Bronx Voice - June 16, 2021

BRONX VOICE

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5th Year, No. 4

June 16 - 22, 2021

RESIDENTS DEMAND:

STOP GUN VIOLENCE Page 3

Photo by David Greene

Bronx celebrates Pride Month

Page 15

Firebugs killed teen, mom’s boyfriend, prosecutors say Page 2

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2• BRONX VOICE• June 16 - 22, 2021

Firebugs killed teen, mom’s boyfriend, prosecutors say

Two men have been charged with intentionally setting a fire in a Belmont apartment building killing two people including a 14-year-old boy, prosecutors said.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that two Bronx men have been indicted on murder, arson and additional charges for starting a fire inside a Belmont build-

ing in 2018 that killed two people including a 14-year-old boy, critically injured his mother and sister, and left two firefighters with burns.

“The defendants, who are brothers, alleged-

ly started the fire in an apartment because they wanted to hurt two people inside,” Clark said.

“The fire traveled to the apartment above where a family lived, killing a 14-year-old boy and a 42-year-old man. The boy’s mother and seven-year-old sister sustained terrible injuries, and two firefighters were also injured. We will seek justice for the

innocent lives lost and for the individuals who suffered because of the defendants’ malicious actions.”

Clark said the defendants, Charlie Garcia, 44, who is currently incarcerated for another incident in Manhattan, and Edward Garcia, 47, who was residing in a homeless shelter, were charged with first-degree arson, two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder in the second degree, second-degree arson, three counts of first-degree assault, two counts of attempted assault in the first-degree and four counts of second-degree assault. Charlie Garcia was arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Michael Gross.

Remand was continued and he is due back in court on September 9, 2021. Edward Garcia is awaiting arraignment.

According to the investigation, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on March 5, 2018, in the ground floor apartment the brothers shared in 2381 Hoffman Street in the Belmont section, the defendants used ignitable liquid, disconnected the gas line from the stove, and started a fire that rapidly accelerated.

The defendants allegedly started the blaze and fled as two individ-

uals who were staying in the apartment, Alyssa Cooke and Paul Montgomery, slept inside. The fire traveled to the apartment above where Evelyn Aponte, her 14-yearold son Jordan Conde, her seven-year-old daughter and her boyfriend Roberto Cortez were. Jordan and Cortez died of smoke inhalation and sustained burn injuries.

Aponte sustained third-degree burns on over half of her body and the young girl suffered third-degree burns to her feet, collapsed lungs, and a burned throat due to smoke inhalation. Both were hospitalized for months.

Additionally, two firemen who responded to the scene sustained injuries. FDNY Firefighter Ryan Davis suffered second-degree burns to his legs and FDNY Lieutenant Daniel Bocian suffered a second-degree burn to his wrist as well as a hernia.

District Attorney Clark thanked FDNY Fire Marshals John Szeligowski and Edwin Vega, and NYPD Detective Robert Klein of the Bronx Homicide Squad for their assistance in the investigation.

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

Activists take to streets to end gun violence

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By David Greene Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark led a march with anti-violence advocates through the crime-weary streets of Fordham Heights and Fordham Manor on June 4, as they marked the start of National Gun Violence Awareness Month.

After a brief rain delay, the march kickedoff at Slattery Park, located at East 183 Street and Valentine Avenue.

The crowd of about 75 marched despite a slight drizzle to East 194 Street, where Clark had planned for a resource fair for

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the local community, but the rain would postpone those plans.

Using a bullhorn, Pastor Jay Gooding of the Stand Up to Violence (SUV) program based out of Jacobi Hospital, told residents, "Today we have gathered to come and walk in peace and the spirit of love. Where there is hate, today we walk in peace. Where there is darkness, we walk for light.”

Guests in attendance included members Photo by David Greene of the NYPD, Park DeSenator Chuck Schumer, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Jamaal Bowman pledge partment, VIP Services CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

$400,000 for Jacobi Hospital's Stand Up to Violence program on June 3, 2021.

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Court dismisses 6,000 pot possession cases in Bronx

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Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that the Supervising Judge of Bronx Criminal Court, George A. Grasso, granted her office’s motion to dismiss more than 6,000 cases that involved the charge of misdemeanor marijuana possession or sale, during a proceeding today in the Bronx Hall of Justice.

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“The Legislature has de-criminalized the possession and sale of small amounts of marijuana to right the wrong of disproportionate enforcement and arrests in communities of color like the Bronx,” Clark said. “We had long stopped prosecuting these offenses because they were not a threat to public safety, and they gave people a criminal record that had

negative collateral consequences on employment, housing, education, and immigration.

“Our application today is part of my office’s pursuit of justice with integrity. There is no purpose in spending prosecutorial and judicial resources on conduct that the Legislature has de-criminalized.

“Since Article 221 has been repealed, there is no longer any basis to continue the prosecution of open cases that contain a sole charge of misdemeanor marijuana possession and/or sale, or keep active warrants related to these matters, so we have moved to dismiss 6,089 cases.”

Administrative Judge Grasso said, “Today is a historic day in Bronx Criminal Court. Our Criminal Justice System has responded swiftly to the actions and intent of the New York State Legislature with respect to over six thousand pending and closed matters relating to Marijuana charges. This means that thousands of individuals (many who are young people of color) can now go about their business without being under the cloud of a criminal matter. I take pride in our Court’s continuing partnership with the Office of the District Attorney and the Defense Bar in our efforts to effect fair

and impartial justice in Bronx County!”

Peter Jones, Attorney-In-Charge of the Bronx Trial Office at The Legal Aid Society, said, “We thank DA Darcel Clark for agreeing to dismiss thousands of marijuana cases for expungable offenses, and appreciate her recognition that continued prosecution for matters that have been legalized is unjust. For decades, our clients shouldered the brunt of marijuana prohibition, losing years of their lives ensnared in the criminal legal system and denied meaningful employment, housing and other opportunities.

These dismissals are critical for our clients, the majority from communities of color, who can now move on with their lives.”

District Attorney Clark appeared before Judge Grasso in his courtroom today to declare, “In the furtherance of justice, the People move to dismiss 6,089 cases with sole charge of misdemeanor possession or sale of marijuana.” This total includes 2,441 summonses, 1,998 pending cases with 1,974 open warrants, and 1,650 cases in which a plea was entered and there is an open warrant based upon the failure to complete a sentence.

Co-op City gets view of rare eclipse

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By David Greene Bronx residents awake and looking east at dawn captured a rare, yet brief, treat as an 'annular' eclipse of the sun was visible in the eastern sky across North America.

In New York City, the eclipse was cut short when thick clouds and rain rolled into the area.

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the annular eclipse began at 4:12 a.m. on Thursday, June 10 and end-

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ed at 9:11 a.m. when the new moon created an "annulus" or ring around the sun. However, the clouds and rain ended the show early for Bronxites.

The next partial eclipse of the moon will take place on November 19, 2021, that will also be visible in North America and a total eclipse of the sun takes place on December 4, 2021, but will only be visible from the Photo by Michelle Diaz southern tip of Africa The moon partially blocks out the sun in this photo looking east from Co-Op City during an annular eclipse observed on June 10, 2021. to parts of Australia.

Health Matters 8• BRONX VOICE• June 16 - 22, 2021

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Warm-weather safety tips as we resume beloved activities

By Dr. Daniel Fein, pediatric emergency medicine physician at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore After a year of shutdowns and virtual learning, children are no doubt looking forward to this summer more than ever.

As parents, we are excited to ease back into routine summer activities with our children, however, it’s important to remember that these activities carry some inherent risks.

Sunny Days – Wheth-

er lounging at the beach or relaxing at home, the feeling of the sun beating down on your face is relished by all. But remember - precautions are necessary to prevent the blistering pain of sunburn.

Take breaks in the shade or under an umbrella Make sure your children wear sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) light protection, a hat with a brim and rash guards.

Even with physical barriers, children should use suntan lotion that is SPF

15 or higher and reapply the lotion every two hours or after swimming.

Children six months and younger should avoid direct sun exposure, have their skin covered and wear a hat. Also, do not get fooled by an overcast day! Sunburns can happen even on cloudy days as harmful UV rays can penetrate clouds.

If sunburn does occur, apply cool compresses to the area for comfort and try topical lotions that contain aloe vera. Be

careful not to use a petroleum-based lotion (such as vaseline) as this will trap heat in your skin.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion - Heat illness is a spectrum, ranging from benign (but painful) heat cramps to the potentially fatal heat stroke.

Children are at higher risk than adults for these heat-related illnesses. As with sunburn, prevention is key in avoiding these conditions. Keep children out of direct sunlight and make sure they stay well

hydrated. Always double-check the back seats in your car and ensure your children have gotten out when you reach your destination. Signs of concerning heat-related illness include vomiting, headache, fatigue, rapid heart rate and altered mental status.

If you are concerned your child has heat-related illness, seek emergency care immediately.

Pools – Nothing is more relaxing than hanging out at the pool with family and CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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Warm-weather safety tips as we resume beloved activities CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

friends. However, pools pose an inherent danger to those who cannot swim.

Never allow your child to swim unattended and never let them out of your sight around a pool. Ensure that children who do not know how to swim are wearing Coast Guard approved flotation devices, even when they are in shallow water. Large inflatable pool toys are fun but carry the risk of a child getting stuck underneath them. Anytime a child cannot be found near a pool, make sure to look in the water first.

If you are lucky enough

to have a pool in your backyard, make sure it is surrounded by a fence at least four feet tall with no entries, aside from a door that is locked when the pool is not in use.

Beaches – In addition to the water safety tips mentioned above, it is important that children understand that the ocean can be extremely dangerous. Always make sure you are swimming in designated areas, monitored by lifeguards and always keep your children at arm’s length. Teach older children about rip-currents – streams of water that

run perpendicular to the coast. If caught in a rip-current stay, calm and call for help – trying to swim against it will only tire you out. Lastly, if you see a jellyfish – either in the water or on the beach – steer clear!

The tentacles can occasionally still sting when washed up on shore. If stung, your best bet for pain relief is to use an object with a straight edge (e.g., a credit card) to brush off any stingers on your skin and then soak the area in warm water.

Barbecues – A hotdog or hamburger fresh off the grill is the perfect

dinner after a busy day at the pool or beach. But safety risks abound with barbecues. Portable grills can be unstable and easily tipped over. Children can grab the grate on the grill and burn their hands.

Metal bristles from cleaning brushes can break off and make their way into food, leading to serious injury. Use alternative methods to clean your grill and make sure to never leave one unattended – even when you are done cooking – as they remain hot for a while.

Fireworks – There is nothing like watching a

beautiful firework display on TV, but children should never be handling firecrackers. Even a seemingly harmless item like a sparkler gets hot enough to cause serious injury. If you are lighting fireworks make sure you have enough space, do not point them in the direction of spectators and never pick up a ‘dud’ – sometimes they’re just a little delayed in igniting.

Given the year we have had, this summer will be a memorable one for children no matter what they do, so let’s make sure they create those memories safely.

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You don’t have to suffer with overactive bladder

By Dr. Melissa A. Laudano & Dr. Ava Leegant Approximately 42 million adults in the United States suffer from a syndrome known as overactive bladder (OAB), which is the sudden, compelling desire to pass urine that is difficult to delay. Research has shown that OAB costs our healthcare system approximately $65 billion annually.

Although more women are affected than men, survey studies have shown that 16% of men

and 33% of women will experience OAB at some point in their life. OAB can be accompanied by urinating frequently during the day, at night (also known as nocturia), or both day and night. A person may urinate each time in normal or lessthan-normal volumes.

For people with OAB, the urge to urinate may also cause some urine to leak out at unwanted times; this is known as urge urinary incontinence.

What can be done to treat OAB?

At the Center for Pelvic Floor Disorders at Montefiore Medical Center, we can diagnosis and treat patients with OAB and urinary incontinence (which is the leakage of urine). Since no single treatment fits every patient, we work to provide individualized care to all patients. This includes a detailed discussion between the patient and provider to determine which treatment would be most beneficial to meet each person’s goals.

1) Initial Evaluation:

We conduct thorough history and physical examinations, and order urine testing to rule out other possible causes of these urinary symptoms.

Once a diagnosis of OAB is suspected, patients will discuss treatment options with the provider and be given written material for further review.

Some of these materials and discussions include the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as reducing or eliminating common bladder irritants (like caffeinated beverages or tobacco products), starting pelvic floor exercises, and treating chronic medical conditions that can affect the bladder (such as diabetes).

2) Physical Therapy: At our center, we work closely with pelvic floor physical therapists who meet with our patients to review pelvic floor muscle exercises and conduct biofeedback – a mind-body technique that uses technology to help people gain control over involuntary bodily functions.

3) Medication Therapy: If symptoms are not controlled with behavioral or physical therapy, then some patients will benefit from medication therapy. We select the best medication for each patient after discussing potential side effects and other existing medical conditions.

4) Procedure-Based Treatment Options: If none of the above approaches control symptoms to the patient’s satisfaction, third line treatments are offered at our center, including procedures such as onabotuCONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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You don’t have to suffer with overactive bladder CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

linumtoxinA (Botox®), sacral neuromodulation, and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. OnabotulinumtoxinA is offered as an office-based bladder injection performed under local anesthesia. Given the nature of Botox®, this procedure is typically repeated every six-to-12 months.

Sacral neuromodulation is a device that is surgically implanted in the operating room, impacting the nerve response to the bladder to reduce urinary urgency and frequency.

Finally, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is an office procedure requiring weekly acupuncture-like treatments

to control the nerves responsible for sending signals to the bladder. Each treatment has a unique set of risks and benefits, all of which are discussed in detail between provider and patient.

OAB can negatively impact a patient’s life and cause significant distress.

At our center, we promote a patient-centered treatment approach to this problem. We’ve found that involving patients in their care plan from the very beginning is critical to achieving success and symptom control.

For any patients suffering with OAB and/ or urge urinary incontinence, please contact the Center for Pelvic Floor

Disorders at Montefiore Medical Center. We are located at the Hutchinson Metro Center (1250 Waters Place, Tower 2, 9th Floor). For appointments, please contact our office at (718) 944-3838.

Dr. Melissa A. Laudano is attending urologist, Montefiore Health System, and assistant professor, urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Dr. Ava Leegant, attending, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Montefiore Health System, and assistant professor of both Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health and of urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Finding trust in healthcare and equality for all

14• BRONX VOICE• June 16 - 22, 2021

By Chandra Wilson Getting proper healthcare can prove a challenge for many. That challenge becomes even greater for those in the transgender community, who, due to family and societal pressures, may find themselves without access to health care or living with-

out the social supports and resources that many of us take for granted.

SelectHealth, a specialized Medicaid plan from VNSNY CHOICE, is dedicated to painting a new picture of health and empowerment for members of New York’s transgender community, or those who are homeless

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and/or living with or at risk for HIV/ AIDS. For Trust Robinson, a transgender Bronx resident, helping others is a calling. A way to step up and support members of the community he knows so well. As an Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator with SeCONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Trust Robinson

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Bronx Boro Prez celebrates Pride Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his annual LGBT and Allies Pride Celebration, last week.

This year’s honorees included community leaders: Kim Watson, Michael Beau Ivory, Jeannie Sol and Marie Spivey.

Jose Ramon, creator of The White Shirt Project, was posthumously honored at the event. The White Shirt Project is a series of black and white photographs that shed light on the stigma surrounding Mental Health.

Jose Ramon passed away March 14, 2021 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at 54-years-old and left a lasting impact on the LGBT community.

"I am honored to host this annual event during Pride Month to reaffirm our solidarity with the LGBT community," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "These honorees have not only been great advocates in addressing the needs of our LGBT community in The Bronx, but role models for all of us as well.

I stand with our LGBT brothers and sisters in working towards a more inclusive future for everyone.”

The event was sponsored by Montefiore, The Riverdale Y, Good Shepherd Services, New Amsterdam Vodka, Blue York City, SAGE and New York Botanical Garden.

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Finding trust in healthcare, equality for all CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

lectHealth, Robinson looks forward to the day when gender and identity have nothing to do with access to health information, culturally competent medical care and preventive wellness regimes aligned with a person’s unique health profile.

“When I look in the mirror, I have two eyes, a nose, a mouth, 10 fingers and 10 toes – I’m

human – transgender people are human,” he explained.

“We’re also somebody’s child. We have parents. We’re somebody’s kid but people treat us like we’re garbage.”

As a transgender man, Robinson has a unique perspective that helps him talk openly with gender non-conforming members of the community who may face personal and social obstacles to care.

“When it comes to relationships and emotions, my personal experience has taught me a lot,” he says.

“By understanding what someone’s going through—or at least understanding some of the obstacles someone might face—I get it. I know what the stigma feels like.

People have feelings. It takes time to learn to trust, but when you do, things can get bet-

ter.”

SelectHealth benefits include medical and hospital services, dental and vision care, prescription drug coverage, access to substance abuse treatment providers, culturally competent and gender-affirming services and dedicated care coordinators who tailor care and services to individual members’ needs.

The SelectHealth

team is Platinum certified (the highest level) awarded

by SAGECare, the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older people.

Sometimes learning to care for yourself, starts by finding Trust.

To learn more about SelectHealth, please visit www. selecthealthny.org, or call: 1-866-4697774.

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Activists demand end gun violence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

as well as anti-violence groups B.R.A.G. (Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence); S.O.S. (Save Our Streets); Guns Down, Life Up (GDLU); R.T.G and members of the SUV program.

Clark told marchers and residents in attendance, "By showing up today you're sending a message that you care and that you're willing to help. Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day and we in the Bronx are acutely aware of the gun violence unfortunately and we're dealing with this crisis every day in the Bronx.”

According to Clark, 467 people were shot in the Bronx in 2020. As

of May 30 of this year, a total of 215 people have been shot, including 43 homicides.

Clark added, "I want to see the same outrage about this gun violence that people were marching and protesting because George Floyd was killed, that was an outrage and people should have marched for that and that was a different situation than what we have in our community, because you know what?

It's us killing us in our community and only we can do something about that.”

At a press conference a day earlier at Jacobi Hospital, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Congress to allocate nearly $400,000 from the Congressional Community Project, funding that would go to the hospital's youth violence reduction plan-- SUV. Dr. Noe Romo, the Medical Director of SUV at Jacobi Hospital, said of the last year, "We have seen a significant increase in the number of young adults and adolescents admitted for things like depression, anxiety and serious suicidal ideation and attempts. These are all consequences that we need to address for our collective approach to treat violence like a disease.”

Later that same day at his district office on Rogers Place, Senator Luis Sepulveda, also a candidate for Bronx Borough President, presented SOS with $25,000, SUV with $15,000 and GDLU with $10,000.

The grants come from the Community Violence Intervention Act (CVIA) that funds programs established within the New York State Office of Victims Services (OVS.) Before the check presentation Sepulveda said, "The violence has a ripple effect that hurts everyone, not only those involved. It traumatizes children, families and entire communities.”

"We treat gun violence as a disease," ex-

plained Marni Confino, the Director of Social Work and Jacobi Hospital's SUV program, she continued, "by identifying the causes and interrupting it's transmission. In our target areas in the first years of our program, we saw very dramatic reductions in gun violence. Lives have been saved.”

The sponsor of Gun Violence Awareness Month, New York Senator Bill Kavanaugh said of the annual event on his website, "Each June, Gun Violence Awareness Month gives us a chance to reflect on the trauma and destruction wrought by gun violence--and on the work we can do together to stop it."

18• BRONX VOICE• June 16 - 22, 2021

Culinary Road

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By Morris Gut

Dining out for Dad on Father’s Day

Father’s Day, which is on Sunday, June 20th this year, never quite gets as much publicity as Mother’s Day, but it does not mean that Dad does not want to share in the love-in. I do. I always enjoy gathering with my family. So, whether Dad is a straightforward meat-and-potatoes guy, or he is fine with quiche, I would like to suggest a few spots that have perked up my palate…

Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle 914-636-1229

When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Is-

land of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories were of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farm-to-table and of course sea-to-table.

As proprietor of Mamma Francesca for over 30 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true, albeit with a sprinkling of contemporary taste. Nick is in the kitchen preparing a seasonal menu of robust specialties: fresh Ischia Salad; individual sized

pizza; Giant Meatballs; good retro versions of Chicken, Veal or Shrimp Parmigiana; a big platter of Misto Frutti di Mare loaded with shrimp, clams, calamari and mussels in a red sauce over linguini; and Pork Chops or Sirloin della Nonna, served with sliced potatoes, peppers, mushrooms and onions.

New Pizza & Vino Bar. Daily Happy Hours. Party facilities & catering. Free parking. www.mammafrancesca.com Jack’s Bar & Restaurant, 219 Main St., Eastchester 914-652-7650

Partners Shane Clifford and Steven Robinson have been drawing a crowd to Jack’s Bar & Restaurant on Main St. in Eastchester. It has been totally remodeled and offers an enhanced Irish/ American tavern menu on steroids- which is the best way to describe it. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen include: decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Jack’s Meatballs; Burrata Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Berkshire Pork Chop; and Grilled Lamb Sliders. The staff could not be more friendly. Open daily; check website for kitchen hours. Indoor & outdoor seating. Municipal parking; free evenings. www.jackseast-

Lobster & shrimp Italian stir fry at Trattoria Vivolo.

chester.com

Alvin & Friends, 14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle 914-654-6549

Proprietor, artist, model, actor, and consummate host Alvin Clayton has been marking his 10th year in New Rochelle with solid doses of American Soul Food, a taste of the Caribbean. Alvin & Friends Restaurant has a sophisticated Manhattan vibe: Alvin’s colorful paintings dramatically line the walls, big hanging lighting fixtures, a sparkling bar and community table, and a staff that makes it all very inviting. If you visit check out the Classic Jambalaya, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken, and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops. Burgers and Mac & Cheese, too. www. alvinandfriendsrestaurant. com Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx 718-239-4109

There’s a new reasonably priced tavern menu

at play here. While enjoying a cocktail recently, I could not help but notice a big German-style soft pretzel with side of cheese sauce served to a nearby patron. Enough to share and tempting presentation. Boneless or Bone-in Wings; Burgers and Sliders; Baby Back Ribs, and Panko Crusted Fish & Chips. Drinks, too.

Open 7 days. Bustling bar and dining room. www. morrisparkinn.com Macelleria Italian Steakhouse, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham 914-365-2561

This high-end Italian steakhouse offers classic cuts of prime beef and chops along with a hearty helping of Italian/American specialties. Tony Lala and his crew will take good care of you.

Be seated in the handsomely renovated dining room and bar/lounge and peruse the menu over a good glass of wine. Diver Scallops, Steak Tartare, CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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Dining out for Dad on Father’s Day CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

slabs of Canadian Bacon, Spaghetti Carbonara, Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu, Zuppa di Pesce, even a Classic Burger.

Carnivores should consider the Lamb Chops, Veal Chop, or New York Strip Steak. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. www. macelleriaitaliansteakhouse.com Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison 914-835-6199

The season for dining al fresco is starting up at Trattoria Vivolo in Harrison, as it marks a 20th Anniversary. Chef/owner and personable host Dean Vivolo of Trattoria Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner just across from Harrison's Met-

ro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; Asparagi Gratinati; Aragosta E Capesante Italian stir fry; Calamari Piccante; Gnocchi Al Cinghiale; and Rib Eye Marinato. New specialty Sundaes for dessert. Good wine list. Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Dean’s father Michael Vivolo had operated La Riserva in Larchmont for years. Free parking. www.trattoriavivolo. com Magno’s Grill, 108 Centre Ave., New Rochelle 914-235-0008

to work at such lauded kitchens at Tango Grill, Milonga and Gaucho Grill. He has joined forces with his family at his own 60-seat spot featuring fine versions of Italian and Argentinean classics.

Look for such house specialties as: fresh Empanadas, Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, hearty Paella, hefty Pork Osso Buco, and Argentinean Parrillada, hearty mixed grill with chimichurri sauce. Cocktail bar; license pending.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Municipal parking nearby. Reservations accepted. www.magnosgrill. com Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., Bronx 718-885-9885

Chef/owner Angelo The Zagat N.Y.C. Magno had put his talents Restaurant Survey des-

ignated Artie’s Steak & Seafood one of the best in the Bronx. Owner Spiro Chagares and his staff offer patrons an inspired melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair.

Sit back in one of several dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: hearty Seafood Chowders; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Wood Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; Chardonnay Poached Salmon with seafood; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles.

Big combo platters.

There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch and their Mediterranean style Pizzas are good to share, too. Check out the redesigned bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Private party facilities. Off premise catering. Open 7 days.

Free parking. www.artiescityisland.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 over 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)

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