condition of receiving federal funds from programs like Section 8. Without a robust enforcement mechanism, heat sensors on their own will only take us so far.”

Health Matters www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• January 22 - 28, 2025 • 11

Leveling up your romantic partnership

By Dr. Traci Maynigo, Attending Psychologist and Program Director, Supporting Healthy Relationships & HERO Dads at Montefiore Health System Special occasions and family events can be a high-stress, high-conflict time for couples. Our childhood selves can resurface and we can tantrum over old hurts. We may re-grieve people we have lost, during celebratory moments.

These mixed emotions can kindle conflict in even the strongest relationships.

Often these conflicts are more intense versions of the same fights couples come back to repeatedly.

Somehow, no matter what they are fighting about, how they fight seems to follow the same pattern that feels impossible to break free from.

Using these simple techniques can take fights and make them into conversations that repair your relationship and lead to real communication.

Start conversations mindfully. Explain what is happening and share a positive need (a clean space keeps me calm) versus blaming (I always have to pick up after you). Using

polite language and sharing what you truly appreciate will go a long way towards making the conversation productive.

Hit pause if a conversation is feeling heated or going in circles. Take 2030 minutes on your own to decompress. Once the tide has turned, remind yourself of the positives, grounding yourself in what you love about your partner will help you approach relationship challenges in a way that preserves and builds your bond together.

Repairs are an important part of disagreements.

Ways to repair include validating their feelings (It sounds like you’re hurt) or

File photo

gentle reminders that you are on the same team. Repairs can be taking responsibility (Sorry, I asked for this at the last minute!) or apologizing with sincerity.

In January, you may have done self-reflection and set individual life goals and resolutions. Now is an ideal time to do a relationship check-up and determine whether you and your partner need to level up. Take some time to connect and discuss what’s going well and what you can improve in your life together.

If your relationship needs a tune-up, many couples first consider couples’ therapy. Unfortunately, finding an affordable therapist, or one that takes your insurance, can be challenging.

Relationship education can be a good place to start; try looking for supports in your community to connect with other couples.

Montefiore is home to the free Supporting Healthy Relationships program facilitated by a team of psychologists and mental health counselors in person

and online. The course is 12 weeknights for 2 hours and teaches healthy communication skills for couples in relaxed workshops.

The program, offered in both English and Spanish, welcomes LGTBQ+ partners; the focus is to empower couples to achieve family success, by improving their communication skills, learning how to reduce destructive conflict, and gaining financial stability. Call 718-401-5050 or email shr-uba@montefiore.org to learn more.

12 • BRONX VOICE • January 22 - 28, 2025

Dealing with a stomach bug?

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

Here’s what you need to know about Norovirus With an increase in the gastrointestinal viral illness this winter, a primary care physician explains how to protect yourself and how to treat norovirus at home.

This article originally appeared in NewYork-Presbyterian’s Health Matters.

By Camille Bautista-Fryer While the fall and winter seasons can bring an uptick of colds or the flu, cases of another common viral illness — norovirus — are rising in the United States, according to data from the Centers for usually resolve within 48 with contaminated surDisease Control and Prevention.

“Norovirus is also known as the ‘stomach flu,’ but it’s not related to the flu or influenza virus,” says Dr. TingTing Wong, an attending physician and infectious disease specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Brooklyn. “It impacts the stomach and colon and is very contagious, but for people who are generally healthy, they’re sick for about two to three days and feel better afterwards.”

Dr. Wong spoke with

to 72 hours. In patients faces can also contribute who are severely immu- to infection. nocompromised, like What are the symptransplant recipients or toms? people undergoing cheThe symptoms include: motherapy, there is great• Stomach cramps or er risk for developing se- pain What is norovirus? vere disease that can last • Nausea Dr. Wong: Norovirus longer.

• Vomiting is a group of viruses that How does it spread?

• Diarrhea cause gastroenteritis, or Norovirus is easily • Fever a stomach infection, that transmissible between • Headache can lead to vomiting and person to person through • General malaise, or fadiarrhea, among other viral particles, including tigue symptoms. saliva, vomit, or stool. How to Treat Norovirus It’s the most common You can get it by sharNorovirus resolves on cause of stomach viruses ing contaminated food, its own without specific in elderly populations and drinks, or utensils, and treatment or medication. children, but anyone can outbreaks can stem from Here’s what you can do get it. food preparation by an to help with recovery at Norovirus symptoms infected person. Contact home.

Health Matters to share what you need to know about norovirus and how to treat yourself at home if you’re experiencing symptoms.

File photo

Drink fluids

“When your body is ill, you most likely won’t want to eat and that’s OK,” says Dr. Wong. “But it’s important to hydrate, and not only with water.

Drink fluids with electrolytes, like sports drinks or pediatric electrolyte solutions for children, and avoid caffeine.”

Watch out for signs of dehydration

“Check your urine color and make sure it is clear or clear-yellow. If it’s dark, you’re not drinking enough,” says Dr. Wong.

For young children or babies, caregivers should CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

Dealing with a stomach bug?

BRONX VOICE• January 22 - 28, 2025 • 13

Here’s what you need to know about Norovirus CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

check for wet diapers throughout the day. Other ways to gauge dehydration in young children: check whether their lips are chapped and if you press down on their fingernail, the color should return within one to two seconds if they are well hydrated.

Rest Rest and sleep are mainstays for your body to recuperate. Try to remain in bed and make sure you’re taking it easy.

Ease back into eating

“Generally by day two or three, you may start feeling hungry if your nausea has improved,” says Dr. Wong. “It’s a good sign that your body is recovering.” It’s recommended to go on a bland diet with foods that are easier on your digestive system like BRAT, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. You can also try a clear broth. “It’s OK to take in a little more salt when you’re sick, because it’ll help your body retain water,” says Dr. Wong. “Avoid greasy and spicy foods and dairy

products.”

How can you protect yourself?

There are two important measures you can take.

First, practice proper hand hygiene.

Hand-washing is the most effective prevention. Using soap and water, wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. It’s been shown that soap and water is even more effective than alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Second, disinfect surfaces. It’s a good idea to wipe down surfaces with disinfectants, such as a bleach-based household cleaner , particularly before and after preparing food. It’s also recommended to thoroughly wash clothing if a family member has had norovirus.

How can you tell the difference between norovirus and food poisoning or other gastrointestinal-related illnesses?

For most people, it’s actually very hard to tell the difference between norovirus and food poi-

soning because of the similar gastrointestinal symptoms. The timeline of norovirus is a big indicator.

With food poisoning, there are bacteria like Escherichia coli or Campylobacter that can cause a spectrum of illnesses ranging from a 24-hour bug to something more severe. There are some food poisoning illnesses that can transmit into your

blood and cause severe sepsis, or infections. In contrast, norovirus generally causes mild symptoms and lasts no more than 48 to 72 hours.

When is it time to see a doctor?

If you’re experiencing symptoms and your diarrhea, fatigue, or general sense of well-being is not getting better within two to three days, that’s a red flag to seek medical care.

Other symptoms such as blood in the stool or increasing fever are also indicators to call a physician.

Additional Resources Learn more about norovirus.

If you are not feeling well, NewYork-Presbyterian’s Virtual Urgent Care can help address non-life-threatening symptoms, such as fever, cough, upset stomach, or nausea. Learn more at nyp. org/urgentcare.

No arrests after Brawl at the Mall viral video

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

14 • BRONX VOICE • January 22 - 28, 2025

By David Greene An unidentified NYPD local hospital in “stable swinging a metal pole and stated, condition.” The spokesAfter several weeks of being unable missing another man, be- spokesperson fore turning his back and “Upon arrival, officers person added that police to find information on a wild brawl, getting struck in the head observed a 16-year-old had made no arrests in captured on a viral video and posted himself. The video has male victim with a lacer- the incident.

The FDNY had statto the face. A preto social media— the NYPD has now so far gotten over 66,000 ation liminary investigation ed that the victim was likes. confirmed that the video was shot at the After finding the correct revealed that the victim transported to Jacobi information on the inci- was involved in a phys- Hospital.

Bay Plaza Mall.

Citing police sources, The video posted to Instagram shows two groups of teens or young men fighting and swinging metal stanchions used for crowd control, that were

surrounding an automobile that was on display for holiday shoppers.

The video shows one young man in a t-shirt inside the crowded mall,

dent the NYPD stated that the incident took place at the Bay Plaza Mall, located at 200 Baychester Avenue at 7:42 p.m. on December 18.

ical altercation with an unknown male, who was struck in the head with a metal object.”

The teenage victim was transported by EMS to a

News 12 reported that an 18-year-old male was taken into custody, but police now say no arrests were made.

Instagram user “flores_7856” commented, “Saw this in person, ruined my whole Christmas shopping.” He added that both groups were “separated by security and then by police.”

A second Instagram user “chi_the_okayest_ barber” joked, “This is what happens when you skip the line to see Santa in the Bronx.”

The mall, which opened in 1988 and according to their website houses over 150 shops and businesses, is owned

by Prestige Properties.

A man answering the phone at Prestige Properties on December 28, told the Bronx Voice, Photo courtesy of Instagram “I’d rather not comment After a fistfight broke out between two groups of teens or young men, one man picks up a metal stanchion during a brawl on the situation.” at the Bay Plaza Mall on December 18.

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com

Culinary Road

BRONX VOICE• January 22 - 28, 2025 • 15

By Morris Gut

Where to enjoy Carnival/ Mardi Gras Season

‘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, March 4th. If you want to take in some of the revelry here are some local suggestions…

NEW ORLEANS & SOUTHERN STYLE MARDI GRAS DISHES & VENUES!

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 Pimento 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 6 p.m.; Fridays 2-6 p.m. Weekend brunch. Live music schedule. Phone: 914607-2476. www.freebirdkitchenandbar.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 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 traditional 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 tasty 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 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

Popcorn shrimp with cajun remoulade at Crawdaddy’s.

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: 914-6183355. www.southern-table. com 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 cele-

bration. 914-449-6199 www. crawdaddyscreolekitchen.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. Open Mon-Sat. KEE, 126 E. Post Road. White Plains.

914-437-8535 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 and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. E-mail: gutreactions@ optonline.net)

16 • BRONX VOICE • January 22 - 28, 2025

www.bronxvoicenyc.blogspot.com