Menu Movers and Shakers by Morris Gut
Where to Dine After the Holiday Train Show at NYBG
The annual Holiday Train Show is on track right thru January 10, at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden, located in the Bronx near Fordham University. It’s a real seasonal treat; a must for the young and the young at heart. I so look forward to visiting NYBG, walking thru the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and seeing the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. And after taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. So where do we dine nearby? Here are several easy-to-reach choices.
Mario’s Restaurant, 2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx Since 1919 five generations of the Migliucci family have worked the front and back-of-the-house making sure patrons are well served at this venerable Little Italy institution. Amiable Joe Migliucci, the current patriarch, is there with his wife Barbara, daughter Regina and sons Michael and Mario. Joe’s mom, Mama Rose Migliucci, was considered to be ‘the first lady of Arthur Ave.’ This restaurant has a long 93 year history full of colorful chapters. To many, the flavorful sauces and gravies produced in this kitchen are the stuff of Italian ‘foodie heaven’. And for those in the know, the old world menu also holds many surprises. For starters enjoy the palate pleasing lagniappe of marinated carrots, hot peppers and good crusty Arthur Avenue bread. Great starters include: Spiedini alla Romana, skewered deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches; Stuffed Artichoke; or the Pulpo Salad. Move on to such specialties as: Penne Rustica with sausage; stuffed Braciola Napolitana; Osso Buco the size of Mt.Vesuvious; or the traditional Tripe a la Livornese. Special Hint: If you ask, the house will prepare one of its famous Neapolitan pizzas, or the ultimate fresh Calzone (not on the menu). They are truly among the best. Through the years celebrities from all walks of life and politicos galore have passed thru here. The pictures lining the walls tell the story. Open Tuesday thru Sunday. Private party facilities. Free parking. 718-584-1188; www.mariosrestarthurave.com
Pasquale’s Rigoletto, 2311 Arthur Ave., Bronx This bustling ristorante in the heart of ‘Little Italy’ has been feeding hungry patrons generous portions of Italian-American red sauce fare since 1986. Pasquale, Tomasso and Vinny are there daily to help you through your visit. It’s like a movie set: the celebrity photos in the cozy bar/lounge, the teaming street murals on the dining room walls, occasional bursts of singing, and those blackboards loaded with daily specials. Spiedino alla Romana; Vongole Oreganate; Mussels Posillipo; all your favorite Parmigianas; Osso Buco; Veal Chop with mushrooms; and a traditional stuffed Braciola served with Cavatelli. If you can get through that, you must leave room for Pasquale’s great Riggie’s Cheesecake. They come in 15 flavors and are available for take home, too. Check out the pistachio flavor. Open 7 days. Party facilities. Reservations suggested. Free parking. 718-365-6644
Gerbasi Ristorante, 2389 Arthur Ave., Bronx It’s the newest restaurant on the block and it’s delightful. Maurizio Gerbasi and his cousin Giacomo Gerbasi, owners of Gerbasi Ristorante on Arthur Ave., are passionate about their kitchen where Chef Vito Facciabene serves up some of the most robust Italian cuisine in the neighborhood. Enter the charming 60-seat dining room: to the right is a sparkling cozy bar with a few seats. There are well-spaced tables with white tablecloths and clumps of flowers. Brick walls are highlighted with big playful blown up family photos of Gerbasi’s nieces cooking up a storm. Gerbasi is not shy. He will tell you he knows food. And during recent tastings he proved it. Your palate will dance when you taste the crusty bread and complimentary dipping sauce brought to each table. The dishes we tried were delicious: Polipo Salad, octopus salad with lemon and oil dressing; Pera e Gorgonzola, refreshing sliced pears and gorgonzola served over arugula with orange vinaigrette; house made Pappardelle con Ragu di Osso Buco; and fresh Branzino, Mediterranean sea bass. There are also such favorites as Codfish Salad; Cavatelli con Salsiccia e Broccoli Rapa; Osso Buco served with three mushroom risotto; Grilled Lamb Chops in a Port wine reduction with figs and walnuts; and classic versions of Chicken and Veal Parmigiana. Pizzas available at lunch. Gerbasi Ristorante is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Private party facilities. Catering. Cozy bar area. Children ok. Major credit cards. Proper casual dress. Municipal parking. Reservations accepted, call 718-220-5735; www.gerbasiristorante.com
For additional information about New York Botanical Garden visit :www.nybg.org.
(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 greater Westchester for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)
