July 29, 2020

BRONX VOICE

FREE

BLOODY SUMMER 4th Year, No.6

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July 29 - August 4, 2020

Page 4

Photos by David Greene

An all night party ended on Prospect Avenue with two men shot, Juancarlos Ortega, 24, of Manhattan later died at St. Barnabas Hospital.

Shootings Bronx mourns loss soar thru-out of native son the borough Regis Page Philbin

5

Remembering the victims of Covid-19 Page 12

Lincoln Hospital scores high in new ranking Page 14

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2• BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020

Phony cops make off with $20K in home invasion

By Dan Gesslein

A pair of phony NYPD officers committed a home invasion in Crotona making off with $20,000 in cash stuffed inside a shoe box.

The real NYPD released surveillance photos of the suspects who robbed an apartment in the vicinity of Monterey Avenue and East 178th Street.

At around 7:30 am on

June 10, two men knocked on the door inside an apartment building in Crotona. When the 25-yearold woman opened the door, the men identified themselves as police ofThe NYPD released surveillance video of two men wanted in connection with a home invasion in the Bronx.

ficers. Investigators said one of the men displayed a gun while the other entered the apartment.

The thief found a shoe box stuffed with $20,000.

The men took the cash and fled on foot. No one was injured in the robbery.

The first phony cop is described as a light-skinned adult male, with a medium build and was last seen wearing a dark-colored hoodie sweater, dark-colored pants, dark-colored sneakers, a dark-colored hat with the letter "P" on it and a blue face mask.

The second phony cop is described as a lightskinned adult male, with a medium build and last seen wearing a dark-colored long-sleeved sweater, gray sweatpants, dark-colored sneakers, a light-colored face mask and seen carrying a red bag.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

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BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020• 3

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BLOODY SUMMER

4• BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020

Shootings soar thru-out the borough

By David Greene The unprecedented summer of violence continues to play out on streets across the city-- as President Donald Trump has sent federal law enforcement officers into several American cities to restore order and protect federal property.

Photos by David Greene

Family members of Francisco Rosado confront police at the scene of the man's death back on May 2.

The week began James Rivera, 24, gunfire along Decatur Street in Norwood. with the killing of who died in a hail of Avenue and East 209 Rivera had been shot at least one time in the back and died a short time later at Montefiore Hospital on East Gun Hill Road.

One source on the block claimed that Rivera fired several of his own rounds at his three assailants, who may have fired as much as a dozen shots and killing Rivera.

The NYPD declined to comment.

At just after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, police were called to the third-floor hallway at 2575 Jerome Avenue, where they discovered Soloman Kemar, a 32 year-old male who was stabbed one time in the chest and later died at St. Barnabas Hospital.

Police initially described Kemar as a A member of the NYPD's Crime Scene Unit (CSU) documents and processes some of the nearwoman as he was ly one dozen rounds fired from the corner of East 209 Street and Decatur Avenue.

discovered wearing a dress, it is believed that Kemar was transgender.

One resident and the super of the building both claimed that drugs and prostitution are rampant in the building. Super Joel Corona claimed he attempts to keep the building's front door locked at all times and confirmed that NYPD officers patrol his building, but added, "I'm in my apartment, I don't see what happens.”

On July 27, the NYPD released a building surveillance photo of an individual "wanted for questioning" in connection with Kemar's death. The person of interest was described as a Black male, wearing dark pants and CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020• 5

Bronx mourns loss of native son Regis Philbin

By David Greene Longtime television host Regis Philbin died on Saturday, July 25, according to published reports, he died from cardiovascular disease at a hospital in Greenwich, CT, He was 88.

Born in Manhattan and raised in the Van Nest section of the Bronx, Philbin attended both Our Lady of Solace and Cardinal Hayes High School, before attending and graduating from Notre Dame.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, he worked on the

set of "The Tonight Show" in the 1950s and got his first on-air TV exposure as a sidekick on "The Joey Bishop Show" in 1967. He began hosting "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee" in 1988 and outlasted his cohost Gifford, when Kelly Ripa joined the show in 2001. Philbin left the show in 2011.

Philbin closed out his 60-year television career in the early 2000's hosting the popular "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and co-hosted the first season of "America's Got Talent."

Photo by David Greene

Regis Philbin shakes hands with fans along Bronxdale Avenue across from Van Nest Lanes where they were filming “Men in Black 3” on April 14, 2011.

Philbin was known to visit bakeries in Van Nest and Belmont, but his last known public appearance in the Bronx was on April 14, 2011, when he visited Will Smith on the set of "Men In Black 3" in Morris Park.

Before leaving, Philbin went to say hello to the 200 fans in attendance, when a mentally disabled woman hugged and kissed Regis, and refused to let go until the woman's health aid and a police of-

ficer finally separated the two.

The Guinness Book of World Records currently lists Regis Philbin with the most hours on US television with 16,746,050 hours.

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6• BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020

Bronx Zoo reopens with social distancing, masks

The Bronx Zoo reopened to the public along with the Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo to all guests. The official reopening came following four days of members-only access that began on July 20.

Photos by Julie Larson

Each park is open at reduced capacity and all visitors must reserve date-specific tickets in advance. For a full list of “Know Before You Go” guidelines, visit each parks’ website.

Highlights of reopening guidelines for all four WCS zoos: · Tickets must be purchased online for a specific date/time. · No walk-up/on-site tickets will be availCONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Reach more people

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Bronx Zoo reopens with social distancing, masks

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BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020• 7

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Photo by Julie Larson

able. · At the Bronx Zoo, tickets will be sold for entry at 10am; noon; and 2pm. At the other parks, entry time slots will be sold on the hour all day until closing. ·Members and Healthcare Heroes must obtain tickets online and these tickets too will be date and time specific.

·The traditional free Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo will begin Wednesday, July 29 and require advance ticketing online. ·Masks/Face coverings will be required at all zoos and the aquarium for all visitors ages 3 and up. ·Social distancing protocols will be in effect throughout the parks.

·Cleaning procedures will be enhanced, especially in high-touch areas. ·Lines, stores, and food concessions will be monitored to ensure that mask wearing and social distancing recommendations are met. ·Day camps and education programs will be available online and will be virtual.

BLOODY SUMMER

8• BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020

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Shootings soar thru-out the borough CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

t-shirt.

Also Sunday, at about 3 a.m., cops in the 49th Precinct were called to 2960 Bronx Park East where they discovered a still-unidentified 37-yearold male who had been shot in the head.

The victim died at the scene and the identity of the victim is pending proper family notification. Police reported no arrests in the case.

At 5:45 a.m. on July 26, patrolmen from the 48th Precinct were called to Grote Street and Prospect Avenue after two men were shot after an all-night street party. EMS reported a 28-year-old male was shot in the face and was removed in traumatic arrest. A second male victim was shot in the groin.

Additional officers were requested to the scene after reports that members of the large crowd were fighting with police.

Police say 24-yearold Juancarlos Ortega, of Manhattan died at St. Barnabas

Photo by David Greene

On May 2 police in the Allerton section investigate the homicide of Francisco Rosado, 51, the alleged leader of the Bronx chapter of the Pegans Motorcycle Club.

Hospital and the second victim remains in serious, but stable condition. Police would later arrest Joam Casado, 39, of nearby Crotona Avenue. He was charged with murder and criminal posession of a weapon.

On July 22, police announced an arrest in the May 2 homicide of Francisco Rosado, 51, the alleged leader of the Bronx chapter of the Pegans Motorcycle Club, who was gunned down on Holland Avenue by two men brandishing handguns with silencers. Rosado was

shot several times in the head and chest.

He died at the scene.

Police charged Frank Tatulli, 58, and Anthony Destefano, 27, both men of Throgs Neck and Sayanon Thongthawath, 29, of Queens-all three men reportedly are members of the notorious Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club, who recently sold their Manhattan building and purchased two pieces of property in Throgs Neck. All three men were charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal posession of a weapon.

Other non-fatal

shootings reported this past week include: A man shot at 1770 Montgomery Avenue at 1:10 a.m. on July 22. A male victim was shot in the back at Wallace Avenue and Allerton Avenue at just before 7 p.m. on July 24. A male victim was reported shot at 882 Bryant Avenue at just before 4 p.m. on July 25. A male victim was reported shot in the leg at Courtlandt Avenue and East 156 Street at 1 a.m. on July 26. A 22 year-old male was shot in the groin at 1984 Marion Avenue at 2:10 a.m. on July 27. A male

victim was reported shot at 1450 Clay Avenue on July 27.

These latest shootings come on the heels of NYPD statistics that currently show a 70% rise in shootings and a 40% rise in homicides, compared to the same time period in 2019.

As federal officers in riot gear battle protesters nightly in Portland, OR., on July 20, President Trump was speaking of the protesting in New York City, when he vowed from the Oval Office, "I'm going to do something, that I can tell you."

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BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020• 9

Health Matters 10• BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020

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Summer health guidelines to keep hearts healthy

By Sharon Paul, RN Visiting Nurse Service of New York With summer’s heat and humidity in full swing it is more important than ever to review heart health risks and guidelines, especially among members of the African American and Latino communities. Untreated and longstanding high blood pressure can lead to hypertensive heart disease (HHD), which includes heart failure, coronary artery disease, and other conditions. HHD is the leading cause of death associated with high blood pressure for all Americans. High blood pressure also puts people at risk for experiencing a stroke.

The American Heart Association says the African- American population is particularly vulnerable to HHD and stroke since roughly 40 percent of African- American men and women have high blood pressure, a higher rate than any other racial group in the U.S. Each year, approximately 100,000 home care patients in the U.S. report a prior stroke, and a recent study at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York Center for Home Care Policy & Research further shows

that, at start of care, recurrent stroke risk is high for many patients and in particular, African Americans, due to uncontrolled blood pressure.

As a registered nurse providing care at home for high-risk patients with chronic heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and post-stroke, I know how important it is to work with these vulnerable patients and their families to help them make lifestyle changes and link them to continuous, responsive hypertension care.

My colleagues and I at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York are part of a workforce of skilled nurses, rehabilitation therapists and home health aides who work together to provide care coordination and support for more effective chronic care self-management of these health issues.

Everyday, we visit atrisk New Yorkers in their homes to help patients and their families understand the persistent hypertension-related disparities that increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, re-hospitalization and even death. Here are a few guidelines for closing hypertensive heart health

disparities in the African-American community.

Get Educated The most powerful weapon we have against hypertensive heart disease and stroke is knowledge.

Take every opportunity to learn about your risk for high blood pressure. You can find excellent resources online at the American Heart Association’s www.

Heart.org and www.VNSNY.org.

Manage Your Diet This one can be the most challenging especially when your cultural eating habits conflict with healthy eating recommendations.

It’s important to manage your cholesterol levels by reducing your daily fat intake gradually over time. Talk to your doctor or home health provider about establishing dietary goals that support healthy blood pressure. Even small changes to your diet can make a big difference in your health. Learn how to read food labels and become especially mindful of salt and sodium intake, which can have adverse effects on hypertension and diabetes, respectively.

Limit or Stop Smoking and Drinking Smoking enhances blood pressure and can cause

Catch up on latest health news affecting you online: http://yourhealthbxvoice.blogspot.com

strokes – try to cut back or stop smoking. Limiting your alcohol consumption is important as alcohol can adversely affect some medications. Each person is different, but moderation is crucial.

Be on the Lookout for Depression Patients with heart disease and stroke survivors are at high risk for experiencing depression. Adapting to a new lifestyle and temporary or permanent limitations to mobility, speech or cognitive function can present significant challenges.

Frustration and depression are especially common in the winter months. Talk with your health care provider about the signs and symptoms of depression and online or community resources that may be available easily accessible for you.

Move a Little Just 15 minutes of light physical activity three to five days a week can help reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease.

Small steps can lead to big progress if you just add a little activity to your life: walk to the mailbox or the corner bodega every day, get off one stop early and walk a few extra blocks if you ride the bus or subway, do stretches and “hall laps” at home if you need to in order to get started.

Go slower in summer heat.

Manage Your Stress Sometimes stress is un-

avoidable, especially in the midst of a global pandemic, but we can usually find a few minutes to separate from the tensions that we all face in a busy day to exhale. This is especially important when recovering from any heart-related health issue.

Give yourself 10-minute de-stressing breaks to listen to music, visit with a friend, meditate, practice gentle yoga or take care of a pet to help reduce your risk for hypertension.

Keep a Health Journal Take the time to write down all of your medications and any changes your doctor makes to each prescription. Don’t forget to write down over-thecounter medications you take too, from baby aspirin to vitamins. Note how you feel each day, especially on days when you feel a little groggy, tired, sad or confused. This way you have a record of your health so every health professional on your care team can understand your full medical history at any time.

It is especially important for those with high risk for hypertension to stay in communication with their physicians and be mindful of high blood pressure and related health risks.

As always, it is important to consult your health provider before making significant changes in your diet or fitness routine.

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BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020• 11

12• BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020

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Remembering the victims of Covid-19

By David Greene Staff members of Jacobi Hospital were joined by local elected officials and a handful of community members for a candlelight vigil to remember the Bronx residents and staff of the hospital who lost their lives to COVID-19.

Held along the Pelham Parkway Pedestrian Mall outside of Jacobi Hospital the event was presented by The Jacobi Summer of Hope Coa-

lition with support from The Helping Healers Heal Team.

Photo by David Greene Assemblywoman Na- Battery operated candles honor the lives lost to the global pandemic thalia Fernandez and in the Bronx.

Councilman Mark Gjonaj stood shoulder to bers were a behavioral shoulder, allowing for health nurse and former social distancing of head nurse of the psychicourse, with hospital atric unit Freda Ocran; officials-- many who Maria Cintron, the operspoke like the city had ating room patient care just fought a battle with technician and Louise a nation, instead of a vi- Thomas, described as a rus. "beloved laborer.”

Chris Mastromano, the Dr. Robert Faillace, the Chief Executive Officer Chair of the Department of New York City Health of Medicine, recalled and Hospitals Corpo- that battle-- fought one ration - Jacobi, told at- patient at a time, saying, tendees, "This event that "Jacobi Hospital in all we've gone through is a our differences, whether life transforming event. it be age, gender, race, One that ordinary words religion, we all became are unable to describe, one unified force in fightbut yet we cannot remain ing, clamping down and silent.” even beating the COVID "This vigil by intent," scourge.”

Mastromano continued, Clergy members from "is a remembrance of several different faiths those lives lost here in then offered prayer and the community, here at after a moment of siJacobi and for the three lence, electronic candles lives of the staff who we were lit and placed on a also lost.” table in honor of the fallThe fallen staff mem- en.

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BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020• 13

Lincoln Hospital scores high in new ranking 14• BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020

(Left) Milton Nunez, CEO of Lincoln and Dr. Lewis Marshall, MD, JD, FACP, FACHE, Chief Medical Officer.

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An innovative new hospital ranking system that incorporates civic leadership including community-minded policies, pay equity and inclusivity, traditional quality measures and high-quality care, as well as avoidance of unnecessary and costly care, has ranked NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln in the Bronx among the top hospitals in America by the Washington Monthly Magazine and the Lown Institute, outranking private and “prestigious” healthcare systems across the country.

“This hospital ranking system has created new metrics never used before for health care,” noted Milton Nunez, CEO of Lincoln. “This is a welcomed addition and includes important civic leadership factors not addressed in present ranking systems. Now is the perfect time to refocus and standardize the industry on the moral/ social justice issues of providing excellent, inclusive care globally to our vulnerable populations.

“Should not all hospitals be expected to care for everybody in its communities and improve the health of the population overall? The NYC Health +

Hospitals of which Lincoln is a member, has a longstanding mission statement to treat anyone coming through its doors, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion or ability to pay. Hospitals also play a significant financial role as a critical stabilizing force in a community.

“American hospitals are admired for innovation and highly skilled physicians and nurses, but ‘the health of the nation lags behind every wealthy country on the planet.’”

Existing hospital rankings place emphasis of hospital performance on traditional quality measures and specialty care, which often creates a financial focus on filling beds and attracting patients.

The Washington Monthly Magazine and the Lown Institute believe hospitals should also have civic responsibility to engage the needs as well as the care of the communities they serve.

After 10 years of development, the Lown Institute Hospitals Index, its ranking system, sets “a better standard for what we should expect from our hospitals.”

This formula ranks CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020• 15

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Montefiore food pantry now offering needed childcare items

By Chelsea A. Andrews, Social Media Specialist, Montefiore Health System’s Project BRAVO Food Pantry Montefiore’s Project BRAVO food pantry, a community-based, hospital-driven initiative designed to combat food insecurity for high-risk individuals and families, is now providing childcare necessities to families hit hard by the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19.

With summer programs cut, affordable daycare facilities scarce and unemployment assistance coming to an end for many parents in the Bronx, Project BRAVO is prioritizing restoring a sense of normalcy to the families of our community.

In addition to offering free healthy food choices for local families, Bronx residents can receive a ‘childcare kit’ appropriate for a child’s age and family need. To receive the kit, parents just need to bring their Bronx ID and the child(ren)’s im-

Senator Alessandra Biaggi meets with a local Bronx family during a food distribution event at Project BRAVO, Montefiore Medical Center’s owned and operated food pantry.

munization record or birth certificate.

Kits can include: * Diapers in sizes ranging from infants to toddlers. * Dental care products for kids of all ages, including toothbrushes featuring favorite cartoon characters and flavored toothpaste to encourage dental hygiene. * Baby formula, baby wipes and fin-

ger food. * Books appropriate for every different reading level which have been donated by the non-profit Reach Out and Read.

Picking up healthy food and childcare kits is easy. Adults picking up items need to be the legal guardians of the children for which they are picking up

necessities, and their children must be between 1 week old and 9 years old.

Due to the high volume of pantry clients, weather advisories and social distancing practices, we recommend parents do not bring small children with them.

Our food pantry is open to all Bronx Residents on Monday and Friday from

12 PM to 2 PM and on Wednesdays from 10 AM to 12 PM. Please plan to arrive as close to opening time as possible to avoid a longer wait!

Contact TMalone@ Montefiore.org or 347.949.0636 for any questions.

We can’t wait to see you, and help healthy children grow up to be healthy community members!

16• BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020

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Accessible, quality care for seniors during Covid-19 takes a village

By Neal Polan COVID-19 has us all thinking about ways to reduce our risk. For patients over the age of 60, the risks of contracting COVID-19 are higher and taking steps to avoid exposure is even more important.

Many seniors throughout our community have a busy schedule of doctor appointments already.

Eliminating certain obstacles to accessing healthcare, like the need to use Access-A-Ride—even for just a few days a week— could be invaluable during these times, but for some it may not seem possible.

Centralized care that provides a “one stop shop” for

your medical needs is one of the many benefits available for seniors at BronxDocs, where older patients are best served by a multidisciplinary approach.

At BronxDocs’ medical centers, seniors can access geriatric primary

care, specialty care, and diagnostic services all under one roof. For those who typically see four to five doctors, the ability to access coordinated services within one care center reduces overall wait times for appointments and helps doctors better manage their care.

And during COVID-19, it’s proving to be even more beneficial, working to limit the spread of the virus in our community.

To further help contain COVID-19, virtual medical visits have become increasingly important,

especially for older patients. Patients over 60 with multiple chronic conditions are at a high risk of infection from COVID-19, flu and other diseases. As COVID-19 started to spread throughout New York, BronxDocs moved quickly to make sure patients had access to this important option. Within a week, BronxDocs began offering virtual visits by both telephone consultations and telemedicine visits through our patient portal.

This crisis has also exposed vulnerabilities in the Bronx’s healthcare and social support systems. With so many in our community working to meet basic day-to-day needs, simple tasks like accessing food have become an insurmountable challenge for some over the last few months. Virtual and telephonic visits, along with ensuring patients’ safety and comfort when visiting the doctor in-person, are critical to maintaining patients’ continuity of care and addressing the complex and dynamic health needs of senior patients. Additionally, its gives doctors a clearer window into the challenges patients face.

Accessibility is also a vital component to providing care for our communities. Throughout this pandemic, BronxDocs never closed its medical centers. We have remained open to serve the community—insured or uninsured—and doubled down on our safety and sanitation procedures.

Today, we continue to offer COVID-19 testing at our 932 Southern Blvd. location and antibody testing at all of our sites.

Further, we support a local food bank with ongoing donations and offer access to face masks for members of the community. We can also help eligible patients get access to free smart phones with complimentary monthly minutes to better access telehealth options. If you would like some help to get a complimentary smartphone, please call us at (646) 680- 5200 or stop in and ask at any of our locations.

The BronxDocs team is committed to serving our seniors during these unprecedented times, and we have had terrific local partners. From local elected officials, religious institutions, social organizations and community health groups; we are all working together to support Bronx residents. Our frontline doctors have been invaluable as well. In addition to working 60-70 hours a week, they have donated their time to serve uninsured residents and help facilitate community testing.

It’s been wonderful and inspiring to see so many in the community come together during this challenging time. Likewise, the team at BronxDocs looks forward to continuing to do our part in service of our seniors and our community.

Neal Polan is Executive Director of BronxDocs.

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Lincoln scores high in new ranking CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

hospitals on how well they save lives, save money, and serve everyone. It uses 3 broad categories: patient outcomes (mortality, readmissions, patient safety), civic leadership (treating all, regardless of race, social or economic status) and value of care (avoiding unnecessary treatments).

And it takes information that is already publicly available about each hospital, rather than what is presented by the facility.

There are also new metrics in the ranking which includes “inclusivity” (caring for all), and unusual metrics such as pay equity (CEO to worker pay is a measure for fair-

ness and corporate citizenship), unique programs specific for the community (a Greenmarket, Guns Down Life Up program, asthma home visits, and many others unique programs geared specifically for our neighborhoods.

“The employees of Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center are committed to improving the health of this community as well as to the health of each other. There is a tremendous need for Lincoln here,” says Dr. Lewis Marshall, MD, JD, FACP, FACHE, Chief Medical Officer.

“Their selflessness and absolute heroism at all levels of Lincoln staff has shown that this is not just for a paycheck,

or just a job. This is hard work. It requires focus, dedication and persistence. Staff working here want to work in and for this community.”

Chief Nurse Officer, Lillian Diaz, DHA, RN, NEA-BC: “The staff of Lincoln Hospital are incredibly loyal and dedicated to serving our patients and the needs of this community. Our patients are our family. We take pride in the care we deliver to our patients, which includes the most vulnerable patient populations. Anyone can come to Lincoln Hospital and receive exceptional healthcare services. That is the essence and spirit of what we do.”

“As part of the nation’s

largest public health system, the New York City Health + Hospitals has a longstanding and a formidable mission, vision and value statement,” reminded Milton Nunez, CEO. “We service all who walk through our doors, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion or ability to pay.”

LINCOLN’S RANKING ELEMENTS OF WASHINGTON MONTHLY BEST HOSPITALS * Overall Lincoln ranks 17 of 142 hospitals reviewed in NYS and 634 of 3,282 acute care hospitals in the country. * Its civic leadership ranking is 2 of 3,282 nationally and is #1 in NYS.

* Under civic leadership Lincoln scored 100, making Lincoln #1 out of 3,282 in the country. * Lincoln ranked in the 98th percentile for pay equity. * It is in the 99th percentile for community benefit. * Lincoln is in the 100th percentile for inclusivity, ranking #1 in the country. * For value of care Lincoln was ranked 958 of 3282 nationally and 52 of 142 in NYS. * Lincoln scored in the 71st percentile for avoiding overuse of low value services. * For patient outcomes it is 87 of 142 for NYS. Lincoln is in the 97th percentile for patient safety, ranking #1 in NYS.

Culinary Road

18• BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020

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By Morris Gut

Summer outdoor dining bites

I have been stepping into some very flavorful situations all summer long and I would like to share them with you. The situation is dynamic, so always check ahead. Follow the hygiene guidelines and stay safe…

NO BOOZE WITHOUT FOOD: GOV. CUOMO! Gov. Mario Cuomo has issued a new Covid directive: no alcoholic drinks may be served without a food order at restaurants, bars and tasting rooms throughout New York State. It is meant to cut down on crowds and promote social distancing at eating and drinking places.

Bronx eateries are still restricted to outdoor dining, while restaurants in Westchester can offer outdoor and partial indoor seating. Restrictions apply.

ITALIAN/GLOBAL FLAVORS GALORE AT MARIA’S! Brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been shaking it up in New Rochelle for the

past year, drawing patronage from all over the county to their flavorful riff on Italian/ global cooking. Named after Grandma, Maria has become a favorite.

Love Chef Giovanni’s takes on small plates that are loaded with flavor. I am already hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Kielbasa with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers. Nice dining room and bar filled with artifacts from Grandma’s.

Friendly staff, too. Good networking spot, albeit at a distance right now.

The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café next door. Check ahead for special service hours.

Maria’s, 11 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle.

914-636-0006 www. marianewrochelle.com

Overstuffed tacos at El Barrio.

and partners at the former 808 Social, Scarsdale, have re-branded the eatery into El Barrio Mexican Restaurant highlighting Mexican street food. There is partial indoor and outdoor seating. It is open for take-out and delivery.

There is fine talent at work here and a playful new design.

Specialties at El Barrio ready for take-out, delivery and patio dining include: Calamares EL BARRIO OPENS! y Camarones Fritos, They had barely put arbol aioli; traditionup new signage when al Guacamole; Woodthe coronavirus crisis Fired Quesadillas; Tahit. Chef Sal Cucullo Jr.

cos and Tostadas; an El Barrio Burger wrapped in a flour tortilla; and fresh made south-ofthe-border cocktails.

El Barrio, 185 Summerfield St., Scarsdale.

Open for take-out, delivery, and patio dining 7 days a week. Phone: 914-723-2600. www.elbarrio.com PRIME STEAKS & CHOPS AT SEA FLAME! Restaurateur ‘Pete’ Demaj has opened Sea Flame Restaurant in Scarsdale in the Vernon Hills Shops along White

Plains Road across from Lord & Taylor in Eastchester/Scarsdale.

Demaj had previously partnered at Michelangelo’s on Arthur Ave. He had also managed Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Manhattan. The dining room has a handsome steakhouse décor. His eclectic Italian/American menu includes such specialties as: daily Raw Bar featuring a Seafood Tower; Seafood Risotto with shrimp, scallops and lobster; classic Surf & Turf with filet mignon & lobster; Prime Dry CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Summer outdoor dining bites

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

fresh basil. Combine it with Mamma’s fresh pizza bread, a glass of wine and a seat out on the patio, or on his enclosed deck facing L.I. Sound, and you’re in summer heaven. www. mammafrancesca.com

Aged Tomahawk Steak; Porterhouse for 2, 3 or 4; and Double Cut Veal Chop. Good fresh salads at lunchtime. Party facilities. Free parking.

Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. Outdoor patio. Prix Fixe meals.

SHUCK THOSE Sea Flame, 709 White OYSTERS! Plains Road, Scarsdale.

Oyster aficionados 914-874-5366 www. can’t seem to consume seaflamerestaurant.com enough of them and more eateries throughA GREAT FRESH/ out the area are serving LOCAL TOMATO these slippery delicacies SALAD AT MAMthan ever. Check ahead MA’S! for availability. Here’s One of my favorite where I have been intreats this time of the dulging… year are fresh tomaDubrovnik, 721 Main toes. Once they come Street, New Rochelle to market, I just crave (914-637-3777), offers them. Nick DiCostan- a popular Bar Menu zo, proprietor of Mam- daily featuring regional ma Francesca Italian oysters on the half shell.

Restaurant, 414 Pelham This restaurant, the first Road, New Rochelle to specialize in Croa(914-636-1229), has a tian cuisine, excels in major green thumb. He fish and seafood so you grows his own and of- won’t go wrong here. fers them at the peak Happy Hours are back, of freshness in his deli- too. www.dubrovnikncious refreshing tomato ewyork.com salads all summer long.

Kee Oyster House, His Ischia Salad, named 128 E. Post Road, White after the island where he Plains (914-437-8535), grew up off the Coast of has a daily raw bar with Naples, is simple and chocked with oysters very flavorful with its from all over the region. tomatoes, fresh mozza- The blackboard lists the rella, olives, onions and daily catch. And they

Chicken parm, fried artichoke hearts and truffled string beans at Maria. are pristine, served with house made cocktail sauce, ground wasabi root and Champagne sauce. www.keeoysterhouse.com Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island (718885-9885), lists big Blue Point oysters on their daily blackboard and they are terrific served with all the accoutrements. Priced at $11 for 6, $19 for a dozen. Wash it all down with one of the house specialty cocktails. Craft beer selection. www.artiescity-

island.com Bread & Brine, 119 Main Street, Hastings-On-Hudson (914479-5243), where ‘summers in Maine’ is the theme and fresh oysters are served in abundance. www.breadandbrineoh. com Saltaire Oyster Bar and Fish House, 55 Abendroth Ave., Port Chester (914-939-2425) Happy Hours have returned to the handsome barroom. Oysters always available. Outdoor patio. www.saltaireoysterbar.com

Benjamin’s Steakhouse, 610 Hartsdale Road, White Plains.

(914-428-6868) Weekday Happy Hours are back at the bar inside with Blue Point Oysters at $1.50 per piece. Bar menu. Big steaks and chops. Outdoor patio seating. www.benjaminsteakhouse.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 greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)

20• BRONX VOICE• July 29 - August 4, 2020

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