May 5, 2021 - Nurses Week

BRONX VOICE Crack up WHAT A at pop up car wash DOPE! leaves one FREE

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5th Year, No. 1

injured

May 5 -11, 2021

Speeding ticket leads to cops seizing $2 Million in cocaine Page 4

Fighting asthma in the age of Covid Page 16 Page 2

Photo by David Greene

Celebrating nurses

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Crack up at car wash pop up leaves one injured

By David Greene An unidentified 19-yearold man is recovering after he was run over during a chain reaction crash near a 'pop-up' car wash in Williamsbridge.

Police and fire department rescue crews raced to 1320 East 222 Street at Wickham Avenue, as initial reports stated that the man was pinned under a vehicle.

A claim which could not be corroborated by officials.

The FDNY reported that the crash occurred at 7:21 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, alsong the busy thoroughfare.

According to an unnamed police official at 1 Police Plaza, the 19-year-old pedestrian was injured after standing behind a double parked vehicle when the crash took place.

The official stated, "The vehicle began to roll back, striking the pedestrian and then striking a parked vehicle, causing that vehicle to roll back and strike another parked car.”

The accident seemed to consume five or six vehicles and not just the three confirmed by the NYPD, as one white vehicle had its windshield smashed and several young men were standing around another vehicle that also looked to be damaged.

According to police and fire department officials, the victim was transported to Jacobi Hospital in "stable" condition with complaint of pain to the victims arms, legs and head.

One resident of the block who declined to be identi-

Photo by David Greene

Police investigate a chain reaction crash that injured a 19-year-old man on East 222 Street on May 2. Near the crash site is a table with cleaning products where a 'pop-up' car wash was conducting business when the accident took place. fied, confirmed that the curbside car wash had popped up about three weeks earlier.

The resident recalled, "For two days they were parking cars horizontally... and had taken all of the parking spots." The resident claimed at least one car parked in the 'no standing' zone and other cars used tarp covers at night.

Stating that officers from the 47th Precinct have not been ticketing the illegally parked vehicle,

the resident continued, "And I was going to complain, but I didn't know who to... and I said if I did, then they may retaliate.”

Because East 222 Street is three blocks from the New England Thruway and with a homeless shelter nearby, the resident believed that this spot was not the right site for such a business.

The resident concluded, "But nobody tells them anything, nobody says any-

thing. They park their cars, they take over all of the parking spaces... nothing against anyone who's making an honest living," but agreed it was a dangerous situation.

A woman answering the phone at Community Board # 12 stated she hadn't gotten any complaints, but would reach out to the district manager about the car wash.

A call to the 47th Precinct Community Affairs was not immediately returned.

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Med students vaccinate, inform Bengali community on Covid

By David Greene A small team of medical and pharmcy students assisted in vacinating more than 50 Norwood residents as they also worked to inform many members of the growing Bengali commununity in Norwood, on how to properly take medications while fasting during Ramadan.

Fifty patients arrived at the Safe Medical Center at 3099 Bainbridge Avenue at East 204 Street as they held a vaccination event on

April 26. The medical students team offered patients free health screenings as well as the COVID-19 vacci-

Photo courtesy of Maliha Tabassum

During the vaccination and health event at the Safe Medical Center on Bainbridge Avenue are pharmacy students (Left to Right): Tintu Yohannanna, Daria Korenkova, Maliha Tabassum and Manreet Uppal.

nation.

During the event pharmacy student Maliha Tabassum and medical student Shamim Ahmed, both in their final year of school, briefed patients on COVID-19, the vaccine as well as individual consultations on how to manage ones health as well as how to properly take medications as millions of Muslims fast during Ramadan, which runs until May 12.

Both Tabassum and Ahmed both speak Bengali, making it easier to answer questions and putting any fears to rest before getting the vaccination.

According to Tabassum, the pharmacy students came from Long Island University (LIU) in Brooklyn

and the event was presented by Dr. Yuliana Toderika, a registered pharmacist and a faculty member at LIU. Tabassum said after the event, "Patients were glad to have someone to speak to them in their native language. The event was so well received, they have asked us to come back and do it again." The 50 patients were also presented with a goodybag after their visit.

According to figures provided by the Asian American Foundation, an advocacy group based in Manhattan, the largest Bangaledshi-American community is in New York City in Queens (66%), followed by the Bronx (16%), Brooklyn (15%) and Manhattan (3%).

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What a dope!

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Speeding ticket led to cops seizing $2M worth of coke

A routine traffic stop in the Bronx led cops to the seizure of $2 million worth of cocaine. The driver, who was allegedly in possession of 15 pounds of the drug, had apparently ran a red light in front of police officers, prosecutors say.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Manhattan man has been indicted on multiple Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance charges after police found 15 pounds of cocaine, with a street value of over $2 million dollars, in his car during a traffic stop in the Bronx.

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant was allegedly speeding and tried to flee from police when they attempted to conduct a traffic stop. When police arrested the defendant, they allegedly found six bricks of cocaine weighing a total of 15 pounds in his car.

The police stopped a large amount of illegal drugs--whose profits fuel violence and other crimes--from being sold on our streets.”

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Melvin ReadSvazo, 33, of Manhattan, was arraigned on first and second-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, two counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, fourth, fifth and seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, third-degree Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, second-degree Reckless Endan-

germent and Reckless Driving before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Efrain Alvarado. Bail was set at $75,000 cash/$75,000 bond/$75,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent. The defendant is due back in court on July 9, 2021.

According to the investigation, at approximately 12:27 a.m. on February 7, 2021 on the corner of Mount Eden Parkway and Selwyn Avenue, police officers in a marked car saw the defendant in a white BMW X6 with temporary New Jersey license plates speeding. Police officers activated their lights and the defendant ignored them and continued to speed, driving through a red light.

Read-Svazo, who had an open warrant, allegedly got out of the car and fled on foot. Police caught

up to him and he was arrested on the corner of Walton Avenue and East 175th Street.

When officers checked the defendant’s vehicle, they allegedly found two bags in the rear passenger floor which contained 6.8 kilos (15 pounds) of cocaine.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katerina Kurteva and Assistant District Attorney Amanda Hamilton, both of Trial Bureau 70, under the supervision of Jeffrey Glucksman, Chief of Trial Bureau 70, and under the overall supervision of James Brennan, Deputy Chief of the Trial Division, and Theresa Gottlieb, Chief of the Trial Division.

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

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Sports fundraiser held for Autism Awareness Month

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By David Greene As more and more Americans get one of the COVID-19 vaccines, Bronxites are slowly, once again coming together in small groups as Bronx-based Mas Productions held one of the first benefits since the re-opening in March of Maestro's Caterers in Morris Park.

The event benefited a sports program for youngsters with autism.

As April was Autism Awareness Month, Mas and 23 other co-spon-

soring businesses gathered at Maestro's on Bronxdale Avenue on April 17, and held a flea market styled event with a portion of the proceeds to benefit D-3 Sports and Recreation, Inc., and their Challenger baseball program based out of the Bronxchester Little League.

A flyer announcing the benefit, said D-3 Sports programs provided, "Supportive sensory friendly programs and events for individuals with autism and their

families.”

The event featured more than 20 business owners, mostly women-owned, who were selling apparel and pastries as well as providing goods and services and even body purifying products and fresh cut flowers.

According to an unnamed official at D-3 Sports, the organization runs a baseball program out of the Bronxchester Little League, located in the Hutchinson Metro Center along

Waters Place. The official stated that money raised would go towards the purchase of facemasks and sanitizing supplies for the baseball

program.

Anyone interested in learning more about the program can visit their website at: www.d3sportsandrec.org.

Photo by David Greene

A crowd under the current 50% capacity at indoor public gatherings, Bronx shoppers turned out for a benefit for a local sports program for individuals with autism at Maestro's Caterers.

Health Matters AdvantageCare Physicians celebrate National Nurses Week

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By ACPNY Staff Nurses work around the clock to deliver care to the communities they serve.

They’ve been through a lot over the past year, and it’s important to let them know they are appreciated. National Nurses Week (May 6th – May 12th) is the perfect opportunity to highlight nurses in the Bronx community and beyond for their extraordinary work.

Patria Villalona is a South Bronx resident and nurse who is proud of her ability

handy for her career as a Care Team Supervisor in Internal Medicine at AdvantageCare Physicians’ (ACPNY) Washington Heights Location, where she got her start in nursing in 2018.

“What I love about ACPNY is that you become the nurse for to communicate with the community. If you patients in English work at a hospital, you and in Spanish. BeCONTINUED ON PAGE 11 ing bilingual comes in

Patria Villalona

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Nurses: helping shape future of medicine

By Una Hopkins, the Director for Research and Evidence Based Practice within Nursing at Montefiore National Nurses Week recognizes the important role nurses play in our lives.

Nurses have always been an integral part of the healthcare team. Over these past 16 months, their role has not only been essential, but also vital to the healthcare team. Over this time, we’ve learned more about the role of nurses, too. We’ve watched in awe as they’ve worked around the clock to help those with COVID-19, and applauded their heroic and tireless efforts.

Beyond their role on the clinical care team, did

you know that nurses also play an important role in shaping the future of healthcare? Nursing-led research has bettered not only the care we provide here at Montefiore Health System – but also care provided far beyond our walls, too.

Most recently at Montefiore, nurses have been at the forefront of providing new, novel treatments for COVID -19, such as monoclonal antibody infusion (IV) therapy.

Monoclonal antibodies are created in a lab and act like naturally occurring antibodies, fighting infections before they spread. The monoclonal antibody treatment is given using IV therapy, administered through a vein in the arm. The

side effects of this therapy are minimal and their effectiveness in preventing hospitalization and reducing symptoms has been proven.

Studies show that when monoclonal antibodies are given to high-risk people diagnosed early with COVID-19, it may prevent them from experiencing severe symptoms that lead to hospitalizations. You may be familiar with IV therapy if you’ve ever been dehydrated and needed fluids at the hospital; or if you’re a cancer patient receiving chemotherapy.

Because of their expertise caring for our patients with cancer, our oncology nursing staff were specially trained to quickly jump in and lead our inpatient

and outpatient monoclonal antibody infusion therapy programs.

To administer these monoclonal antibody medications, the New York State Board of Nursing specifies that registered nurses (RNs) receive training and education, have prescriber oversight and complete a competency assessment prior to the administration of monoclonal antibody infusion therapy programs.

This same crew of oncology nurses then helped lead the effort to train a team of inpatient and outpatient registered nurses to scale up our infusion program. This meant that more COVID positive patients could receive the effective therapy.

NYC saw hundreds of

thousands of confirmed cases of COVID-19. Our care teams were able to train and mobilize quickly to provide monoclonal antibody IV therapy, help patients’ symptoms improve and reduce hospitalizations.

In January of this year, Montefiore opened its COVID 19 Monoclonal Antibody Suite, where, to-date, we have delivered well over 1,500 doses of this therapy.

Launching this COVID-19 treatment was truly a team effort; many thanks to our physician colleagues who worked hand-in-hand with our registered nurses and nurse practitioners to make this treatment possible for our very hard hit Bronx community. So amazing!

AdvantageCare Physicians celebrate National Nurses Week

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might see people and never see them again, but at ACPNY, you serve your community,” says Villalona. “You talk to the same patients, you know their stories, you know their lives, so it's almost like a family. That allows patients to be very familiar with you and it’s more direct.”

Villalona worked in women’s clothing sales prior to nursing. By 2015, the

retail industry was in the middle of economic decline, which made Villanola rethink her career.

She decided to switch lanes after about 20 years, when her mother became ill and suggested she go into nursing.

“The garment industry was suffering, and I knew I had to do something different. I was already married. I had kids and I knew I had to do something that would en-

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sure a job for my future, and thought maybe I should do health care,” says Villalona. “And then my mom said, ‘Why don't you do nursing?’ and I told a couple of nurses in my family, and one of my aunts who’s a nurse said, ‘You have it in you. You care about everyone and you're always so giving, you would be the perfect nurse.’ So, I went to school while I worked, and it took me two years.”

Villalona’s mother passed away before she could see her daughter become a nurse, but Villalona says the time she spent caring for her mother and attending her doctors’ appointments gave her a chance to observe nurses on the job.

She was inspired by the care she saw her mother receive and knew she was on the right path.

She now encourages other aspiring nurses to get involved.

“It's a good career and you can do it anywhere in the world,” says Villanola.

For more local stories during National Nurses Week, follow AdvantageCare Physicians on Instagram at @advantagecarephysicians.

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A salute to Visiting NursesMaking a difference every day

By Chandra Wilson May 6th through May 12th marks National Nurses Week, a time set aside to recognize the indelible impact that nurses have on our lives and our communities. In January 2021, New York State listed close to 400,000 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse practitioners in the profession. Whether those nurses worked in a hospital, a doctor’s office, a school,

sports arena or even someone’s home, it’s safe to say that the past year has been a year like no other for nurses everywhere.

Home care nurses played a major role in New York City’s response to the coronavirus health crisis— and they continue to do so. Frontline hospice nurses with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York cared for patients on respirators and brought fam-

ily members together through smartphones when quarantine kept them apart. Behavioral health nurses helped families in crisis as the stresses of daily living escalated with job loss, remote school and work arrangements and other tensions associated with life in a pandemic. VNSNY nurses provided home care for thousands of COVID-19 positive New Yorkers as they were discharged from

area hospitals—helping them recover and regain strength at home, or navigate the “long haul.”

As we celebrate National Nurses Week and National Nurses Month this year it makes sense to reflect on a few ways that home care nurses make a difference in our lives and in our communities. Here are a few insights that you might not have considered:

Nurses are educated, but they also educate.

Nurses go above and beyond their standard “job description” to teach clients and caregivers how to navigate the health care system while informing them about their health care needs and how to best manage them.

Nurses are some of the strongest and most resourceful people you will ever meet. Nurses adapt to a multitude CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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A salute to Visiting NursesMaking a difference every day

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of often complex and stressful situations and must assess and problem-solve quickly and effectively. Whether it’s dealing with a difficult home situation, an emergency surgery in the operating room, an elderly person with no family supports, or administering wound care, nurses are some of the strongest people you will ever meet.

Nurses are the “eyes” and “ears” of physicians. Managed

and home care nurses coordinate, educate and provide support for people on an ongoing basis. This means establishing trusting (and often lasting) relationships to help patients safely manage at home. A crucial component of the health care team, nurses help assess, monitor, and educate people outside of office, clinic and hospital settings, while informing doctors about

health changes in real time.

Nurses aren’t just people you see in hospitals. Nurses work in diverse settings. The number of nurses that work in home or community settings is growing every year. By assisting, managing and coordinating home care, nurses make it possible for people to “age in place” and remain safely in their homes and

communities, avoiding hospital or nursing home stays.

Nurses provide care and support.

Being a nurse is far more than just a “job.”

Nurses are often present for joyous moments in people’s lives as well as in times of despair. They help people make informed decisions about treatments and serve as advocates when someone needs a shoulder to cry on. At some point in

our lives, we all connect with a nurse – and those are the moments when we realize that for all out differences – all people experience similar feelings of hurt, fear, love and joy.

It is these times when home health nurses are often there for us.

To learn more about how home care nurses are helping to keep New Yorkers strong as we continue to navigate life in the pandemic, visit vnsny.org.

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Breath of fresh air for controlling asthma in fight against COVID-19

By Dr. Frank Acerra, AdvantageCare Physicians May marks Asthma Awareness Month. It also marks just over a year since the World Health Organization escalated coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to pandemic status. If you have asthma, you may be concerned that you are at higher risk for developing extreme illness due to COVID-19.

That’s why it’s essential to take this moment to learn about how you, or your loved ones with asthma, may be affected.

Here’s what we know: specific neighborhoods in the Bronx have some of the highest asthma rates in the country. Those who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and have asthma should get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting sick, but scientists are still learning how well vaccines prevent you from spreading the virus to others and how long vaccines protect people. For these reasons, at this time, those who have been fully vaccinated should continue mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand washing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control

(CDC), one in 13 people have asthma. There is no evidence that individuals with asthma are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or that people with well-controlled asthma are at increased risk for severe disease or death if infected with SARSCoV-2.

However, persons with poorly controlled asthma may be at a higher risk for severe illness. If you have asthma and are infected with COVID-19, the long-term impact on your health can range from ongoing respiratory issues to severe illness and death. Risk factors for developing severe illnesses due to COVID-19 include advanced age and the presence of other health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

To keep your asthma well-controlled and reduce the likelihood of severe illness from COVID-19, you should continue taking your asthma medications on a regular basis as prescribed by your doctor. That includes inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-containing medications. Stopping ICS can lead to worsening of asthma control. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about

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developing an asthma action plan to help you recognize when your asthma control is worsening, how to adjust medical therapy, and when to seek medical help. At EmblemHealth and our medical group practices, AdvantageCare Physicians and BronxDocs, we have a team of doctors who can help you manage your asthma and develop an action plan. If you have EmblemHealth as your health insurance plan, you may also be able to receive additional support from our care managers.

People with asthma should also follow CDC guidelines on social distancing, hand washing, and especially mask use.

Appropriate mask use is one of the most important measures we can adopt to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunol-

ogy, there is no evidence that wearing a mask can worsen your asthma or impact oxygenation levels. Some people with severe asthma, however, still may find it difficult to breathe while wearing a face mask.

If you are experiencing discomfort from wearing a mask due to severe asthma, it may be best to avoid public places as much as possible and ask family and friends to run errands for you. If you are having trouble breathing when wearing a mask, it is crucial to speak with your health care provider or seek emergency care.

Mask use may have additional benefits for those with asthma. In 2020, many countries saw a reduction in asthma exacerbations and flu-related illnesses. The reasons are not precisely known, but may be due to social distancing and mask use that reduced the incidence of

other respiratory infections, including the flu.

Cloth masks are also recommended for nonhealth care personnel.

Two layers of fabric, or one layer of fabric plus a filter layer, are recommended. The CDC recommends against using valved or vented masks, which do not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID-19 to others.

If you have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, want to find a vaccine location near you, or need to schedule an appointment to develop an asthma action plan, our team of experts at EmblemHealth, Advantage Care Physicians, and BronxDocs can point you in the right direction.

Dr. Frank Acerra serves as the Medical Director of the Pulmonology department at AdvantageCare Physicians, part of the EmblemHealth family of companies. Learn more at emblemhealth.com/ together.

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Monte combats violence during Child Abuse Prevention Month

During April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, staff from the JE and ZB Butler Center for Children and Families at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore have been raising awareness about strategies to combat family violence.

For a decade they have been leading efforts to educate healthcare providers and the community about nonviolent conflict resolution, and now more than ever, with increased concerns about domestic violence and child abuse during the pandemic, their

work to change attitudes and behaviors is so essential.

On April 28, experts from the JE and ZB Butler Center for Children and Families and the Family Learning Place at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore gathered to highlight the

No Hitting Zone program, which advocates for healthy relationships and safe environments across the lifespan. The No Hitting Zone reinforces a culture of safety, health and respect for children and adults. Experts handed out educational materials and resources and encouraged the community to start a No Hitting Zone in their own home.

For more information visit: www.cham.org/ butlercenter

Fidelis Care, a health plan serving more than 2.3 million members across New York State, is proud to announce its sponsorship of “Free Football for All,” a free youth soccer program created by the New York City Football Club (NYCFC) and the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association. From the five NYC boroughs, to Long Island, and the lower Hudson Valley, Free Football for All has a goal of reaching up to 4,000 children between the ages of 7-14 with the opportunity to play soccer and learn teamwork and leader-

ship skills in safe, outdoor settings – all at no cost for families.

"Fidelis Care is committed to supporting the communities we serve, and we understand how important it is for kids to play, learn and grow together" said Pam Hassen, Chief Member Engagement Officer.

"We’re excited to work with the New York City Football Club on this unique program, and believe Free Football for All is a positive and engaging way to connect with local families and promote the importance of physical activity for children.”

In addition to soc-

cer skills, the program focuses on sportsmanship, leadership, creativity, and developing a love for the game.

The format is streetstyle soccer overseen

by NYCFC Youth Program coaches. Participating players engage in 3 vs. 3, 4 vs. 4, and 5 vs. 5 games geared toward empowering their individuality while also encouraging team-building and problem-solving.

"New York City Football Club is proud to work with great partners like Fidelis Care to create a new youth soccer program that will make the game

Associates from the JE and ZB Butler Center for Children and Families and the Family Learning Place at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore: (Left to Right) Chasity Torres, Judilka Lalane and Lynn Hamberg.

Fidelis teams up with NYCFC on ‘Free Football for All’ Program more accessible and free-of-charge, foster an environment of continuous play, and teach players invaluable life sessions,” said Brian Walsh, Director of Youth Programs at NYCFC. “We are excited to see how Free Football for All will impact so many young players and will enable them to take ownership of their play while making leadership decisions.”

Online registration is required. The schedule and location of upcoming Free Football for All games is announced each week via the NYCFC social media platforms and website. To

find out more and to register, visit NYCFC. com/freefootball.

NYCFC Youth Programs works with local and state authorities to create a safe playing environment for all players, coaches, administrators and parents.

Fidelis Care Representatives will be available at select games to provide parents with information about quality, affordable health insurance and answer any questions they may have.

For more information call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

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By Morris Gut

Celebrate Mother’s Day now that restaurants are open

Mom deserves her special day. She missed it last year. If you are planning to dine out on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9TH, here are a few suggestions in the Bronx & Westchester that cover a wide variety of tastes. Special Hint: Mother’s Day is a big restaurant day, so be sure to reserve a table early.

New York City restaurants can now serve up to 75% capacity indoors joining the suburbs. If possible, you can even take Mom out before or after actual Mother’s Day to keep it less stressful. Takeout is another good option. Stay safe and follow Covid protocols. Enjoy!

Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx 718-584-1188

Since 1919 five generations of the Migliucci family have been working the front and back-of-thehouse making sure patrons are well served. With the passing of long-time patriarch Joseph Migliucci, his daughter Regina has been doing a fine job welcoming her guests.

This restaurant has a landmark 100-year history full of colorful chapters. Step inside and you are transported to the ‘old world’. To many, the flavorful sauces and dishes produced in this kitchen are the stuff of Italian

‘foodie heaven’. Enjoy their signature marinated carrots as a starter, delicious Spiedini, Hot Antipasto for 2 or more, your favorite Parm, Osso Buco, or Braciole. Indoor & outdoor dining. www.mariosarthurave.com Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle 914-636-1229

When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories where 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

Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., Bronx 718-885-9885 This restaurant would thrive anywhere but its right in the middle of City Island, the charming seaport village 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. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch and their Mediterranean style Pizzas are good to share, too. Private party facilities. Off premise catering. Open 7 days. Free parking. www. artiescityisland.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 commu-

Mamma Francesca

nity 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 Vistamar Restaurant, 565 City Island Ave., Bronx 718-709-0888

Seafood and sea views on City Island. Vistamar Restaurant & Lounge took over the sprawling space that previously operated as Don Coqui and the views are breathtaking. Evenings you can see Manhattan lights in the distance while enjoying ‘Cucina Latina’ prepared with style. Check out the menu for such house specialties as: Seafood Tower, Mofongo, Chuleta, Rabo, King Crab Legs, and Lobster in a variety of styles. Weekly happy hours and nightlife schedule. Reservations are suggested.

Ample parking. www.vistamarcityisland.com Magno’s Grill, 108 Centre Ave., New Rochelle 914-235-0008

Chef/owner

Ange-

lo Magno had put his talents 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. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Al fresco in the rear. Municipal parking nearby.

Reservations accepted. www.magnosgrill.com (Morris Gut is a restaurant 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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