Co-op City man arrested in groping of 10-year-old girl
By Dan Gesslein
A Co-op City man has been charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse in an assault on a child, cops said.
The NYPD announced the arrest of 42-year-old Raymond Fernandez.
The Co-op City resident was arrested at midnight today and was charged with three counts of sexual abuse of a minor and
acting in the manner injurious to a child.
At around 4:15 pm on October 25, a 10-year-old girl was near a park in the vicinity of Mace Avenue and Gunther Avenue in Pelham Gardens. Cops said a
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man walked up to the girl and “touched her private area with his hand.” The man then ran away.
An investigation led to cops to identifying an image of the suspect from a bank ATM surveillance camera. Less than 24 hours after releasing the video police arrested Fernandez.
The NYPD made an arrest in the groping of a 10-year-old in the Pelham Gardens section of the Bronx.
Man recovering from Bx. steam radiator explosion
By David Greene
A
freak steam leak injured a Bedford Park man who reportedly suffered burns all over his body.
According to a fire department official, the incident was reported inside a five-story building at 2857 Valentine Avenue at East 198 Street. An initial report stat-
ed that the man suffered “major” burns during the incident that was reported at 7:20 a.m. on October 17.
The FDNY later downgraded the unidentified victim's
injuries, stating that he was transported to Jacobi Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
David Maggiotto, the Deputy Press Secretary at the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) told the Bronx Voice, “DOB did not respond to this incident.” He added, “So we have no info to report.”
Maggiotto was asked what would prompt a DOB response, he replied, “In an emergency situation, first responders are called to the scene. If first responders determine they should call DOB, or another city agency, then DOB or the other agency that is called will respond.”
One resident of the area who only knows the victim by face, recalled, “That day I was supposed to go to work, and I was coming out at like 7 in the morning and I saw him with the firemen, and he had burns and there was smoke coming out of his window of the building.” The "smoke" is believed to be the steam shooting out of the radiator inside the victim's apartment.
Asked where on his body the man was burned, the resident replied, “He was all burned. Yeah, his face, his hands, his neck, his ears. He went to the hospital the same day.”
The unidentified girlfriend of the victim told WPIX News that after the steam shot out of the radiator, the man threw himself through a window and landed on the fire escape. The girlfriend also stated that the steam leak took place just after they made a complaint about no heat.
A day earlier the New York City Council held a hearing on radiator safety where Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez introduced ‘Intro 925’ that calls for additional steam radiator inspections.
Sanchez said at the hearing, “In December 2016 an unspeakable tragedy occurred when a radiator system steam leak claimed the lives of two sisters in the Bronx.” Sanchez noted that a third child was killed by a steam leak earlier this year in Brooklyn.
If passed, the bill would require annual inspections of radiators and landlords would be required to make needed repairs within seven days.
The Bronx Voice attempted to reach out to the building manager, believed to be CSC Corporation Services and the building’s owner, believed to be Prime Residential Bronx, LLC, both of Albany, NY., but was unsuccessful.
A man was injured when steam shot out of his radiator inside his apartment on Valentine Avenue in Bedford Park.
Photo by David Greene
NYPD hunting scooter, motorcycle bandits wanted in at least 8 robberies
By David Greene
Police are looking for several suspects wanted in connection with a string of robberies across the Bronx where scooters or a motorcycle was the getaway vehicle. The suspects have been robbing people on the street of jewelry and cell phones, cops said.
In the most recent incident that occurred at 4 p.m. on October 30 in the confines of the 49th Precinct, police officials say a 31-year-old female was at Hunt Avenue and Van Nest Avenue when she was approached by a male on a scooter.
A police source told the Bronx Voice that the individual “approached the victim and attempted to forcibly remove her chain from her neck.” The victim was thrown to the ground and dragged by the chain on her neck by the unidentified male on the scooter.
The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Police describe the suspect as a male between the ages of 16 - 20, with a light complexion, slim build and black hair. He fled on a black moped, wearing a black facemask.
A similar chain snatching was reported to police in the 40 th Precinct. Officials
say at just after 9 p.m. on October 18, a 70-year-old female was in front of 345 Saint Ann’s Avenue when an individual snatched a chain from the victim before jumping on the back of a moped, driven by a second individual. The duo fled westbound on East 142 Street.
The victim was not injured during the incident.
Police are also looking for a pair of assailants who use a motorcycle as their getaway, wanted for a string of six robberies in the confines of the 41st, 44th and 49th Precincts.
The first incident was reported on October 8, when a 54-year-old woman was beaten in front of 1500 Grand Concourse. The two suspects removed two necklaces and a bracelet from the victim valued at $6,350. The victim sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment.
The pair struck again on
October 18, when a 38-yearold male victim was in front of 1201 Randall Avenue, when he was approached by two individuals on a motorcycle, who displayed a firearm. The victim was struck in the head with the firearm when the duo removed the victim’s necklace and rings valued at $6,600. The victim sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment.
Also on October 18, the pair approached a 31-yearold male victim at 1050 River Avenue and displayed a firearm. The pair removed the victim’s chain valued at $3,300. The pair fled on the motorcycle eastbound on East 165 Street. The victim was not injured in the incident.
The pair struck again on October 18, this time approaching a 48-year-old man in front of 2024 Williamsbridge Road in the confines of the 49th Precinct. The pair once again produced a handgun and struck the victim in the head with the gun.
The suspects removed a necklace from the victim valued at $3,000 before fl eeing in an unknown direction. The victim suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment.
Police say this duo of motorcycle bandits are wanted in connection with six robberies across the Bronx in October.
The pair is also suspected in the robbery of a 17-year-old male on October 22, outside of 76 East 167 Street. The pair once again pulled up on the motorcycle, pulled out the fi rearm and removed two chains from the victim valued at $2,500. During a scuffl e with the victim, one round was discharged from the fi rearm. The victim was not injured during the incident.
An hour later the pair robbed their last known victim near 1055 Summit Avenue in the confi nes of
the 44th Precinct. Offi cials say the suspects removed a necklace and bracelet from the victim valued at $4,000. The victim was not injured.
Police described the duo as two males with medium complexions and were last seen wearing black clothing. The motorcycle is described as black with green colored rims.
Anyone with any information on any of these incidents is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.
Pirate ‘Jack Sparrow’ mugs straphanger on subway
By Dan Gesslein
Halloween came early for one crazed mugger who beat a straphanger dressed in a pirate costume, cops said.
At around 4 am on October 27, the suspect dressed in a pirate costume was seen on surveillance video wandering around the subway station at Brook Avenue in Mott Haven.
plete with a bandanna, eyepatch and tri corner hat. He also wore a white shirt and black vest and red and black striped pants.
The mugger than ran out of the station.
The victim refused medical attention at the scene.
The suspect is described as a male with a light complexion, dark hair and a mustache. He was last seen in a pirate costume com-
Cops said the Jack Sparrow look like walked over to the turnstile and attacked a 32-year-old male. The pirate repeatedly punched the victim in the face and body. He then ripped the victim’s AirPods out of his ears and then took the sneakers off the man’s feet.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https:// crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential.
Community Op Ed Improving New Yorkers’ quality of life block by block
By Mayor Eric Adams
Recently, I was with community leaders and senior officials in our administration on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, which is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in our city. It is where New Yorkers from all over the world come to live, work, raise their families, and strive for the American Dream.
However, Roosevelt Avenue — a major thoroughfare with the 7 train running above it — has become a site of crime, disorder, and exploitation as illegal brothels, illicit vendors, and unlicensed food carts have taken over and quality-of-life offenses have skyrocketed.
It was not my first-time visiting the neighborhood. In January, I was there as we shut down 12 illegal brothels. And year
to date, the NYPD has made over 3,000 arrests and issued over 9,500 summonses in the area. But we know arrests and summonses alone won’t get the job done, and that we must bring together partners from across government to address the challenges on Roosevelt Avenue and deliver upstream solutions that tackle the problem at the source. That is why we answered the calls of
Improving New Yorkers’ quality of life
residents and businesses by launching “Operation Restore Roosevelt,” a massive cross-agency operation led by the NYPD.
Operation Restore Roosevelt draws on the expertise of more than a dozen city agencies, including the NYPD, FDNY, the Department of Buildings, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Homeless Services, the Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene, NYC Parks, the Department of Sanitation, the Department of Small Business Services, the Department of Transportation, the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, and the Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health. The initiative also involves our partners at the MTA, the New York State Police, and the Queens County District Attorney’s Office.
We know that it takes
all of us, working together, to ensure that these illegal brothels are closed, that the victims of sex trafficking are supported, and that residents and businesses can live and work in an area that is not bombarded by theft and illegal vendors.
Operation Restore Roosevelt builds on our public safety and quality-of-life initiatives on 14th Street and in Midtown by expanding our efforts block by block and neighborhood by neighborhood to make sure our city continues to be a clean and safe place where families can thrive.
I am proud to announce that thanks to our efforts, New York City has seen nine straight months of crime reduction, and overall crime continues to trend downward in New York City. Homicides, burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny auto are all down year to date. And transit crime is also down year to date. These are sig-
nifi cant achievements. But they are the result of continual hard work and coordinated action — like the work being done on Roosevelt Avenue.
We came into offi ce with a clear mission: to make New York a safer, more affordable city. And we will not rest until we have accomplished that mission, block by block and street by street, with every agency giving their all for the people of New York City.
Health Matters What to know about rise in walking pneumonia in kids
An infectious disease expert explains the symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia, which has seen an unusual uptick among young kids
This article originally in NewYork-Presbyterian Health Matters.
By Julia Morrill
A surge in cases of Mycoplasma pneumonia, commonly known as walking pneumonia, among young kids has raised concern about the respiratory infection.
An advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week reported a rise in all age groups since the late spring through the fall, with a notable increase in the percentage of children between ages 2 and 4 (from 1% to 7.2%). In previous years, most infections were observed among school-aged children and adolescents.
Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and it typically spreads in the spring and summer. An estimated 2 million infections occur each year in the U.S., according to the CDC. It is sometimes referred to as walking pneumonia because cases tend to be milder than classic pneumonia, so people
may be able to still go about their daily activities despite the infection.
Dr. Karen Acker, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist and hospital epidemiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital, advises parents and caregivers to see a pediatrician if a child’s symptoms are not improving or if they are having trouble breathing.
“We don’t have a vaccine for Mycoplasma pneumonia, so the best way to protect yourself is to go back to the basics,” says Dr. Acker. “Be diligent with hand hygiene because most of our exposure comes from touching something and touching our face. And if you are concerned about being at higher risk for respiratory illness or going
into public places, wearing a mask is going to help.”
Health Matters spoke to Dr. Acker to learn more about walking pneumonia, including the symptoms to look for
and how to treat it. What is Mycoplasma pneumonia?
Mycoplasma pneumonia is an infection in the lungs caused by the Mycoplasma
pneumoniae bacteria. However, it appears differently from classic pneumonia on a chest x-ray and is not treated by standard antibiotics like penicillin.
Kids trade in Halloween candy to fight diabetes
Montefiore’s Halloween Candy Exchange encourages children with diabetes to enjoy Halloween festivities and Learn about diabetes management.
Diabetes among youth is on the rise, in fact a recent CDC report suggests diabetes in young people is projected to increase by about 70% by 2060.
Every year providers in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Di-
abetes at the Children’s Hospital at Montefi ore (CHAM) coordinate a special Halloween Candy Exchange, to share education and resources with families about diabetes management. After trickor-treating with friends,
children with diabetes put their costumes back on, and bring in the candy they collected to exchange it for a toy or gift card. The children also enjoy arts and crafts, a photo booth and healthy snacks.
The specialists at CHAM want children with diabetes to enjoy Halloween with their peers, so they created this event to allow kids to go trick-or-treating and then hand over the sugary, sticky stash in exchange for a healthier treat. The educational aspects of the event teach the children how to be healthy and manage their condition year-round.
This event is part of a series of educational events and activities throughout American Diabetes Month, hosted by specialists throughout Montefi ore.
For the complete calendar of events, visit: American Diabetes Awareness Month - Montefi ore Einstein Events Calendar.
What to know about the rise in respiratory illnesses
This article originally in NewYork-Presbyterian Health Matters.
An infectious disease expert explains the surge in flu, COVID-19, and RSV and whether it’s a cause for concern.
By Dorothy Cucci
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the amount of respiratory illness activity continues to be “high” or “very high” in the majority of the United States as of January 19. “We tend to see an increase in respiratory illnesses in late October and November leading into December and January,” says Dr. Candace L. Johnson, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.
“This is also the season when we start seeing spikes in the flu. Right now, we’re simultaneously seeing a rise in COVID infections, influenza infections, and RSV infections, which are all viral, but there are ways to decrease your risk for acquiring any of them.”
Health Matters spoke with Dr. Johnson about the types of respiratory illnesses circulating this winter, including symptoms and treatments.
What is a respiratory illness?
A respiratory tract infection is a broad term for any type of illness that primarily affects the area of our body involved in breathing, which extends from our nasal passages to our lungs. Often in medicine, we make the distinction between infections of the upper respiratory tract, which is the area from the nasal passages and sinuses to your
larynx (or voice box), and the lower respiratory tract, which is the tract below your larynx, including your lungs.
Young children, older adults, and people with underlying medical conditions tend to be at highest risk of getting seriously ill from respiratory infections.
Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are the big three that can cause both upper and lower respiratory disease and account for many hospitalizations.
What are symptoms for RSV, flu, and COVID? How can you tell the difference?
The symptoms for these respiratory viruses can be very similar and can include fever, body aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, and fatigue, or decreased energy. Some symptoms, like sore throat and loss of taste or smell, are more common in COVID, but generally speaking, it can be difficult to distinguish between these viruses on the basis of symptoms alone. We diagnose by testing for these specific viruses.
When these infections become severe, they can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, faster breathing than normal, or long pauses in breathing. If you experience those symptoms or see them in a loved one, seek medical attention.
Why do we see an increase in respiratory infections during this time of year?
There are a variety of theories about why we see more respiratory viruses in the winter, including the fact that people tend to spend more time indoors during the winter — that closer contact allows viruses to spread
more easily. Another thought is that the drier air in the wintertime can also make us more susceptible to viral infections. Last year, a study was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology that described how exposure to the cold can impair some of our immune defenses in the nose which may lead to increased susceptibility to infections.
What’s made the season different for the past couple of years is COVID. Last year, we saw a rise in non-COVID respiratory infections compared to what we saw during the first year of the pandemic; this is thought to be in part because we were coming out of a period when people were wearing masks and isolating because of the pandemic — particularly in young children who hadn’t been exposed to these viruses before. What is Mycoplasma pneumonia, or “white lung syndrome?”
Unlike COVID, RSV, and flu, Mycoplasma pneumonia is not viral; it’s caused by a type of bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This type of infection is not new on the scene — in the past it’s also been called “walking pneumonia,” and we do tend to see it rise this time of year. Especially in a post-pandemic era, it makes sense that we’re weary or nervous when we hear about a spike in any type of respiratory infection. But it’s not a new organism or new phenomenon.
Pneumonia, in general, is essentially an infection of the lung, which can be caused by bacteria or a virus. The body’s response to these organisms
can cause inflammation, which contributes to the symptoms that you experience, such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
While there are reports of increased cases of Mycoplasma infection in certain geographic areas, it’s too early to say that it’s significantly more than prior years or that it’s more widespread than prior years. As far as treatment, there is an antibiotic called azithromycin that is very effective; but the thing about Mycoplasma is that we don’t have a vaccine to prevent it.
What should people know about RSV treatment and the RSV vaccine?
For most people, RSV infections are typically treated with supportive care. At home the focus should be on keeping the sick individual well hydrated and providing symptom relief, such as using fever reducers to help with fever or nasal saline spray and suctioning to help with congestion and nasal secretions.
We now have immunizations against RSV that provide protection for our most vulnerable populations. There’s a vaccine that provides protection for older adults (aged 60 years and older). To protect infants, there is the option to either vaccinate the pregnant person, who then passes on protective antibodies to the infant before birth or giving a monoclonal antibody (Nirsevimab) to infants after birth, which provides protection during the highest risk periods, when infants are very young and more vulnerable to developing severe illness that could result in a hospital stay.
How can RSV impact young children?
RSV can be especially danger-
ous for young infants, especially those who were born prematurely or who have other underlying medical conditions like lung disease or congenital heart disease. Because their immune systems aren’t as mature as older children’s or adults’, they’re not able to fight the virus as effectively. That’s where the monoclonal antibody helps; it provides an infant with protective antibodies to fight against RSV. Additionally, young infants have narrower airways which means that they may have more trouble dealing with secretions that can occur in inflamed airways during a viral infection. As adults, we’ve had a lifetime of exposure, so our immune systems can better handle these viruses.
What are ways people can protect themselves and their families from respiratory illnesses?
It may seem obvious, but the best ways to protect yourself are by practicing the hygiene basics that we’ve all gotten very familiar with over the past few years: Wash hands and use hand sanitizer frequently, cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue that you throw away immediately and wash hands afterwards, and keep frequently touched surfaces clean. Masking also helps mitigates the spreading of the disease. Another key is staying up-to-date on immunizations for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick, and if you are sick, stay at home and avoid contact with others. It’s important to remember that the rise in respiratory illnesses isn’t a cause for panic. There are strategies we can use to prevent these infections from affecting ourselves or our loved ones.
What to know about rise in walking pneumonia in kids
Many children will get better without medicines and only need over-the-counter pain relievers. If treatment is indicated, then antibiotics such as macrolides (for example azithromycin, also known as a “z-pack”) are usually effective. And if a child is not getting better because of antibiotic resistance, we have alternative medications we can treat it with.
How contagious is it?
The infection is contagious and spread through respiratory droplets from sneezing and coughing, or touching a contaminated surface. Mycoplasma pneumoniae has a long incubation period (between one to four weeks) and can live in the respiratory tract for months. Since someone who is sick with this infection has a lingering cough, it’s important to cover your cough and frequently wash hands.
How do you know when to see a doctor?
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
There has been a steady increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections, and it peaked in August. While Mycoplasma pneumonia was typically more often found in older children and adolescents, we’re seeing younger children susceptible to it this year.
What are the symptoms?
In most cases, symptoms are relatively mild, with the most common being a prolonged cough and fever, along with malaise and headache. It may seem like a chest cold, and a dry cough can last weeks. About 10% of the time, you
may see a rash. If the infection becomes more severe, children can experience low oxygen levels and feel like they’re having trouble breathing.
How is it diagnosed?
We can find Mycoplasma pneumoniae with a nasal swab that goes back through
the nose to the throat. If you are tested in the emergency room, we get the results in about 1 to 2 hours. If it’s the pediatrician, it will take a day or two. The provider will also order a chest x-ray to be able to see if there’s an infection in the lungs. What are the treatments?
When a child is clearly not feeling well, not running around, and acting lethargic, it’s a good idea to get them seen. If you’re seeing the outline of the ribs going in and out when they are breathing, that’s another sign to call your doctor. With Mycoplasma pneumonia, most parents know that something’s off. It’s always better to get kids checked out.
Culinary Road
By Morris Gut
Plan ahead for dining after Garden’s Holiday Train Show
The glittering 33RD annual Holiday Train Show is on track November 16 through January 20th, 2025, at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. It’s been expanded, and a must for the young and the young at heart. I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and seeing the seductive floral arrangements and displays. For additional info, times, and advanced tickets: www. nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/ After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are easy-to-reach suggestions…
HOLIDAY 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 718-817-8700. www.nybg. org/visit/dining/ Check out the website for special Glow Nights and Bar Car Nights featuring curated food & cocktails. Advanced tickets and reservations advised.
ARTIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD, CITY ISLAND
Owner Spiros Chagares and
his staff offer patrons a tempting mix 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; Cold Seafood Salad for two; Wood Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. Big combo platters. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch and Grilled Mediterranean Pizzas. Craft beers. Check out the bar/ lounge most evenings for good networking. Private party facilities. Open 7 days. Free parking.
Artie’s, 394 City Island Ave., Bronx. 718-885-9885 www. artiescityisland.com
MARIO’S IN NEARBY
LITTLE ITALY
Arthur Ave. is just a stone’s throw from the Garden. Since 1919 five generations of the Migliucci family have worked the front and backof-the-house making sure patrons are well served at this venerable ‘Little Italy’ institution. The amiable Regina Migliucci is at the helm. Great appetizers include Hot Antipasto Platter for 2; and Spiedini alla Romana, skewered deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches. Move on to such entrees as: Penne Rustica with sausage; stuffed Braciola Napolitana; Osso Buco the size of Mt. Vesuvious; or the traditional Chicken Parm. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Private party facilities. Free parking lot and valet service. Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-5841188 www.mariosarthurave.
org
LIEBMAN’S DELICATESSEN FOR A NOSH!
Liebman’s kosher Jewish delicatessen in Riverdale has been serving their traditional larder since 1953. They are the only
kosher deli left in the Bronx where once there were many. For all you corned beef and pastrami mavens, there is a wide selection of old-world favorites: matzo ball soup; frankfurters with mustard & sauerkraut; smoked fish and appetizing; overstuffed sandwiches; stuffed cabbage; Hungarian goulash; and
chicken in the pot with all the fixings. Owners Yuval Dekel and Craig Weitz have opened a second location at Addyman Square in Ardsley. Stand by. Liebman’s original deli is located at 552 W. 235 Street, Riverdale, The Bronx. 718548-4534 www.liebmansdeli.com
Plan ahead for dining after Garden’s Holiday Train Show
HEARTY TAVERN FARE AT MORRIS PARK INN!
Proprietor Steve Poli of bustling Morris Park Inn offers a full tavern menu and generous portions. Sit at one of the hightop tables in the dining room or at the bar. Specialties to look for: Nachos Supreme, Baja Crispy Fish Tacos, Chopped Cobb Salad, hefty Burgers, wraps and sandwiches, Mussels with Spaghetti, Baby Back Ribs, Fried Seafood Combo, and Center Cut Pork Chops. Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-2394109 www.morrisparkinn.com
MAMMA FRANCESCA ON THE
SOUND!
Check out the views before the sun sets. 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 in New Rochelle for nearly 40 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. Robust Italian/American specialties include freshly made Manicotti, Calamari Fritti, Ischia Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Misto Frutti di Mare. Rabbit Cacciatore, too. Daily Happy Hours. Off-premise catering. Woodburning pizza oven. Live entertainment schedule. Free
parking. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. 914-636-1229 www. mammafrancesca.com
JACK’S BAR & RESTAURANT, EASTCHESTER
Owner Shane Clifford and his staff have been drawing a fine crowd. Jack’s offers an enhanced Irish/American tavern menu on steroids. The best way to describe it. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohue’s kitchen include decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese;
Lamb Lollipops; Burrata Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Guinness braised Short Ribs; Woodfired Pizzas and big juicy Burgers. Check out their decadent Grilled Cheese Menu. The staff could not be more friendly. Open daily. Weekend brunch. TVs. Municipal parking; free evenings. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com
DUBROVNIK, NEW ROCHELLE
Founded by Jerry Tomic, Du-
brovnik has become a dynamic Michelin-recognized restaurant. Westchester’s first restaurant devoted to the cuisine of Croatia, a multi-level 85-seat establishment with a lovely seasonal outdoor patio, state of the art temperature-controlled wine cellar, al fresco wood fire rotisserie BBQ, lush seasonal herb garden and bar/lounge. Talented chefs man the kitchen and they will transport you to the beautiful Adriatic in flavorful style. Seafood is a specialty. Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New
Rochelle. 914-637-3777 www. dubrovnikny.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net
