Photo by David Greene
By Dan Gesslein
W igging Out! Woman gropes female in Bx. wig shop
A Bronx woman was groped by another female inside a Gun Hill wig shop last month, cops said. The NYPD is also looking for a man who sexually assaulted a teenager across from a storefront church in Longwood.
The NYPD just released new surveillance video taken from with in the wig shop at 3502 White Plains Road.
At around 1:20 pm on February 12, a 54-year-old female shopper was walking through the shop when she was approached by another woman in a silver puffy jacket.
Cops said the suspect in
the winter coat grabbed the victim’s left breast twice before running out of the store.
The suspect is described as a female with a dark complexion and eyeglasses. She was last seen wearing a gray puffy winter jacket with a fur hood. She also wore a black knit cap with the letters “NYC” in white.
In an unrelated groping, cops are looking for a male who struck in Longwood. At around 7 pm on March 8, a 17-year-old girl was walking in the rear of 1090 East 165 Street. Cops said a man dressed all in black, complete with a black face mask, approached the victim. The man grabbed the teen’s buttocks and then her crotch over her clothes.
The attacker then ran off in an unknown direction.
The NYPD released new surveillance video of the black clad suspect and are hoping his unique kicks will lead to his arrest. In the surveillance video the suspect is seen wearing black
Crocs. However he was also seen holding bright turquoise and multi-colored sneakers.
The suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion and was last seen wearing black sweatpants, black puffy coat with a hood and a black face mask.
The cases are being investigated by the Bronx Special Victims Squad.
Anyone with informa-
tion in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers. nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.
All calls are strictly confidential.
The NYPD is searching for this woman in connection with a sexual assault of another woman inside a Bronx wig shop.
Wiped Out! Six shops destroyed in West Burnside blaze
By David Greene
At least six shops along a row of stores at West Burnside Avenue and Jerome Avenue in Morris Heights were destroyed as other shops on the block suffered smoke and or water damage. Fire officials say no injuries were reported and fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the blaze.
During a press conference at the fire scene, Kaz Daughtry, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, told reporters that firefighters were delayed, as for the third time in recent weeks, by a car that was parked at the closest fire hydrant
to the fire.
Daughtry told reporters, “When I was receiving a briefing from the leadership team from the fire department behind me, they told me that there was a vehicle blocking the fire hydrant from stopping the fire apparatus and slowing down the fire apparatus from connecting to that hydrant because there was an illegally parked vehicle there.”
FDNY Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker added, “We are talking about parking on fire hydrants way too much these days and while we didn’t have a fatality here in this fire, a $4,000 summons was issued by a criminal court judge to the person who parked on a fire hydrant in a fatal fire here in the Bronx just a few weeks ago.
Tucker added that a similar summons was issued to the driver involved in this latest incident.
Tucker added, “I ap
Photo by David Greene
Divided electorate tells tale of 2 cities ahead of mayoral election
This article originally appeared in The City.
By Mia Hollie
New Yorkers will be voting for mayor with starkly divided views of their city’s needs and who they seek as a leader — the focus of a new survey that digs into what likely voters want.
Pollster John Della Volpe and his public opinion research firm SocialSphere surveyed 2,100 Democrats, Republicans and independents across the city and held focus groups asking for their views on proposed policy responses to public safety, housing, mental health and transit challenges.
The survey includes reactions to the field of mayoral candidates, minus Michael Blake and late entrant City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, finding that 79% of voters say they will absolutely not vote for incumbent Mayor Eric Adams or are unlikely to.
Using the survey results, Della Volpe segmented the New York City electorate into five groups that clustered around shared values and priorities, which he called discontented strivers, pragmatic progressives, law and order conservatives, progressive reformers and traditional outer borough voters.
Discontented strivers, the biggest bloc, is ethnically diverse and tends to prioritize quality-of-life issues and public safety, while also maintaining high expectations for government services. Pragmatic progressives, the second-largest group, are results-oriented and reliably vote Democrat, while progressive reformers — skewing younger and white
— prioritize housing affordability and feel less concerned about crime.
The study probes how an electorate where 72% of whom voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in last year’s general election might diverge starting in June’s mayoral primary. About 66% of city voters are registered to vote in the Democratic primary and 11% in the Republican primary.
“You and I could both care deeply about transportation. We could both be Democrats. We could both have the same education. We could both be the same gender and race, but that doesn’t fully explain how we vote or what motivates us,” said Della Volpe.
The survey was commissioned and funded by Jamie Rubin, current chair of the New York City Housing Authority and former official working on storm recovery and state operations in ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration. (Rubin is also a funder of THE CITY.)
The survey shows that Cuomo’s prominence cuts both in his favor and against him, with more respondents who say they will definitely not vote for him (23%) than will definitely vote for him (20%) — while all other candidates came in in the single digits.
Rubin says the project grew out of his experience on the
advisory board of the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service’s NYC 2025 project.
“Some possible success for this would be if one or more of the serious mayoral candidates digested this survey and decided that one policy that they believed was right, but didn’t think there was public support for it, then decided I’m going to go out on a limb and really push it,” he said.
John Mollenkopf, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Sociology at the City University of New York Graduate Center, says the study probes more deeply than the typical public opinion polls seen by voters during an election. “It goes beyond usual surveys in asking people about very specifi c responses” on complex topics, he said. “It’s a fi rstrate piece of work.”
A CUNY Graduate Center colleague, Professor of Political Science David Jones, noted that the survey drills into proposals that align with Cuomo’s platform, adding that the questions struck him more like campaign message testing than those that might get to the root of policy changes that New Yorkers want to see.
“My fi rst impression is that the survey, and the fact that it’s connected with focus groups, just felt like a campaign survey,” he said.
The issues probed include stepped-up police enforcement, affordable housing de-
velopment on New York City Housing Authority property and mandatory psychiatric treatment for people with threatening mental illness episodes.
Public safety questions revealed the sharpest divisions in perceptions of the city, with 66% of progressive reformers saying they feel safe in the subways at night in contrast to just 6% of discontented strivers.
Meanwhile, 78% of traditional outer-borough voters surveyed said the city is headed in the right direction, in contrast to 7% of discontented strivers and 13% of progressive reformers — ”suggesting voters essentially live in different versions of the same city,” says SocialSphere’s analysis.
Voters’ experiences on the city’s subways and streets, as well as their efforts to fi nd affordable housing and manage a rising cost of living, drive competing priorities.
Surveyed voters were generally aligned on views on housing development — with strong support across the board for converting offi ce space and developing on NYCHA property, and (except for law and order conservatives) for mandatory affordable housing targets in every community.
Voters had more mixed views on allowing backyard or basement apartments and limiting the ability of neighborhood groups to use historic landmarks to block devel-
opment.
But public safety sharply divided voters. Of 1,100 total respondents, about half said they strongly support referring people caught using drugs for treatment instead of charging them with minor crimes. Nearly the same proportion said they’d like for police to crack down on minor quality-of-life offenses, like smoking and excessive noise.
Such divides are refl ected in the Democratic fi eld. Several mayoral candidates with progressive agendas, including Comptroller Brad Lander, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and State Sen. Jessica Ramos, have emphasized social and mental health services at the core of their public safety agendas. That stands in contrast to Cuomo, who vows to add 5,000 NYPD offi cers and target low-level crimes. Another candidate, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, has called for police staffi ng to return to 2018 levels, while Adams has also stressed quality of life enforcement.
Of the same pool of likely primary voters, 20% said they are sure to vote for Cuomo. As for the six other candidates included in the survey, the percentages of voters who are sure they’d vote for them come June are in the single digits. Mamdani led the rest of the pack but also polarized potential voters, with 39% of those polled saying they would either certainly, likely or possibly vote for him but 48% saying they will absolutely not or likely not.
Health Matters Measles: Know the truth, protect your youth!
By Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. IJ Anosike, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause significant illness, especially in unvaccinated individuals.
Measles is characterized by a distinctive rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The disease spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. While measles is often considered a childhood disease, it can affect individuals of all ages. Measles is not just a rash and fever—it can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (infl ammation of the brain), and even death. After being largely eliminated in the U.S. for years through widespread vaccination, measles is making a troubling comeback. Outbreaks have been reported in multiple states, with cases emerging closer to our communities. This resurgence is largely driven by declining vacci-
nation rates and the spread of misinformation. Understanding the facts about measles and the importance of immunization is essential to safeguarding our health, protecting vulnerable populations, and preventing further outbreaks.
Myth: Vitamin A is a cure for measles
Fact: The idea that Vitamin A can cure measles is misleading. While Vitamin A supplementation can help reduce the severity of measles, particularly in malnourished children, it does not cure the disease or prevent infection. There is no antiviral treatment that eliminates the measles virus once someone is infected. Supportive care—including hydration, fever management, and in some cases, Vitamin A supplementation—can help
lower the risk of complications. The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination.
Myth: Vaccines cause autism
Fact: This myth originated from a fraudulent 1998 study, which was not only retracted but led to the researcher’s medical license being revoked. Other studies conducted more recently have disproven this idea. One of the most comprehensive studies to date, a meta-analysis published in Vaccine (Taylor et al., 2014), examined data from over 1.2 million children and found no link between vaccines and autism. This large-scale review reaffirmed that the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine —along with other routine immunizations—does not increase autism risk. These findings have been consistently upheld by the CDC, WHO, and major health institutions worldwide.
Myth: If I’m vaccinated, I can’t get measles.
Fact: The MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing 97% protection when both recommended doses are received. However, about 3 out of 100 people
who are fully vaccinated may still contract measles if exposed.
These are called “breakthrough infections,” which tend to be much milder and have a lower risk of complications compared to infections in unvaccinated individuals. If someone is unsure whether they were vaccinated as a child, we recommend checking with your doctor to determine if you need a measles booster.
Myth: People don’t die from measles anymore
In 2019 global measles deaths surged past 207,000, a staggering 50% increase from 2016 per the CDC. With the current outbreak of measles in the U.S., two deaths have been reported, marking the first fatalities in a decade.
Vaccination is the best Protection Against Measles- Fact
Vaccines are among humanity’s greatest triumphs. They have saved millions of lives, prevented immeasurable suffering, and extended global life expectancy. If you have questions about vaccinations for your child or yourself, speak with your doctor or trusted healthcare provider. We cannot let misinformation reverse decades of progress and cause more preventable deaths.
Fact: Unfortunately, declining immunization rates and vaccine hesitancy are having a real-world impact, and infectious diseases that once were relegated to medical history books are now resurging. Measles can still be deadly, especially for young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Lincoln Hospital installs large scale abstract impressionist painting
NYC Health + Hospitals announced that abstract expressionist painter Ilya Bolotowsky’s 6-foot-by-21-foot painting Untitled (1973) has been permanently installed in the lobby of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln after years in storage.
Initially created by the artist for NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx, the work returns to the public thanks to a $70,000 donation by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Twenty smaller works by the artist will also be framed and installed throughout NYC Health + Hospitals facilities. Nearly 900 works of art in NYC Health + Hospitals’ collection are available to view worldwide on the free Bloomberg Connects app, and these works now have informational wall text and a QR code leading to additional material on the
app.
“Ilya Bolotowsky’s contribution to the abstract art movement in the 20th century was considerable and we are fortunate at NYC Health + Hospitals to have 25 of his works including this large-scale mural,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Assistant Vice President of Arts in Medicine Larissa Trinder.
“Research has taught us that abstract art in hospital settings deepens empathy and encourages multiple perspectives. We hope this mural will support the patients, families and staff at Lincoln Hospi-
tal for years to come. The Arts in Medicine department is grateful to Bloomberg Philanthropies for their generous support of this project.”
“This project is very exciting for us at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln,” said Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC, Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. “Adding artwork to spaces throughout the hospital is a great way to help us beautify our campus. We are excited to unveil this beautiful new Bolotowksy mural which will inspire our patients and staff, and grateful to Bloomberg Philanthropies for their generous support which made this project possible.”
“My father loved painting, he would dance around, running from one painting to another – there was never a place to sit in his studio because he loved working,”
said Andrew Bolotowsky, the artist’s son. “I am delighted this mural has been restored for the public, as I know it would have meant so much to him.”
Artist Ilya Bolotowksy (1907-1981) developed his abstract artistic practice after immigrating to New York from St. Petersburg, Russia. An early practitioner of integrating the arts into healthcare settings, Bolotowsky was commissioned by the Work Progress Administration in 1941 to paint a mural for a hospital on Roosevelt Island. Today, NYC Health + Hospitals has over 20 works by the artist in its collection.
Bolotowsky’s visual language and simple color motifs demonstrate the healing benefits of abstract artworks.
According to leading art and health expert Judy Rollins, “Abstract art enables our brain to flow within its inner states that are otherwise harder to access.”
Studies support this idea, noting that because abstract art is non-representational—unlike landscapes or figurative works—it encourages the creation of new emotional and cognitive associations, which can significantly benefit wellbeing. The Arts in Medicine department curates abstract art from the art collection to create calming atmospheres for patients, families, and staff.
The NYC Health + Hospitals art collection dates
back to the 1930s, when the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Art Project hired artists to create works for government buildings. Its collection of more than 7,500 artworks includes paintings, mosaics, photographs, sculptures, installation art, and murals by both emerging and established professional artists. The collection includes works by some of America’s leading artists, such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Helen Frankenthaler, Mary Frank, Betty Blayton, Candida Alvarez, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, and Keith Haring. More than an art collection, these works contribute to healing environments, activate spaces, engage staff, promote visual acuity, and expand access to the arts for 43,000 employees and more than 1.2 million patients who receive care NYC Health + Hospitals facilities.
In addition to managing the health system’s art collection, the Arts in Medicine department presents a diverse array of arts programming, including: live concerts at healthcare facilities through the Music for the Soul Concert series; art observation and discussion for staff through HHArt of Medicine; songwriting with professional musicians for parents through the Lullaby Project; and an active Artists in Residence program.
Everyone’s MS is different, but support = success
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects an estimated 1 million people in the United States. It can cause varied symptoms including limb weakness, numbness, walking impairment, abnormal vision, bladder dysfunction, fatigue, depression, and cognitive changes.
Since 1993, we have seen numerous advances in MS care, including effective medicines to control the disease. Today, there are more than 25 FDA approved disease modifying therapies. Many people with MS have active lives, and many of my patients have full careers and families. There is no cure for MS, so management is critical.
MS experts know that “everyone’s MS is different” – symptoms vary for each individual, and each person’s social support network, finances, their relationship with the disease is personal. Building community through support groups normalizes common experiences with MS and helps people realize that they are not alone in their fight against MS. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation impact physical health and increase risk of heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. Feel-
ing connected to people who understand life with MS and learning about resources and treatments can help you thrive with MS. Many MS-focused non-profit organizations like the National MS Society (NMSS.org), MS Association of America (MyMSAA.org), and MS Foundation (MSFocus. org) co-sponsor support groups all over the country, often in conjunction with doctors’ offices and medical centers. Support groups exist in many languages, for different age groups, for those who are newly diagnosed, and for caregivers of people living with MS.
During the pandemic, groups began to meet virtually, which reduced barriers for people who have trouble walking or did not live near in-person groups. However, virtual groups can be a challenge for those who have limited access or proficiency with online systems. Others feel
remote groups lack meaningful connections. With many wanting to meet in person, the Montefiore MS Center has stepped up to create a new program. Together we will create a space where people feel comfortable sharing the challenges they face as well as the triumphs
they achieve with MS. Our MS specialist doctors and nurses will act as moderators and anticipate bringing in other medical and wellness specialists to foster conversation, share coping strategies, and healthy behaviors that can help people succeed in the long term.
The Montefiore Multiple Sclerosis Center in the Bronx is hosting its first patient and caregiver support group on Tuesday, March 25 to align with Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March. If you are interested in attending, please email MontefioreMSCenter@montefiore.org
NYC Health screened 60,000 patients for colorectal cancer with at home tests
For National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, NYC Health + Hospitals announced that it screened nearly 60,000 patients for colorectal cancer in 2024 using the at-home fecal immunochemical test (FIT), a 12% increase over 2023. FIT is an easier, less invasive screening test for colon cancer.
In 2024, the Gotham Health network partnered with the American Cancer Society to enhance colorectal cancer screening rates. This initiative focused on improving FIT workflows, resulting in a 5% improvement in FIT returns and an overall increase in screening rates for Gotham patients. To further enhance patient engagement and accessibility, the health system ensured all patients had access to mail-in FIT kits by distributing prepaid return envelopes at all NYC Health + Hospitals facilities. Instructions for completing the test were provided in 14 languages to eliminate language barriers and make it easier for patients to collect their sample and return their test to the lab for processing.
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, occurs in the colon or rectum and is the second-leading cause of cancer death in New York
City. NYC Health + Hospitals offers colonoscopies and FIT kits to help prevent colon cancer or find it early when it is more treatable. When colon cancer is detected at an early stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 90 percent; however, only 4 out of 10 colon cancers are found this early.
To make an appointment, call 1-844-NYC4NYC.
Often, colon cancer does not show signs or symptoms until it grows or spreads, which is why it is important to screen for it regularly. Symptoms of colon cancer can include blood in the stool or rectum, sudden weight loss, and diarrhea or constipation that doesn’t go away. New Yorkers should talk to their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms.
“Colorectal cancer screening in ambulatory care is paramount, as early detection can save lives
and significantly improve patient outcomes,” said Joseph Williams, MD, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health.
“At Gotham Health, our Care Teams place a high emphasis on outreach, patient education, and data analysis, to improve colorectal cancer screening.”
If you get a FIT at NYC Health + Hospitals, your provider will send you home with a test kit. You will use a brush to obtain a small amount of stool (poop), then return the test kit by mail or to the lab for testing. The FIT kit
should be completed once a year, as long as blood is not detected in your stool. If blood is detected, you may need a follow-up colonoscopy.
“If you’re between ages 45-75, get screened for colon cancer,” said Nichola Davis, MD, MS, Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals.
“FIT is an easy, less invasive alternative and a way to do routine screenings. The test can be done from the comfort of your home.
We’ve made considerable strides in improving the effectiveness of our col-
orectal cancer screening programs with FIT. We now distribute prepaid envelopes to make it easier for patients to return the FIT, and have enhanced data that makes it easy for us to track screening and follow-up for our patients. Screening saves lives.”
A colonoscopy is a procedure where a doctor inserts a flexible tube with a camera on the end (colonoscope) into your rectum to check for signs of cancer. The doctor can find and remove most small growths and some cancers. Colonoscopies
NYC Health screened 60,000 patients for colorectal cancer with at home tests
have a low risk for complication and are usually painless as you are asleep during the procedure.
“Regular screening is the key to preventing colorectal cancer,” said Andrew Wallach, MD, Ambulatory Care Chief Medical Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals. “Screening tests can find pre-cancerous lesions and remove them before they develop into cancer; they can also find cancers
early when treatment is most effective. I am proud of the work of our Ambulatory Care teams whose focus on promoting healthy lifestyles helps keep New Yorkers healthy.”
New Yorkers are more likely to get colorectal cancer if they:
• Are older (the older you get, the higher your risk)
• Have a personal history of colon cancer or polyps
• Have a family histo-
ry of colon cancer
• Have certain inherited risks, such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome
• Have inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Do not exercise regularly
• Have obesity
• Drink alcohol
• Smoke
To lower your risk of colon cancer:
• Maintain a healthy
weight
• Eat fewer processed meats, such as hot dogs and deli meats
• If you smoke, make a plan to quit
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce the amount and how often you drink alcohol
Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover colon cancer screenings starting at age 45. Consult with your NYC Health + Hospitals health care provider about your
colon cancer risk and with your insurer about your coverage before your screening test. New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance may be eligible for NYC Health + Hospitals’ health care access program NYC Care. For more information call 1-646-NYC-CARE (1-646-692-2273). Not a NYC Health + Hospitals patient? Call 1-844-NYC-NYC (1844-692-4692).
Hair Raising Shooting! Gunman shoots up wig shop
By David Greene
Police are looking for the gunman who fired several shots along White Plains Road in Wake-
field. No injuries were reported but a storefront window and vehicle were damaged.
According to police, the shooting was reported at 4:40 p.m. on March 16.
An NYPD official told the Bronx Voice, “Police responded to a 911 call of shots fired in front of 4387
White Plains Road.”
The official continued, “Upon arrival, officers discovered a shattered window at 4376 White Plains Road and a vehicle with a damaged tire.” The official added that there were no immediate arrests in the case, but detectives continue to investigate.
At the scene, two police officers were observed outside of the Rainbow clothing shop at 4391 White Plains Road, where several traffic cones were protecting shell casings left at the scene.
Two additional officers were stationed outside of the Genesis Beauty Supply, Inc., at 4376 White Plains Road where the storefront window featuring women’s wigs was shattered.
Suspect Sought in February Homicide
On March 15, police in the 49th Precinct released a surveillance video, and a photo of a suspect wanted in connection to the February 23 homicide of Staten Island resident Kemahni Smalls, 33. Smalls was shot and killed outside of a seafood restaurant at 2179 White Plains Road near Pelham Parkway.
Police describe that suspect as a tall male with a dark complexion and slim build.
Anyone with any information in either incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.
Six shops destroyed in blaze
peal to all New Yorkers, parking on fire hydrants slows our firefighters down from getting water on the fire. If you think that parking on a fire hydrant is a convenience, it’s not, it’s a recipe for death.” He concluded, “Please stop parking on fire hydrants, those are not parking spaces.”
Photo by David Greene
After the fire, Borough President Vanessa Gibson issued a statement
that read in part, “Earlier today, a devastating fire broke out near Jerome Avenue and West Burnside Avenue, impacting at least six businesses and causing significant damage. While this situation is still unfolding. I want to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters and emergency personnel who responded quickly and worked tirelessly to contain the fire.”
The following day Senator Gustavo Rivera issued a statement that read in part, “I understand that the Department of Buildings has confirmed that full demolition will be required for the six impacted businesses. Due to the risk of collapse, the FDNY has been unable to safely enter the site to complete its investigation. The cause of the fire will likely be determined during the demolition process.”
A hookah shop at the opposite corner of West Burnside Avenue and Davidson Avenue suffered water damage from the 5 alarm blaze as seen in this photo taken on March 14.
Police say at least one bullet crashed through the storefront window of the Genesis Beauty Supply company on White Plains Road on March 16.
Photo by David Greene
Culinary Road
By Morris Gut
Diner owners celebrate 1 year anniversary in Riverdale
Partners John Solo, Stefanos Katsikoumbas and George Ballis opened The Johnson a year agotheir 90-seat vision of a contemporized diner and bar that combines the best traditions of the past and present. The atmosphere is bright and breezy. Have a seat at the counter or tuck into a booth. Warm greetings await all customers.
The Johnson is a great stop for breakfast (all day), lunch, or dinner 7 days a week. My family recently stopped in for a late weekend breakfast. I was in the mood for a good old fashioned platter of Corned Beef Hash with a hefty side of home fries. I was quite happy with the freshness on the plate. For my guests: classic Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon, hollandaise, on an English muffin; a 4-egg California Omelet, avocado, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms; and a 4-egg Zorba Omelet, with spinach, tomatoes, onions, feta.
Generous portions and each were delish. Special kudos to our shared side of tasty multi-grain toast. Our wait staff was right on the spot and wonderful. One of my guests requested a side salad instead of potatoes and it was handled judiciously.
The menu at The Johnson runs the gamut from breakfast, the early breakfast specials are served starting at 8 a.m. with complimentary coffee and orange juice. Lunch and dinner options follow into the evening. Cobb Salad, Pat Lafrieda Burgers and 14 oz. Ribeye Steak, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Moussaka.
Good old Early Bird options served 3-6 p.m. include Meatloaf, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy; a complete Turkey Dinner, with mashed, stuffing and gravy; or grilled Branzino served with potatoes, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, olives & herbs. Early Birds come with soup or salad, coffee or tea, and rice pudding or fruit salad.
There are a variety of sandwiches and wraps, fresh bowls and salads. Entrees include half-roasted Chicken; Shrimp Scampi; Chicken Francese, and a hearty Gyro Platter, chopped chicken or beef gyro, Greek salad, rice and tzatziki. Best part, prices are reasonable.
There is a sparkling full bar with a fine selection of beers, wine and specialty cocktails. Of course, don’t forget the Milkshakes.
The group also own and operate Cantina Taco & Tequila Restaurants in White Plains and at Ridge Hill in Yonkers, and The Grand in Astoria, Queens.
The Johnson Diner & Bar, 3533 Johnson Ave., Riverdale, the Bronx. Minutes from the Henry Hudson Parkway. Open 7 days, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. 315677-7665 www.thejohnsondinerbar.com
THE SPRING ORCHID SHOW AT NYBG!
A beautiful Technicolor harbinger of spring, the annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx runs through April 27TH.
I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and beholding the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. This year’s colorful theme: ‘Mexican Modernism’. (For additional info: www.nybg.org) After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are a few suggestions…
DINING AT NYBG
There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/
This year visitors can also enjoy ‘Orchid Evenings’ filled with entertainment, dancing, cocktails and snacks. These special evening events will take place: March 22,29; April 5, 12, 19, 25, 26. Must be over 21. Evening hours: 7-10 p.m. Reservations are suggested.
ARTIE’S STEAK
& SEAFOOD ON CITY ISLAND
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 inviting dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: hearty Seafood Chowders; Asian Sticky Buns; 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. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Rolls at lunch and their Mediterranean style Pizzas are good to share, too. Check out the bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Craft beer selection. Private party facilities. Off premise catering. Artie’s, 394 City Island Ave., Bronx. 718885-9885 Open 7 days. Free parking. www.artiescityisland.
com
BASILICO GLOBAL CLASSICS
This lovely dining room and bar opened 6 months ago in Pelham by hospitality veterans Nick Demaliaj and Jetmir Arifaj. It is a global mix of Mediterranean/Italian/American specialties. Chef Leonardo Pavia offers such dishes as Spaghetti Bolognese, Squid Ink Linguine, Braised Short Ribs, Zuppa di Pesce, a surprising Coq au Vin, even a big juicy Wagyu Truffle Burger. Nick & Jetonir had worked previously worked at the iconic Russian Tea Room in Manhattan. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch. Prix fixe lunches available. Basilico Restaurant, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham. 914740-5900 www.basilicopelham.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 & Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)
