You Can Find New York's 'Real Little Italy' in The Bronx
Hundreds of tourists flood the tiny streets of Manhattan’s Little Italy every day, but we're not such big fans, mostly due to the overpriced lattes, mediocre meals, chintzy souvenirs and, well, hundreds of tourists.
But twelve miles to the North, New York has another, less heralded Little Italy, which is much more up our alley. What we like to think of as "The Real Little Italy," runs along Arthur Avenue in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx and it has largely avoided Manhattan-style gentrification, preserving an array of classic markets, butchers, bakeries and restaurants, almost all still family-owned and operated.
From turn-of-the-century cheese shops churning out mozzarella as soft as any you’ll find in Tuscany, to Italian grandfathers sipping grappa-spiked coffee in between contentious games of bocce, this is the Little Italy you've been looking for (unless you're just in search of an "I heart Italian girls" t-shirt – then head back down to Manhattan.
We've yet to find an eatery on Arthur Ave. that failed us, but here are three of our faves:
Eats: At Dominick’s restaurant, there are no menus at all, so don't come with a particular craving in mind. The chef just whips up whatever seafood, veal or fresh pasta dish he freakin' feels like…but whatever it is, it won't dissappoint.
Sweets: The canolis at Madonia Brothers Bakery are crispy little morsels of wonder, but we get even more excited about a savory treat: rich and salty prosciutto bread, served piping hot directly from the coal-fired oven.
Meats: Crowds line up down the block for the endless array of homemade sopresetta, pancetta and salami available at Biancardi’s butcher shop. If you're a more adventurous chef, ask about the freshly skinned rabbits and goats hanging in the window.
Related Stories:
· Dominick's Restaurant [NY Mag]
· Madonia Brothers Bakery [Yelp]
· Biancardi's [NY Mag]
· Chicago's Little Italy Comes With Extra Cheese [Jaunted]
[Photo: Antonio Bonnano]
0 Comments
Post a CommentReturn to » You Can Find New York's 'Real Little Italy' in The Bronx
Leave a Comment
Not yet a member? Click here to become a member.
Already a member? Log in below:
Comment with your Facebook account.