Bronx Voice - September 25, 2024

BRONX VOICE

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9th Year, No. 10

FREE September 25 - October 1, 2024

Remembering 9/11

Photo by New York Yankees

Page 5

NY Yankees Clarke Schmidt and Austin Wells laid a wreath next to the 9/11 Monument in Monument Park in remembrance of those who tragically lost their lives 23 years ago.

Residents demand end to gun violence Pages 4 as bullets fly & 12 Photo by Citizen

Training next gen of nurses Page 8

Bus driver beaten by crazed attacker

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2• BRONX VOICE• September 25 - October 1, 2024

pect. He is described as a

By Dan Gesslein male who is 6 feet tall, and A crazed attacker bashed a female has a medium complexion.

Anyone with informabus driver’s head against a partition, tion in regard to this incops said. cident is asked to call the At around 11:20 am on November 17, a 34-yearold driver was sitting in her bus parked at East 226 Street and White Plains Road. A man in a blue hoodie entered the parked bus and approached the driver.

Cops said the man grabbed the driver and re-

peatedly slammed her head against the bus partition.

The attacker then jumped off the bus and ran off on East 226th Street.

The victim was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center where she was treated and listed in stable condition.

The NYPD released surveillance video of the sus-

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 man in connection with an attack on a female bus driver in the Bronx.

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Bullets fly during bloody weekend

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By Dan Gesslein Cops are looking for the gunman who killed one man and wounded another outside a Bronx school in Highbridge on Saturday night. The murder capped off a bloody weekend in the Bronx where another man was killed and two others wounded in three additional shootings less than 24 hours earlier.

Lincoln Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

At this time there is no description of the gunman or a possible motive.

About 24 hours earlier another fatal shooting occurred a short distance from Saturday’s killing.

Two hours later another shooting occurred in Morris Park. At around 11:30 pm on September 13, a 44-year-old was shot twice in the chest on Williamsbridge Road.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stop-

Photo by Citizen

Police cordon off the street at Sheridan Avenue and McClellan Street following an investigation into a fatal shooting.

At around 9:30 pm on Saturday, a gunman opened fire on the corner of Sheridan Avenue and McClellan Street, next to PS 457, the Sheridan Academy for Young Leaders. Cops said multiple shots were fired and fatally struck one victim and wounded another.

Police have identified the

victim as 31-year-old Sakou Saho of Mott Haven. The victim was repeatedly struck with bullets throughout his torso. Although Saho was rushed to Lincoln Hospital he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

A 49-year-old man at the scene was also shot in the stomach. He was treated at

At around 9:30 pm on Sept

13, two men were shot standing inside a bodega on Anthony Avenue. A 24-year-old man was fatally hit with a bullet when a man dressed in black and posing as a dog walker walked up to the bodega and opened fire.

A 42-year-old man suffered a graze wound to the head when the bullet flew threw the grocery store.

pers 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.

Bronx remembers 9/11

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By David Greene Bronxites across the borough gathered once again to remember those who died or were injured in the attack on America on September 11th 2001.

Photo by David Greene

Outside the 49th Precinct on Eastchester Road recently installed Commanding Officer of the 49th Precinct Captain Tawee Theanthong gathered with a platoon of more than a dozen officers, who were joined by members of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council as Theanthong read the names of the 23 police officers who died that day in the line of duty.

At the September 11th Memorial at Jacobi Medical Center, hospital officials were once again joined by staff members, local elected officials and members of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Photo by New York Yankees

NY Yankees Clarke Schmidt and Austin Wells laid a wreath next to the 9/11 Monument in Monument Park in remembrance of those who tragically lost their lives 23 years ago.

Bronx remembers 9/11

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On September 12, Borough President Vanessa Gibpublic as they paid homage son held her office’s annual to the Bronxites killed that day.

“9/11 Day of Remembrance” at Lou Gehrig Plaza on East St. Catherine Academy on 161 Street.

Williamsbridge Road the enThe FDNY lost 343 firefighters on September 11th.

On September 4, the FDNY added the names of 32 additional members to the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall at the FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn. The current number of firefighters who died from 9/11 related illness now stands at 360.

Thirty-seven Port Authority Police officers were killed Photos by David Greene on September 11th and an Surrounded by members of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council, 49th Pre- additional 19 members have cinct Commanding Officer Captain Tawee Theanthong reads the names During the annual memorial service at Jacobi Hospital, a wreath is placed of the 23 police officers who died on September 11th during a ceremony died from 9/11 related ill- at the September 11th memorial. ness. outside of the 49th Precinct.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

tire student body participated in a flag-raising celebration when a police officer cruising past the school, decided to stop and join them during their remembrance.

Thieves beat fruit vendor with baseball bat

By David Greene A still unidentified fruit vendor, reported to be an elderly man from the Dominican Republic, remains in critical condition after being struck in the head with his own baseball bat after two men reportedly stole fruit from the vendor. Police have now charged two men in the crime.

According to police, the incident began at 7:39 p.m. on September 12, outside of Best Italian Pizza, located at 202 East Fordham Road at the corner of Grand Concourse.

A police source told the Bronx Voice that they received a 911 call of “an assault” and officers from the 46th Precinct “became aware that two unidentified males

approached the victim and physically assaulted the victim by striking him multiple times in the back of his head with a metal baseball bat.”

The police source added that the victim remains in critical condition at St. Barnabas Hospital.

After an inquiry by the Bronx Voice, the NYPD announced the September 13 arrests of Romel Jarrett, 37,

who police describe as “undomiciled” and Terrence Downes, 44, of 105 Avenue in Queens, NY., who were each charged with attempted murder and first-degree assault.

A manager of Best Italian Pizza speaking on condition of anonymity, explained, “I was off that day, but the word on the street says it was two homeless Black guys.”

Speaking of the victim, the manager said, “He had a fruit stand so one of these guys grabbed some fruit because they’re hungry.”

The manager then claimed,

“The guy (the victim) had a them and the guy took the bat bat, and he chased them say- from him right in front of my ing, ‘give me my food back,’ store,” when the man was ap CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 an old man, he went after

Health Matters

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Walk to raise breast feeding awareness

The Breastfeeding Committee at Montefiore Einstein’s Weiler Campus coordinated a parade

between Weiler Hospital, Montefiore Medical Park Executive Professional Center (EPC) and

Montefiore Medical Group Comprehensive Family Care Center (CFCC) to raise awareness during Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and recognize the efforts of associates who support breastfeeding parents. The parade, which included maternal child health experts, nurses, lactation specialists, patient care coordinators, and parents donned their bright pink tee-shirts and marched from the Weiler lobby to EPC, where associates received a plaque and certificate recognizing the 2024 Baby Friendly Hospital Re-Designation, to CFCC where associates were also recognized, and finally returned to the Weiler auditorium to close out the celebration.

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Mt. Sinai trains the next generation of nurses

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10 • BRONX VOICE• September 25 - October 1, 2024

By Diego Ortiz Quintero Special to Mount Sinai A group of students from varied backgrounds, but all aspiring to help others, recently began an exciting new chapter in their lives at the Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing, as they embarked on their first day of a journey that promises to be both challenging and rewarding.

The students are part of the 15th cohort to purse an Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing, which is Mount Sinai’s program designed for individuals who have completed a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing discipline or major to prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.

This program is important because, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the United States is projected to experience a shortage of Registered Nurses that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for health care grows. Compounding the situation is the fact that nursing schools across the country are struggling to expand capacity to meet the rising demand for care.

"The first day of school marks the beginning of a transformative journey for our students,” said Kimberly Glassman, PhD, RN, NEABC, FAONL, FAAN, Dean of the Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing. “As we welcome cohort number 15, we are reminded that each new class brings with it a fresh wave of passion, dedication, and diverse perspectives. This program is not just about earning a degree; it’s about forging a path to make a profound impact in the world of health care. We are honored to support these remarkable individuals as they embark on this challenging yet immensely rewarding journey, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements along the way.”

She added, “As these students embark on their educa-

tional journey at the Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing, we wish them all a successful and fulfilling school year.”

One of the new students is Sevara Ashurova, 22, from the Forest Hill neighborhood in Queens, who graduated from Hunter College with a degree in human biology this summer. She shared her personal connection to nursing.

"Nursing has always been my passion," she explained during a break on the first day of school on Wednesday, September 4. "Coming from a family of nurses, especially with my mom as a role model, inspired me to follow this path.”

Debbie Ann Williams, 43, who is originally from Jamaica and now lives in Jamaica, Queens, brings a unique perspective as she transitions from working as a career advisor and HR coordinator for a hospital in Queens. She earned a Bachelors of Science in Career Development at the Vocational Training Development Institute in Jamaica in 2012.

What drew Williams to Mount Sinai was a combination of personal recommendation and her own research.

"I found that Mount Sinai is top-ranked, especially this program," she said. “It's an excellent opportunity for me to make a career change

at this age and in only 15 months.”

Graduates of this full-time, 15-month, program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and are well-prepared to pursue graduate nursing degrees. All students must complete prerequisites before entering the program.

The latest cohort includes two friends who have known each other since high school, Anjienna Lowtan and Nisha Troupe, 22, from Queens, who view their shared journey as a source of support.

"Knowing that you already have a friend who understands your history and can CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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Training next generation of nurses CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

support you through this challenging time is a huge relief," Troupe said.

The first day of school is often a mix of excitement and anxiety, and for many students, a math assessment test looms as a particular stressor.

Rika Weiss from Long Island admitted to feeling nervous about both the test and the uncertainty of beginning something new.

"We have our first test today, so that's a little nerve-wracking," she said.

“Also the start of something new and the unknown can be

nerve wracking.”

Ella Bardin, 23, who moved to New York from California, also faced the first-day jitters. "It's the first day, and we have a math validation exam for dosage calculations," she explained. "I was nervous at first but I’ve been reassured by professors that we’ve been handpicked and they want us to succeed.

That helps a lot.”

Charalambos “Lambos” Miltiadou, 42, who is originally from Cyprus, says that for him, going back to school after being away from education for more than a decade is like riding

a bicycle. "You can forget it for a while, but when you get back on, it all comes back to you," he said.

More than 75 percent of students will successfully complete the program within six academic semesters (the expected completion time is four academic semesters). Upon completion of the accelerated program, graduates’ licensure exam pass rates (for first-time test takers) have been at a minimum of 80 percent, and 80 percent or more of the graduates will obtain employment as registered nurses within twelve months of graduation.

Having thoughts about dying or self harm? You are not alone

12 • BRONX VOICE• September 25 - October 1, 2024

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This is not an admission of is to suggest an end to our formative. Allow yourself

By William M. Buerger, PsyD, pain. The mind is trying to to feel the care around you, weakness but rather an acClinical Director, DBT-A Program, recognize our suffering, re- and be open to your family, knowledgment that we are move the pain, and comfort friends, healthcare team or beginning to drift into deep Montefiore Einstein itself. These thoughts reflect community offering to help waters, where we need help to “Maybe it would be better if I disap- our uncertainty about how to and providing clarity and pull ourselves out. Pressure to “be strong” and handle things peared.’ That is a frightening thought – relieve our suffering, not that hope. we are losing grasp on reality If you are unsure of who to alone can make it hard to ask to have, or to hear loved ones express. turn to, remember that thera- for help. Yet we know, true or “going crazy.”

The mind might suddenly suggest, ‘what if we jump in front of the bus instead of waiting for its arrival?’ Or rather than a sudden feeling, the thought could be deliberate – like a conclusion reached after months or years of feeling that there is no escape to our suffering.

No matter how these upsetting thoughts emerge, they are extremely unsettling, especially in light of the rising suicide rates in our Bronx

community.

Yet, suicidal thoughts are far more common than we realize. Recent CDC data shows that 22% of teens and 13.2 million adults seriously consider suicide each year. It is time for us as a community to talk openly about these feelings in honor of Suicide Prevention Month.

Then we are faced with situations that seem overwhelming and inescapable, our mind’s natural response

While our mind is trying to offer a solution, it is creating another challenge too, as suicidal thoughts tend to increase feelings of hopelessness. These thoughts can move us towards isolating from those who care about us, out of fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

Connection is the key to breaking out of this cycle. In these moments, reaching out to others and leaning into our communities can be trans-

pists and psychologists specialize in helping people with these thoughts. Skills, practical solutions and emotional support can help to change our mindset.

Passing thoughts like these are natural, but it is crucial to recognize when there is a shift from abstract ideas to tangible plans. If thoughts or talk of death begins to feel less like a distant fantasy and more like a real possibility, it is time to seek professional help.

strength is when we do what is difficult.

If you or someone you love is struggling, know that millions have wrestled with and overcome these feelings.

In time, we can grow, build skills and find moments, people and joys that remind us life is worth living.

If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or by texting TALK to 741741.

End gun violence - health workers say Officials across various Montefiore campuses, led by pediatricians Dr. Jillian Parekh and Dr. Ivy Tam, gathered to take a stand against gun violence and advocate for research, education, & evidence-based policies to prevent gun-related tragedies.

When it comes to fall safety, put your best foot forward

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By Dolly Garcia-Willix, Senior Licensed Social Worker, VNS Health As a home care occupational therapist, my colleague Stacey Mislavasky often cares for patients recovering from a fall in their homes.

Nationwide, one in four adults over 65 will experience a fall, and that risk increases with age. When Stacey recently reached out to schedule a patient visit, she was surprised when her patient informed her that the front door would be open and that she could walk right in.

Coming up to the house, Stacey knocked and announced herself, but no one came to the door. Walking in, she quickly realized why not. She was met with a hallway packed to the ceiling with possessions, random trash, clutter, and food.

Weaving through the house, it became evident to Stacey why the fall had likely occurred— the whole home was a safety risk to the patient.

For many home care clinicians, encountering clients who have excessive clutter is not uncommon. Nationwide, 2% of Americans suffer from a hoarding disorder, but that number grows higher as we age, with 6% of older adults experiencing severe hoarding tendencies.

While many of us can relate to the difficulty of keeping homes clutter-free, a pathological hoarding disorder is a

diagnosed mental health condition, when an individual has extreme difficulty getting rid of items or possessions in their home, and the thought of parting with objects causes distress. It can also coincide with other neuropsychiatric disorders such as dementia, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism.

One serious consequence for older adults with a hoarding disorder is that disorganization and overcrowded spaces make the chances of a fall much more likely. With September being Falls Prevention Month, it’s a good time to take stock around the home to see the impact house clutter can have on a loved-one’s physical and mental well-being—and how it can put them at risk for serious injuries from a fall.

It’s important to remember that for older individuals a fall can be much more problematic than a moment of temporary instability or embarrassment.

According to the CDC, falls are the number one cause of injury for older adults, and 37% result in medical treatment or restricted activity. More broadly, fall-related injuries can have an outsized impact on one’s

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ability to live independently and safely at home.

As my VNS Health colleagues and I have found, the reasons that move someone’s house from “messy” to “dangerous” can vary greatly. Progressive physical mobility issues might make it difficult to rearrange or de-clutter a home.

A social worker, like myself, often collaborates with rehabilitation therapists and other home care team members, and the family—to create a home safety plan that addresses these issues.

Stacey advises that even little changes can make a big difference, from securing or getting rid of loose rugs, to removing stray electrical cords from walking areas, to fixing loosely tucked in sheets and bedding.

Patty Vieira, a physical therapist on our team, also notes that preventative measures—from getting sturdier and getting shoes that fit properly, to learning how to safely use mobility devices—can all go a long way in preventing a dangerous fall.

Education is a big part of home health care. For our teams, falls prevention is also about setting healthy habits and educating clients and families, because fall risks need to be addressed early on. Patty notes that common factors that make a fall more likely include: medications that cause dizziness, vestibular issues, not having the correct eyeglass

prescription, and nerve issues (peripheral neuropathy) in the feet, which is a common side effect of diabetes.

For clients experiencing a severe hoarding disorder, especially when the hoarding is tied to mental illness, the solution may require more than a few lifestyle changes. It’s important to ease into these conversations with your loved one, since speaking about the issue can understandably provoke strong emotions. I encourage starting off with nonjudgemental or helpful questions, such as asking gently if they would like some help putting things away or trying to get more organized.

Stacey also notes that it’s important to acknowledge the person’s feelings and put yourself in their shoes, recognizing that removing belongings might be difficult for them. “I don’t go in telling people to ‘just move this” or ‘get rid of that,’” she says. “I want them to understand that none of us have a crystal ball as to what could cause a fall—but it’s better to be safe ahead of time and ensure they can continue to live where they are most comfortable.”

We connect with families and caregivers in these situations as well since they may live far away or not be aware of a loved one’s home environment. We also work to find the root causes behind a client’s hoarding—it could be

tied to a traumatic life event such as a divorce or death in the family, or in some instances it can be related to an undiagnosed mental illness.

We’ve seen cases where the hoarding is generational. In other cases, as a caregiver becomes overwhelmed with all that goes into caring for a loved one, it simply becomes hard for them to keep up with organization and cleaning.

In any of these situations, hoarding can cause embarrassment and uncertainty. But no one should be ashamed to ask for help. Once we have an idea of what the problem is, home care clinicians spend a lot of time listening and then working with our clients to find the right solution for them so we can connect them with the resources they need.

Whether you’re recovering from a fall yourself, or simply at risk, addressing the causes of falls is no easy task. That’s why we encourage caregivers and their loved ones to reach out for help. It’s never too late to “put your best foot forward” and make meaningful changes in how you care for yourself!

Dolly Garcia-Willix is a Senior Licensed Social Worker at home- and community-based health nonprofit VNS Health. Learn more about VNS Health’s Falls Prevention Program here.

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14 • BRONX VOICE• September 25 - October 1, 2024

Did e-bike fire threaten Paradise?

According to fire officials,

By David Greene the blaze was reported at A suspected E-Bike fire in a build- 11:24 a.m. on September 14, a call to 911 reported ing on Creston Avenue adjacent to the when fire and smoke on the 4th famed Paradise Theater was thankful- floor of a 5-story apartment building at 2390 Creston ly brought under control before the fire Avenue, between East 184 could spread to the landmark building. Street and East 188 Street.

A suspected Lithium-Ion battery fire broke out in a building adjacent to and behind the landmark Paradise Theater on September 14, 2024.

The FDNY reported that 60 firefighters and EMS personnel from 12 units responded to the blaze that was immediately brought under control.

EMS reported one civilian suffered a minor injury and was evaluated by paramedics but was not transported to a hospital.

Despite FDNY radio transmissions at the time requesting the department’s Hazmat unit for “multiple batteries” involved in fire, as well as a drum observed outside the building, often used to cart away E-Bike batteries, the FDNY told the Bronx Voice that the “cause remains under investigation.”

The famed Loew’s Paradise Theater opened at 2417

Grand Concourse shortly after construction in 1929 and was the movie jewel of the Bronx for decades.

Hall of Fame singer Dion DiMucci of ‘Dion and the Belmont’s’ has publicly recalled meeting his girlfriend “Runaround Sue” Butterfield in the last row of the theater. The couple married in 1963.

The building was declared a New York City Landmark in 1997.

The theater closed in 1994 and was refurbished and reopened in late 2020.

For the next several years

the theater held special screenings, rap concerts and boxing matches. In 2012, the building was leased to World Changers Church, but the congregation shut its doors and the theater has remained closed since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

A call to the building’s owner, real estate mogul Gerald Lieblich of Broadway West Enterprises was not immediately returned.

His secretary was unaware of a fire in the adjacent building.

nanas. Many of the vendors on the block and the staff at the pizza shop all incorrectly believed that the fruit vendor had died.

Several vendors on the block stated that the dispute started on the other side of East Fordham Road, two of the vendors described him as an elderly man from the Do-

minican Republic. Two vendors talking about what happened, referred to the victim as “Sanchez.”

One female street vendor said the victim originally had his fruit stand on the south side of East Fordham Road at Valentine Avenue, before moving to the north side. She added that he

had been selling fruit on the block for five years.

One vendor, like many on the block who believed that the fruit salesman had died, said of the man, “He was a nice guy, he made no trouble for no one.”

The Bronx Voice reached out to St. Barnabas Hospital for an update on the

victim’s condition and are waiting on their response.

We also reached out to The New York State Unified Court System for the current status of defendants Downes and Jarrett.

An attempt was made to reach Downes’ home in Queens but was unsuccessful.

Photos by David Greene

Charred debris lies in the alleyway of 2390 Creston Avenue after suspected E-Bike batteries ignited in a 4th-floor apartment on September 14, 2024.

Thieves beat fruit vendor with baseball bat CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

parently struck with his own bat.

The manager added, “It’s a shame, for a few apples it’s not worth it. Hey, you’re gonna pay me for that, you pay all right, he took your life away.” A vendor on the block said he believed the two men stole a box of ba-

Culinary Road

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By Morris Gut

A cornucopia of fall flavors Autumn has arrived! The air is crisp, apples falling to the ground at area orchards just waiting to be picked.

Trees putting on their annual Technicolor light show along highways and byways. Area markets sell their late season harvest of cider, squash, apples, pumpkins, and hearty root vegetables. Restaurant kitchens are geared up with the best the season has to offer. There are many comforting flavors awaiting us right now…

A DELIGHTFUL FALL SOUFFLE AT BIA! Simi and Miranda Polozani and their team have been showing off their skills at their new flashy Bia American Kitchen & Bar at Chappaqua Crossing. Chef William Deluca’s global menu has been surprising all comers including us.

Our recent indulgences here included their signature Burrata Burger with baby arugula, roasted peppers, crispy burrata and balsamic; a big bowl of Southwest Chicken Salad with Cajun chicken, mixed greens, corn, red onions, avocado, black beans, roasted peppers, tortilla chips, cheddar and boom boom dressing. Delicious and satisfying. I admit I was especially smitten with their

classic Grand Marnier Souffle for dessert. Every spoonful fluffy, decadent and delightful.

The artsy dramatically designed 220-seat space has two dining rooms, a party/ catering area and contemporary bar and lounge. The Polozanis also operate popular Prime Pub gastropubs in Somers and Danbury. According to Simi: “Bia is an elevated, full-service chef driven restaurant featuring an open kitchen for fish, premium steaks and chops, organic products, vegan and light options.”

Bia is located at 480 North Bedford Road, at Chappaqua Crossing, Chappaqua.

Open daily from noon to 10 p.m. 914-855-0123 www.biaamericankitchen.com IRISH AMERICAN WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR & KITCHEN! 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. 914-6527650 www.jackseastchester. com JILL’S PREMIERS IN MAMARONECK! Partners Ro Flanagan, Shane Clifford and Chef Brendan Donohue, proprietors of popular Jack’s Bar & Kitchen, a popular Irish American tavern in Eastchester, have premiered Jill’s Bar & Restaurant in Mamaroneck, across from Harbor Island Park. Jill’s, a colorful ode to modern Ireland, serves a winning combination of gastropub favorites and modern-American and European specialties along with a good dose of hospitality. The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a winner. There’s also Lobster Cobb Salad, Non-Traditional Fish & Chips, Guiness Braised Beef Short Ribs, Ahi Tuna Bowl, and Birria Tacos. Jill’s,100 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, off the corner of Mamaroneck Ave. Happy Hours. Weekend brunch. 914-341-1776 www.

jillsbarandrestaurant.com NORTHERN ITALIAN AT TORCELLO RISTORANTE The Eggplant Rollatini and Rigatoni Bolognese are terrific. Seafood dishes excel.

Imer Rraci and his veteran team reimagined the former La Riserva into a lovely setting for the Italian classics.

Named after an island off the coast of Venice, Chef Avni turns out such winning dishes as: colorful Mozzarella Caprice; Risotto Di Funghi with porcini; Veal Chop Parmigiana; classic Rack of Lamb; and delicious Pollo Torcello, topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in a light bourbon mushroom sauce. Rraci had spent years working for the

former Giambelli in Manhattan, and Valbella in Old Greenwich, CT. Open 7 days for dinner starting at 3:30 p.m. Bar/cocktails. Happy hours Wed. through Fri. 3:30-6 pm. Outdoor patio.

Free parking. Torcello, 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914-833-1118 www. torcellolarchmont.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: 914235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)

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