Gladys Knight Headed To The Bronx
Transcription
Gladys Knight Headed To The Bronx
5 Photo: Courtesy of The Associated Press o The Duke will be remembered at Woodlawn during Jazz Appreciation Month. A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment Published by The Bronx Tourism Council Spring Issue ‘08: Vol. 1, No.2 Photo taken by Neil Soderstrom Inside: 6 See where romance blossoms in the Bronx. Photo Credit: J. Maher 9 26 Bianca Marroquin in “Chicago”. Gladys Knight Headed To The Bronx Photo: Courtesy of Jay D. Schwartz and Associates Photo by Len Prince La Zaranda Spring into family fun at the Bronx Zoo. 2 o Vol. 1, No. 2 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment 3 Message From Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion From arts and antiques to an internationally-renowned zoo, the Bronx delights with world-famous attractions, diverse artistic expression, great restaurants, and over 60 landmarks and historic districts. This is where literary greats like Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain lived--and break dancing and salsa music were born. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder the Bronx is a popular destination year round. But spring is an especially good time to enjoy Bronx tours, music, art, exhibits and celebrations, particularly at our world-class outdoor attractions like the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden and Wave Hill. This issue features directories and a calendar of events to help you discover many of the arts and entertainment events taking place in the Bronx this season. Whether you’re a visitor or a native New Yorker, I urge you to take advantage of all the Bronx has to offer this spring. S Adolfo Carrion Bronx Borough President Jazz in the Bronx – Then and Now Where Romance Blossoms In the Bronx Gladys Knight Headed to the Bronx TeatroStageFest: Comes to The Bronx PUBLISHER PRODUCED BY MAS 5 6 25 26 Entertainment and Events Calendar Restaurant Guide Art Spaces & Historic Attractions Movie Theaters, Nightlife, Outdoor Attractions, Shopping EDITOR Janett Florindo Special p Thanks To: GRAPHIC DESIGN Damian “Caleb” R. Windley BX X 360º: A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment is a free seasonal guide to happenings in the Bronx. We circulate to tourists and residents citywide and beyond. Marketing Advertising Solutions Doris Quinones, Executive Director 392A Bedford Park Blvd. Bronx, NY 10458 A program of: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jacqueline Acevedo Rafael A. Salaberrioss, President WRITER Heather Appel ADVERTISING SALES (917) 640-1003 Adolfo Carrion,, Jr. Bronx Borough President Contents may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. 8 19 27 28-30 To submit an event or idea for future issues, [email protected]. BX X 360º is available online at www.ilovethebronx.com Funded in part by a grant from the NYC & Company Foundation. 4 o Vol. 1, No. 2 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment 5 Jazz in the Bronx – Then and Now Photo courtesy of Friends of The Woodlawn Cemetery The Woodlawn Cemetery Celebrates Tradition A the Bronx. Many of the greatest jazz legends in the world chose The Woodlawn Cemetery as their final resting place, including Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Photo courtesy of Friends of The Woodlawn Cemetery pril is Jazz Appreciation Month, a perfect time to celebrate the legacy of great jazz artists and innovators in Coleman Hawkins, considered by many the first great saxophonist of jazz, will be remembered at Woodlawn during Jazz Appreciation Month. Lionel Hampton, Coleman Hawkins, Joseph “King” Oliver, Jonah Jones, Milt Jackson, Illinois Jacquet and Max Roach. The Bronx’s Morrisania neighborhood had a thriving jazz and R&B scene in the 1940s and 1950s. The major Be Bop artists of the era played at Club 845 and the Hunts Point Palace, and many prominent jazz musicians lived in the Bronx at different points, including Elmo Hope, Donald Byrd, Herbie Hancock, Tito Puente, Thelonious Monk, and Ray Barretto. Ever since Duke Ellington purchased a family plot at The Woodlawn Cemetery in 1959, members of the jazz community have chosen to be laid to rest at the north Bronx cemetery, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Established in 1863, Woodlawn is 400 acres of rolling lawns, spectacular trees and impressive memorials designed by many of the nation’s most accomplished artists and Photo: Courtesy of The Associated Press Lionel Hampton, the “King of the Vibes,” is one of many jazz legends buried at The Woodlawn Cemetery. to Woodlawn on April 6. “We always have a concert because we really want to honor these folks and inspire people to go out and listen to live jazz,” says Susan Olsen, Executive Director of Friends of The Woodlawn Cemetery. The Friends of The Woodlawn Cemetery organization has tapped Phil Schaap, a premier jazz historian and DJ to lead a “jazz greats” tour later this spring. Relatives of the jazz artists buried at the cemetery are being invited to come back and honor their relatives at events throughout April. Duke’s daughter, Mercedes Ellington, for example, has maintained a close relationship with Woodlawn and often participates in memorial events. The Woodlawn Cemetery is open every day from 8:30 am – 5 pm. The main entrance is at Webster Avenue and E. 233nd street; a secondary entrance is at Jerome & Bainbridge Avenues. For information, call (718) 9200500 or visit www.thewoodlawncemetery.org. This is also a great time of year to check out the following venues for a variety of jazz styles: Duke Ellington (1899-1974), Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist, composer and orchestra leader. architects. In tribute to the jazz greats interred there, every year, the cemetery commemorates Jazz Appreciation Month with concerts and tours of the graves of Ellington and other jazz performers. This year, Woodlawn will kick off Jazz Appreciation Month with a concert by Victor Goines, a saxophonist and clarinet player who previously directed the Jazz Studies program at Julliard and is a featured artist at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Goines will bring his performance The Ethereal Jazz Quartet plays J. Maxson’s Bar and Grill in Mott Haven regularly. 2576 3rd Ave. at 139th Street, 718-665-1416, http://www.richardfells.com. G-Bar & Lounge offers live jazz Monday through Saturday evenings, starting at 5:30 p.m. 579 Grand Concourse, 718-4026996 http://toscanyc.com/giovanni/ media/demogbar.html Willie’s Steakhouse features live jazz every Wednesday. 1832 Westchester Avenue. (718) 822-9697, www.williessteakhouse. com. o Vol. 1, No. 2 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment 6 Where Romance Blossoms In the Bronx L ord Tennyson would agree: in the spring, everyone’s fancy turns to love. Whether you’re planning a romantic date or still seeking your soul mate, the Bronx offers lots of places to welcome spring—and love.Here are some of our favorites. Say It With Flowers Photo: Courtesy of New York Botanical Garden Few places in New York—or anywhere—are as breathtakingly beautiful in spring as the Bronx’s own New York Botanical Garden. To the ancient Greeks, orchids suggested virility.Today they’re regarded as a symbol of rare and delicate beauty, and you can enjoy these early blooms at the popular Orchid Show (February 23 – April 6).After viewing the Garden’s intoxicating varieties, head to the Shop at the Garden for a huge selection of orchids or a copy of the Garden’s newly-released book, Orchid Biology:Reviews and Perspectives IX.While you’re there, stroll the 50-acre native forest on the grounds or explore the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a Victorianstyle glasshouse filled with plants from around the world. Cost for general admission is Adults: $6, Adult Bronx Residents: $5, Seniors: $3 Students (with valid ID): $3, Children (2–12 years): $1 Children under 2: Free. Admission to the Orchid show is is by timed tickets obtained in advance. The fees below include entrance to the Conservatory as well as to the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, the Tram Tour, and all other gardens and exhibitions on the grounds. Adults: $20, Seniors/Students: Breathtakingly beautiful is the Bronx’s own New York Botanical Garden in the Spiringtime. $18, Children (2-12 years): $7, Children under 2: Free, Members: Free. 2694 Dr Theodore Kazimiroff Blvd. 718-817-8700, www.nybg.org. Or take your sweetheart to Wave Hill, where you catch emerging artist and romantic pianist Yegor Shevtsov performing works of Liszt, Chopin and Schumann in the concert New Perspectives, The Piano–Yegor Shevtsovon Sunday, March 30, 2 p.m. at the Wave Hill House Tickets: $15 Member; $24 Nonmember; $21 Senior 65+ and Student. Fee includes admission to the grounds. Advanced purchase recommended; call 718.549.3200 x385. West 249th St. and Independence Ave., www.wavehill.org. Take A Walk On The Wild Side With over 24% of the Bronx devoted to parklands, there are lots of places to commune with nature. You can watch the spectacular waterfall on New York City’s only fresh water river, the Bronx River. Head to River Park on Boston Road and East 180th Street for a view of the falls. Or hike Van Cortlandt Park’s John Muir Trail. Named for the famous naturalist, the trail is an unusual one because it runs on an east/west axis. Those looking for a strenuous, uphill hike should start on the western side, at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue, and head east. For an easy, downhill walk, hikers should start on the eastern side at Oneida Street and Van Cortlandt East. In the spring, there are often impromptu streams created by increased rainfall. There are lots of animals to be seen, and according to the Parks Departments, “The luckiest, quietest hikers may even catch a glimpse of the coyotes that live in the forests.” Other great trails are at Pelham Bay Park, where the Kazimiroff Nature Trail, Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary & Pelham Bay Park are home to to a variety of wildlife including raccoon, egrets, and hawks. Pick up trail maps at the Ranger Nature Center, Bruckner Blvd. & Wilkinson Avenue, (718)8853467. Both Van Cortlandt & Pelham Bay Parks also offer horseback riding. For information, call the Bronx Equestrian Center at 718-885-0551 or Van Cortlandt Stables at 718-543-4433. Community College, the Hall of Fame was designed by celebrated architect Stanford White and provides a dramatic backdrop to a panoramic view across the Harlem River to the Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park and beyond to the Palisades. Admission is free. Bronx Community College, University Avenue & W. 181 Street. 718-289-5161. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Self-guided tours anytime; guided tours by appointment. Have Music Do The Talking Let Love Lift You Higher Share a view with your beloved from the highest natural point in the Bronx—the Hall of Fame for Great Americans. Located on the grounds of Bronx Hit the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, April 13 for the St. Petersburg Ballet Theater’s production of Bizet’s Carmen, the romantic, continued on p. 30 7 T New York’s premier bar/restaurants. Our resident D.J.’s and our friendly and fun bar staff deliver an experience you will not soon forget! We pride ourselves on serving freshly made Irish Cuisines with authentic traditional recipes. The Rambling House has become a favorite for lunch and after work, and popular venue for business lunches and parties. We can seat over 90 customers and have over 5,000 square feet. 4292 Katonah Avenue (off 233rd Street) • Woodlawn, NY Phone: (718) 798-4510 • www.ramblinghouseny.com DELIVERY/CATERI A NG Live Music Thursday, Friday & Saturday Nights Sunday Night D.J. Best Hits Sidewalk Cafe Enjoy a Sunday Brunch with a live harp performance o Vol. 1, No. 2 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment 8 Spring Forward with Bronx Music and More Entertainment and Events Calendar F rom springtime romance to star-studded concerts and innovative children’s programs, 2008 is off to a great start in the Bronx. These arts and culture events will keep the whole family entertained with unique activities, from the traditional to the offbeat. MARCH Music Grammy-nominated singer/ songwriter Terry Steele “brings Luther (Vandross) to life with his mellow, heart-soaring voice,” exclaims the L.A. Times. Catch him at HERE & NOW: The Legacy of Luther Vandross at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. With innovative sets, dazzling lights, a spectacular wardrobe and an amazingly talented cast of performers, dancers and musicians, this multimedia production exquisitely and lovingly recreates the soul-stirring sounds of Luther’s legendary performances as it honors the brilliance and the music of one of R&B’s most beloved singers. Experience Luther’s greatest hits like A House in Not a Home, Dance with My Father, Stop for Love, and Superstar. Saturday, March 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $35, $30, $25, $20. 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West, (718) 960-8731, www.lehmancenter.org Join Bronx Underground for its first acoustic show on Saturday, March 1 at this benefit show featuring Daly’s Gone Wrong, A Moment’s Worth, and more. Tickets are $5. Proceeds go to keep the First Lutheran Church alive. 3075 Baisley Avenue, www.bronxunderground.com. Legendary Jazz Pianist Valerie Capers performs at the Russian Mission to the UN Residency in Riverdale on Saturday, March 1. With Alan Givens, Flute and Sax; Mark Marino, Guitar; John Robinson, Bass; and Earl Williams, Drums. Followed by a wine and cheese party.Tickets: $20 for adults; $15 for students & seniors. Mosholu Avenue at 255th Street. (718) 601-7399. Grammy-nominated Bronx percussionist Bobby Sanabria combines Latin energy and jazz history at a Wave Hill concert on Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for members, $24 for non-members; $21 for seniors 65+ and students. Advance purchase recommended; call 718.549.3200 x385 Fee includes admission to the grounds. West 249th Street and Independence Avenue (front gate). Forever Freestyle II - Back by popular demand! Freestyle returns to Lehman Center with an all-star line-up of its biggest stars. Lisa Lisa (I Wonder If I Take You Home, Head to Toe, Can You Feel the Beat), Stevie B (Party Your Body, I Wanne Be the One, Because I Love You), Noel (Silent Morning, Like A Child), Nayobe (Please Don’t Go) Safire (Bad of the Heart) Johnny O. (Fantasy Girl) and Sweet Sensation (Hooked on You, Never Let You Go) bring their Latino infused 80’s pop sensation to one spectacular show. Tickets: $45, $40, $35, $25. Saturday, March 8 at 8 p.m. 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West, (718) 960-8731, www.lehmancenter.org The Bronx Arts Ensemble invites you to a concert at the home of William and Paula Luria Caplan, featuring Jean Louis Steuerman on piano and Rachel Field on violin March 9 at 3 p.m. Tickets $25. Program includes works by Oliver Caplan, Berg, Waxman and Mozart. 761 West 231st Street. (718) 601-9151. Solid Gold Salsa from Puerto Rico to El Barrio: The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts presents two premier salsa groups on Saturday, March 15, 8 pm. Ralphy Leavitt y su Orquesta La Selecta with Sammy Marrero, considered Puerto Rico’s national orchestra, has had a string of mega hits (Jibaro Soy, Café Colao, Payaso, El Buen Pastor, La Cuna Blanca, Somos El Son) that began in the early 70s. This rare New York City appearance is not to be missed by Salsa aficionados. Keeping the stage sizzling will be the Grammy award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra, under the musical direction of Oscar Hernandez, one of the most solid Salsa bands in New York City today. Their brand new album, “United We Swing,” has set them at an even higher level of musicianship. This concert will be remembered and talked about by the most critical salseros. Tickets: $55, $50, $45, $40, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West, (718) 960-8731, www.lehmancenter.org by Mozart, Beethoven and Mendelssohn at Bronx Community College on Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m. Directed by Jose Alejandro Guzman and featuring soprano Deborah Longino. Free admission. At Gould Memorial Library, Bronx Community College, 2183 University Ave. www.bronxsymphony.org Starving Artist’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 16, at 3 p.m. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. 718-885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Laura Berman - inspirational / spiritual / pop - www. laurabermanmusic.com - . March 21, at 8 p.m. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. 718-885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Bronx Underground at the Point presents bands including The Flaming Tsunamis, The Fad, and more. Admission $5. Friday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Point, 940 Garrison Avenue. For more information, www.bronxunderground.com. Freakin’ Ricans - Jorge Caraballo & Nick Morales “a potpourri of beautiful noise” March 14, at 8 p.m. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Newspaper Joe - singer songwriter - experimental / folk www.myspace.com/newspaperjoe. March 22, at 8 p.m. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. 718-885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Nicola - powerpop / soul / alternative - “wicked, brilliant, awesome” - ww.nicolanicola. com www.myspace.com/nicola. March 15, 2008 at 8 p.m. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. 718-885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Head to the Bronx Library Center for an afternoon of Latin American music including mambo and cha-cha-cha performed by the Orlando Marin Quintet. Born in the Bronx and a contemporary of Tito Puente, Machito, Tito Rodriguez and other New York mambo-era icons, Orlando Marin – The Last Mambo King - is the only The Bronx Symphony Orchestra performs works orchestra leader from New York’s golden era of mambo who still performs regularly. Saturday, March 22 at 2:30 p.m. Free admission. 310 Kingsbridge Ave. (718) 579-4244, www.nypl.org. “Take the Stage” Open Mic Night - songwriters / poets / comics - To reserve a spot to “take the stage” or enjoy the evening from the audience side, call us. March 28, at 8pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com. Bennett Harris - “Saturday Night Blues Party” - www.bennettharrisblues.com. March 29, at 8 pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com. Debut - Sleep Hollow String Band. March 30, at 3 pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Dance Directed by Margaret Yuen, the Red Silk Dancers presents a colorful program featuring Chinese traditional dances of Silk and Sword on Saturday, March 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Bronx Library Center, 310 Kingsbridge Ave. Free admission. (718) 579-4244, www.nypl.org. Contemporary Ballet Theater presents “Mujer/ Woman” for Women’s History Month - Saturday, March 29 at 9 a.m. at the Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road [at Briggs Avenue], (718) 579-4244, www.nypl.org. 9 Art MOMA @ the Library presents a lecture on Women Artists in the MOMA Collection on Saturday, March 1 at 2:30 p.m. Rich and varied works ranging from the twentieth century to the present day, by artists like Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keefe, Eva Hesse and Lee Bontecou will be discussed. Presented by Ágnes Berecz (Ph.D. in Art History, Université Paris/ Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris, France). 310 E. Kingsbridge Road. Free admission. Bronx Library Center, (718) 579-4244, www.nypl.org. Pa nel Discussion: Collaboration and Feminist Practice. Having as its point of departure the exhibition Making It Together, the panel will trace the role of feminist thought and gender-based critique in shaping artists’ collaborative and collective practices that have been growing in importance over the past 30-plus years. Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. Admission: $5, free for Museum members. 1040 Grand Concourse, North Wing, 2nd Floor. (718) 681-6000, www.bronxmuseum.org. The Bronx Museum of the Arts’ Teen Council Class of 2007-08 will honor worldrenowned photographer Jamel Shabazz on Sunday, March 2, 2008, with an exhibition of the artist’s works, including photographs from the Museum’s permanent collection. Working in collaboration with Shabazz and the Bronx Museum’s assistant curator Erin Riley-Lopez, the Teen Council’s exhibition will be on view through July 27, 2008. 1040 Grand Concourse (718) 681-6000, www.bronxmuseum.org. Trappings: Stories of Women, Power and Clothing is an artwork that begins by asking women to respond to the question: what do you wear that makes you feel powerful? Through its multiple elements (photography, video, audio and text) Trappings ignites conversations about the meaning and expression of power. Opens March 7 and continues through April 12. Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday: 3 to 6:30 p.m., Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. At the Bronx River Arts Center, 1087 East Tremont Avenue. 718-589-5819, www.bronxriverart.org The Bronx Museum of the Arts hosts a family program Saturday, Mar. 14 from 1-3 p.m. Family Affair—The Art of Togetherness is an intergenerational hands-on workshop exploring ideas related to the three exhibitions on view. Guided tours, music, snacks. Free with Museum admission. North Wing—3rd Floor, 1040 Grand Concourse (718) 681-6000, www.bronxmuseum.org. Lindsey Morano - photography and drawings - opening reception. March 22, at 4 p.m. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. 718-885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Theater Hostos Center For The Arts & Culture Presents Zora. Hostos celebrates Women’s History Month with a fully staged performance of The Literature to Life® presentation of Zora from the theatrical biography by Laurence Holder performed by Cheryl Howard and adapted/directed by Wynn Handman.Zora Neale Hurston was one of the most important and celebrated figures to emerge from the Harlem Renaissance. Outspoken, spirited and gifted, Ms. Hurston was a prolific African-American writer of the 1930’s; her books defined the black American Experience. In this dramatic biography, Zora invites the audience into her exemplary life, rich with folklore, intimate portraits of her contemporaries, and excerpts from her significant body of literary work. Admission $10. CUNY students free with ticket & student ID. March 20, at 11am & 7pm. Repertory Theater, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street, (718) 518-4455, www.hostos.cuny.org. Hostos Center For The Arts & Culture presents Hostos Repertory Company’s In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks. In this modern day riff on The Scarlet Letter, Hester La Negrita, a homeless mother of five, lives with her kids on the tough streets of the inner city. Her eldest child is teaching her how to read and write, but the letter “A” is, so far, the only letter she knows. Her five kids are named Jabber, Bully, Trouble, Beauty and Baby, and the characters are played by adult actors who double as five other people in Hester’s life: her ex-boyfriend, her social worker, her doctor, her best friend and her minister. While Hester’s kids fill her life with joyful comical moments amid the harsh world of poverty, the adults with whom she comes into contact only hold her back. Nothing can stop the play’s tragic end. Admission $10; CUNY students, faculty, staff: $5; Hostos students, faculty, staff: Free with ticket. March 26, at 2pm & 7 pm. Repertory Theater, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street. (718) 518-4455, www.hostos.cuny.org Hostos Center For The Arts & Culture presents Estampas Domincanas. Alianza Dominicana presents Estampas Domincanas with Quinito Méndez, Conjunto Folklórico Alianza Dominicana and Clavo Azul. Admission $15 for the orchestra section; $10 for the bal- cony. March 29, at 7:30pm. Main Theater, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street. (718) 518-4455, www.hostos.cuny.org History There is a River in the Bronx and a Parkway in New York named after Anne Hutchinson, yet she only lived in the area for a short period of time. Learn how her stay near the Bartow-Pell site influenced future generations at this Hutchinson lecture and tour on Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum. Guide Tom Vasti will share why three states claim the importance of her history. 895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park, call for price 718-885-1461, w w w.bar tow pellma nsionmuseum.org Adrian Burgos Jr., Assistant Professor of History at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and author of Playing America’s Game, will discuss the history of Latinos and professional baseball from the 1880s to the present during a compelling presentation at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum . Wednesday, March 27 7:30 p.m., $8/ adult; $5 senior/students and free/children under 6 years old. Members: $5/ adult, $3 seniors/students. 895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park w w w.bar tow pellma nsionmuseum.org The Bronx County Historical Society presents The Study and Writing of History with Dr. Gary Hermalyn Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. at the Museum of Bronx History, 3266 Bainbridge Ave. Free admission. Family Living In Green/Year of the Frog, March 15–16. Visit the World of Reptiles at the Bronx Zoo and discover the important role the color green plays for animals, from camouflage to courtship. We’ll also celebrate the Year of the Frog, focusing on the critical work being done to save endangered amphibians. 185th Street & Southern Blvd., (718) 367-1010, www.bronxzoo.com. Annual Spring Egg Festivities return to the beautiful formal garden of the BartowPell Mansion Museum. Hunt for filled eggs, enjoy light refreshments, tap your talents at the arts and crafts table, or have your photo taken with a spring bunny. Please bring your own basket. Saturday, March 22, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. $12 per child, free for adults and children over 13 years. Members: $10 per child, free for adults. Registration requested - info@ bpmm.org or (718) 885-1461. 895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park, www.bartowpellmansionmuseum. org Eggstreme Weekend, Bella the costume Bunny wants you to hop on over to the Bronx Zoo for a weekend of egg races, egg hunts and storytelling. March 22–23. 185th Street & Southern Blvd., (718) 367-1010, www.bronxzoo.com. Visit the Children’s Zoo exhibit at the Bronx Zoo and pop up in a prairie dog town, sit in a bird’s nest, or even climb into a turtle shell! This cozy, three-acre setting is a fantasy for young explorers. Generations of young zoo-goers have visited the Children’s Zoo to experience firsthand various types of animal homes, locomotions, senses, and defenses. Little ones can dash out of trouble like lizards on tree slides, or warn off danger by releasing a whiff of stinky skunk. They’ll hop like wallabies and scuttle like spiders. They can also feed handfuls of grain to goats, sheep, and llamas at the barn area. Special exhibit fee is $3, admission to the Children’s continued on p. 11 10 11 continued from p. 9 Zoo is included in Pay-OnePrice ticket. March 22nd– November 2nd. 185th Street & Southern Blvd., (718) 367-1010, www.bronxzoo.com. Babar The Elephant Sunday, March 23 at 1 and 3 p.m. (part of Bronx Art Ensemble’s Just for Kids Series) Master mime/storyteller W.T. McRae tells the popular story of Babar, growing up from a baby to king of the jungle. With our old friends Queen Celeste, Cornelius and Arthur. At the Arthur and Janet Ross Lecture Hall, New York Botanical Garden. Admission/ Price: $7. 200th Street & Southern Blvd., 718-817-8700, www.nybg.org Adaptable Plants for Community Garden Conditions, Learn which trees and shrubs are best adapted for community garden conditions and the horticultural practices needed to maintain them year-round. Community garden members who attend this Bronx GreenUp workshop and are registered with GreenThumb will be eligible to receive one of the shrubs highlighted in the workshop. For eligibility requirements or more information, visit www. greenthumbnyc.org or call 212.788.8078. Saturday, March 29 · 10 a.m.– 12 p.m. El Girasol Community Garden East 138th Street between St. Ann’s and Cypress Aves. Forest Maintenance at The New York Botanical Garden, Join Jessica Arcate, Curator of Woody Plants, for a day of weeding invasive trees and shrubs and doing trail maintenance in the Forest. Bring a good pair of work gloves, water, and a snack. Meet at the Mosholu Gate at 9 a.m. to work either all day or part of the day. RSVP required:call 718.817.8061. Tuesday, March 18; Wednesday, March 26; and Wednesday, April 2, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The New York Botanical Garden, enter on Kazimiroff Boulevard between Mosholu Parkway and Bedford Park Boulevard. APRIL Music Pleasant Bud & Patrick Matteson - a night of songwriters - www.myspace.com/ pleasantbud - www.patmatt. com April 4, at 8 p.m. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Beatles Tribute Band Rubber Soul - April 5, 2 at 6pm & 9pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com. The Grammy Award-winning Gladys Knight has one of the most distinctive, instantly recognizable and loved voices in popular music and this great soul singer comes to Lehman Center to deliver her electrifying string of hits including Midnight Train to Georgia, I Heard it Through the Grapevine, Neither One of Us, Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me, If I Were Your Woman, I’ve Got to Use My Imagination, and more! Saturday, April 5 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $100, $85, $75, $55. 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West, (718) 960-8731, http://lehmancenter.org. Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Series Presents the David Glukh Klezmer Ensemble at the Bronx Library Center. Eclectic by repertoire and design, the group is composed of David Glukh, piccolo trumpet; Ronn Yedidia, accordion; David Keen, violin; Yuval Edoot, percussion; Eddy Khaimovich, bass. The ensemble has performed worldwide to a critical acclaim. Their performances include traditional klezmer music along with special “fusions” between klezmer and other musical traditions of the world including Irish, Gypsy, Classical, Latin, Jazz, Georgian, Arabic, Chinese, Macedonian, Israeli, Hassidic, Russian, Funk, Tango, Flamenco, and Indian. Saturday, April 5 at 2:30 p.m. Free admission. Bronx Library Center, 310 Kingsbridge Ave. 718-579-4244 Music and Dance by Retumba. An all female, multicultural dance and percussion group formed in 1981, Retumba has performed at Carnegie Hall with Pete Seeger, Central Park’s Summerstage, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher and Alice Tully Halls, as well as colleges in the tri-state area. Retumba presents folkloric music and dance of Puerto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Brazil highlighting the links between Caribbean music and the musical traditions of both Africa and Europe. At the Bronx Library Center on Saturday, April 5 at 2:30 p.m. 310 Kingsbridge Ave. City Island Jazz Quartet led by Roger Scala - featuring, on guitar, the legendary Lou Volpe, the “jazz man” (www. myspace.com/louvolpejazz www. louvolpegroup.com) April 6, 2008 at 4pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Photo: Courtesy of Jay D. Schwartz and Associates A Concert Honoring the Jazz Greats of Woodlawn featuring Victor Goines and Friends will be held Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. Admision is free, Reception will follow the performance. Webster Avenue and E. 233rd Street. For additional information, call 718-920-1470. The Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, performs Saturday, April 5 at 8 p.m. at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. Mad Agnes at the Uptown Coffeehouse Mad Agnes is not one person, but three, and they’re mad in only the most inventive way. Margo Hennebach, Adrienne Jones and Mark Saunders stir up elements of classical and folk, cross singer/songwriter poignancy with street-theatre smarts and infuse it all with courageous harmonies, complex counterpoint and rich storytelling in a powerful live performance. Their lyrics are intelligent, their delivery warm, and insightful. Not surprisingly, each has arrived at the trio from a long list of solo accomplishments. Admission $15 on April 6, at 5:00pm. The Uptown Coffeehouse, 4450 Fieldston Rd. (718) 885-2955, www.uptowncoffeehouse.com Chamber Music from the 19th Century to the Present at McGinley Center. Part of the free Chamber Music Series at Fordham University, Thursday, April 10 at 1 p.m. Enter at Fordham Road and Bathgate Ave. Leo - Pop Punk / Folk Rock / Alternative - www. myspace.com/leosongs April 11, at 8pm Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Port O’ Monkeys - Spanish / Middle Eastern / originals - www. myspace.com /por tomon keys April 12, 2008 at 8 pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Debut performance of Peter Morton, British singer-songwriter and entertainer, at Starving Artist during the U.S. leg of his tour - www.petermorton. com April 13, 3 pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com The St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s production of Bizet’s continued on p. 12 o Vol. 1, No. 2 12 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment Carmen is filled with all the lush color and passion of the classic story coupled with the precision and technique of the Russian Ballet. The romantic, exotic and passionate ballet of love, jealousy and revenge – one of the most popular ballets of all time – unfolds amid the soldiers, gypsies and urchins of Seville. Tickets: $35, $30, $25, $20, Sunday, April 13 at 4 p.m. 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West, (718) 960-8731, www.lehmancenter.org Julie Corbalis singer-songwriter - with Irish singer-songwriter Pat Kelly (www.patkelly.eu) April 18, 2007 at 8pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com. Guitrist Lou Volpes’ Starving Artist Jazztet -www. myspace.com/louvolpejazz www.louvolpegroup.com . April 19, 2008 at 8pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Peter C. North, Great American Songbook - Blues and more! April 20, 2008 at 3pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Musician and producer Jimmy Delgado has assembled a blazing All-Star line-up of legendary titans of salsa. This once in a lifetime union of some of the most exciting salsa and tropical music makers spans four decades of artistry and history with Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Adalberto Santiago, Ismael Quintana, Orestes Vilato, Nicky Marrero, Mike Collazo, Papo Lucca, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, and Andy Gonzalez, all performing with the Jimmy Delgado Orchestra. Saturday, April 26 at 8p.m. at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets: $55, $50, $45, $40 250 Bedford Walking Tours through New York City’s most treasured neighborhoods In the Bronx.... City Island: The New England fishing village in the Bronx that is rich in revolutionary and naut cal history. Tour includes a stop at City Island Historical Society and Museum’s well as art galleries and antique shops, boat yards and yatch clubs. Belmont: The REAL little Italy. This fascinating neighborhood tour is a walk back in time in the Bronx. Explore the history, the culture, and the foods of this Italian enclave as well as samplings of its newest immigrants. And More... Contact Susansez NYC Walkabouts to arrange a nostalgic tour or Check our web-site for regularly scheduled tours. Tours can be arranged by appointment. INDIVIDUAL AND PRIVAT A E GROUP TOURS For More Information contact: SUSANSEZNYC 917-509-3111 WWW.SUSANSEZ.COM Photo: Courtesy of The Bronx Zoo continued from p. 11 Don’t Miss Earth Week at the Bronx Zoo. Park Blvd. West, (718) 960-8731, www.lehmancenter.org Gala Concert at Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture - Los Clasicos de la Salsa. BAE Orchestra performs. Raymond Torres-Santos, Conductor, Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m., 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street Two Guitars - Brian Conigliaro and Gus Wieland - acoustic jazz crossover - www. myspace.com/twoguitarsnow www.twoguitarsnow.com. April 26, 2008 at 8pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Haven to SOBRO. Professor Lloyd Ultan will guide visitors through one of The Bronx’s most historic immerging neighborhoods. Learn about the earliest European settlements, famous sites and families, and the ways that the neighborhood evolved over the last four centuries. Saturday, April 12 at 1 p.m. Tour will meet at East 138th Street and Lincoln Ave. Annotated Primary Sources: From The Bronx County Historical Society Collections with Mr. Anthony Greene, Saturday, April 19 at 1 p.m. at the Museum of Bronx History, 3266 Bainbridge Ave. Family Theresa Sareo - “sweetheart” of the Starving Artist - singer-songwriter - www.theresasareo.com - www.myspace. com/theresasareo. April 27, at 3 pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, www.starvingartistonline.com Earth Week at the Bronx Zoo, April 21–27 Meet Earth Day animal ambassadors and get helpful tips on what you can do to help our planet stay green. Enjoy theater performances, crafts, and more. 185th Street & Southern Blvd., (718) 367-1010, www.bronxzoo.com. History Walking tour: From Mott Sunday, April 13 at 2 pm (part of Bronx Art Ensemble’s Just for Kids Series) The House That Ruthie Built: A Bronx Baseball Fairy Tale about a girl who’s always dreamed of being a Yankee. Written by Dante Albertie. Performed by the Children’s Theatre Company at Lehman. Tickets: $7. At the Riverdale Y, 5625 Arlington Avenue at 256th Street. Art David Ramirez (photography) and Robin Kline (pottery) opening art reception. April 26, 2008 at 4pm. Starving Artist Café & Gallery, 249 City Island Avenue. (718) 885-3779, continued on p. 14 13 o Vol. 1, No. 2 14 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment continued from p. 12 www.starvingartistonline.com ONGOING Art On Sunday, March 2, 2008, The Bronx Museum of the Arts will open Making It Together: Women’s Collaborative Art and Community. On view through July 27, the exhibition explores an important chapter in recent history when women artists, inspired by the 1970s Feminist Movement, worked collectively in new ways to engage communities and address social issues. 1040 Grand Concourse (718) 681-6000, www.bronxmuseum.org. Bronx Zoo Toddler Tuesdays, Presented by Fisher Price, starting April 1. The Zoo welcomes parents and their littlest ones to have a rollicking good time each Tuesday. 2300 Southern Blvd., (718) 367-1010, www.bronxzoo.com. MISCELLANEOUS LECTURES New York Botanical Garden. The “American Gardening Lecture Series” will take place in the Arthur and Janet Ross Lecture Hall. The fee for each two-hour session is $28 for Botanical Garden members and $31 for non-members. Those who register for all three lectures receive a discount. For additional information, call 718.817.8747. All events at New York Botanical Garden, 200th Street & Southern Blvd. See www.nybg.org for more information. Thursday, February 14, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.: Flash and Splash: Colored-Leaved Plants in the Garden. In this lecture, horticulturist Dan Heims will present a comprehensive look at variegated and colored-leaved plants, including surprises from New Zealand, Japan, and Europe. Learn how variegated plants are discovered, what causes variegation in plants, and how to use color as a design feature in the garden with echoes, repetition, contrast, and harmony. Claire Sawyers, author of the Authentic Garden, will discuss how to capture a sense of place by relating your garden to its surroundings and the people who enjoy it. By drawing from the cultural and natural history context of your landscape, you can create a garden suited to your spirit, site, and the way you live. Thursday, March 13, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.: Paul Tukey is the publisher of People, Places, & Plants magazine and well known to millions of Americans through his popular gardening program of the same name on HGTV. In 2006, the American Horticultural Society named him the winner of the annual Horticultural Communication Award. As the author of The Organic Lawn Care Manual, Paul is well qualified to show you how to go organic. He understands that many of us are intrigued by the idea of an organic landscape but are intimidated by the idea of giving up old methods. In his presentation, Paul will discuss why you should go organic and how you can start. Karen Bussolini, co-author of Elegant Silvers: Striking Plants for Every Garden, is an award-winning photographer and nationally acclaimed speaker. In this superbly illustrated presentation she will extol not only the beauty of these distinctive plants, but also their exceptional characteristics and uses in the garden. Many of these plants are drought and heat tolerant, as well as fragrant. Based on practical experience and considerable research, Karen will suggest a wide range of silver plants for various growing conditions and in winning combinations. Children Family Arts Projects, every Saturday and Sunday, trained artists from diverse background guide families through creative natural explorations at Wave continued on p. 25 One of the most beautifully located historic houses in New York City Enjoy several children’s programs throughout the year! Saturday, March 22nd, 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Annual Spring Egg Festivities School eductation programs that follow NYS Standards are also available. Scouts and camps welcome. Call today! June Events: Saturday, October 25th 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Harvest Festival December Candlelight Tours Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum 895 Shore Road, Bronx, NY 10404 718.885.1461 • [email protected] www.bpmm.org Catering For All Occasions On or Off Premises ZAGAT RATED 2006 Enjoy The Warmth & Taste Of Italy Celebrating over 20 years The Family Place Anniversary Dinner Specials Monday thru Friday 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm WE DELIV ER Check Our Bar For The Finest Wines Available Now Booking Our Newly Renovated Private Banquet Hall For Up to 100 People Live Music Friday Evenings Enjoy Fine Cuisine In One of Our Dining Areas Happy Hour Mon-Fri: 4p-6p Drinks 2 for 1 4005 East Tremont Avenue • (718) 828-5613 • (718) 828-6866 Fax: (718) 597-6244 • Look for Our Menus: www.spotosnyc.com ALL A LL MAJOR MA AJOR 15 16 17 18 o Vol. 1, No. 2 19 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment With a record number of listings in the 2008 editions of Zagat Survey and Michelin Guide, Bronx restaurants have never been more popular. And it’s no wonder. Diverse cuisine, friendly service, and creative culinary combinations are the hallmark of borough eateries. Here are some of our favorites. If your favorite is missing, drop us a note. Alexander’s Cafe 129 Alexander Ave. (718) 993-5281 You’ll feel at home at Alexander’s, a small, chic cafe in Mott Haven that puts a modern twist on classic Mediterranean cuisine. Ann & Tony’s Restaurant 2407 Arthur Ave. (718) 933-1469 Since 1927, five generations of Napolitanos have served some of the city’s best southern Italian food at Ann & Tony’s in the Little Italy neighborhood. on Sundays, and live music. Artie’s Steak and Seafood Brisas Del Caribe (2008 Zagat rated) (2008 Michelin rated) 394 City Island Ave. (718) 885-9885 Artie’s serves classic seafood dishes and Italian favorites in a warm, woodsy setting complete with a fireplace. Beal Bocht Café & Bar 445 W. 238 Street (718) 884 -7127 Voted New York City’s best Irish bar by Time Out Magazine, Beal Bocht serves up great meals, along with live music and a rocking jukebox. 2329 Arthur Ave. (718) 562-0129 This European-style café features outside seating, brunch 1207 Castle Hill Ave. (718) 794-9710 Head to the hood where Jennifer Lopez grew up and check out one of her favorite spots for Puerto Rican food. Bruckner Bar & Grill (2008 Zagat & Michelin rated) 5704 Mosholu Ave. (718) 432-2604 A warm vibe permeates this small, romantically-lit restaurant serving hearty pasta dishes. 279 City Island Ave. (718) 885-3657 People flock here for the famous desserts, along with great seafood dishes rice) , and mofongo (a plantain and pork mixture) . (2008 Zagat rated) 1 Bruckner Blvd. (718) 665-2001 Located in the trendy Port Morris neighborhood, it’s popular with artists from the Bronx and Manhattan sides of the adjacent Willis Ave. Bridge. Beccofino Restaurant Black Whale Arthur Ave. Café and vegetarian options. Café Blue 3509 Johnson Ave. (718) 884-2020 This trendy café in Riverdale is perfect after a visit to neighborhood sites like Wave Hill. Café Sevilla 1209 White Plains Rd. (718) 792-3367 This old-school eatery serves up Puerto Rican standards like arroz con pollo (chicken with like Chicken Fried Rice and Lo Mein, along with delicious curries and West Indian specialties. Caridad 2072 White Plains Rd. (718) 824-1933 1436 Williamsbridge Rd. (718) 892-8322 6 East 208th Street (718) 655-5245 5523 BRd.way (718) 432-5400 135 W. Kingsbridge Rd. (718) 601-7660 2230 Grand Concourse (718) 364-6545 Founded in the early 1970’s by Cuban immigrants, Caridad serves all the Caribbean favorites, but it’s the aroma of roast pork that draws passers-by into this casual, local chain. Corner Café 3552 Johnson Ave. (718) 601-2861 The borough’s most popular kosher restaurant, Corner Café draws in crowds for its fresh ingredients, creative pastas, and Sunday brunch. Crab Shanty 361 City Island Ave. (718) 885-1810 For over 30 years, Crab Shanty has been an Island favorite with its affordable lobster, along with seafood of all stripes. Coal’s Cumin Indian (2008 Zagat rated) 3549 Johnson Ave. (718) 432-2481 A Manhattan import, Cumin Indian cooks up cuisine with spice levels to accommodate every taste. 1888 Eastchester Rd. (718) 823-7002 Individual, thin crust, gourmet pizzas with names like “Heavenly Scent” please every palette; paninis and soups are on the menu too. The Coconut Palm Bar & Grill 2407 Westchester Ave. (718) 597-8700 This three-year-old West Indian restaurant just renovated its dining room and reopened for business in December. Couples or families can enjoy a choice of over 100 dishes in comfortable, high-backed booths. The restaurant offers Chinese standards Dancing Crane Café at The Bronx Zoo Fordham Rd. & Bronx River Pkwy (718) 367-1010 Dine on light entrees while watching Chilean flamingos at the Zoo’s eatery. continued on p. 21 20 o Vol. 1, No. 2 21 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment continued from p. 19 Di Como – Tastes of Italy 1841 Hobart Ave. (718) 239-2207 Some of the Bronx’s most recognized folks flock here for the Osso bucco Napolitano, risotto and more than a dozen different fish dishes. Dominick’s (2008 Zagat rated) 2335 Arthur Ave. (718) 733-2807 A New York institution, Dominick’s Restaurant seats patrons side-by-side in large, family-style tables. There’s no menu, but the waiters are happy to make suggestions, and no selection disappoints. East Tremont Buffet 3229 East Tremont Ave. (718) 792-6455 The 100 items at this “all you can eat” feast cover lots of territory; there’s even a sushi bar. It’s self-serve and family-friendly. El Malecon (2008 Zagat rated) 5592 Broadway (718) 432-5155 Cuban and Dominican dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner keep this popular neighborhood eatery busy. Try desserts like flan or tembleque (coconut custard) , or the Dominican breakfast favorite mangu, a pureed plantain mixture. Emilia’s 2331 Arthur Ave. (718) 364-0013 Fine Southern Italian cooking and Old World hospitality come together at Emilia’s in the Little Italy neighborhood. Empire Hunan Gourmet 3503 Johnson Ave. (718) 796-0800 Gourmet palates with a taste for Cantonese and Hunan cuisine will be satisfied here. Estrellita Poblana 2231 Westchester Ave. (718) 518-7424 Authentic Mexican favorites, generous portions and friendly service. Enzo’s (2008 Zagat & Michelin rated) 1998 Williamsbridge Rd. & 2339 Arthur Ave. (718) 409-3828 You’re one of the family at Enzo’s, where it’s not uncommon to see several generations enjoying quality food, abundant portions and reasonable prices. Fratelli’s (2008 Zagat rated) 2507 Eastchester Rd. (718) 547-2489 Fratelli’s exquisite Italian sauces have placed it on the culinary map for over a decade. GianTina 602 E. 187 Street (718) 933-2800 They come by car, bus and trolley to this casual restaurant for classic Italian dishes and authentic cappucino. F&J Pine Restaurant (2008 Zagat rated) 1913 Bronxdale Ave. (718) 792-5956 Long-known as a favorite restaurant of the Bronx Bombers, Frankie & Johnnie’s scores with fans too. The fun, lively crowd is happy to wait for a table at the bar, making it a popular Bronx meeting place. G-Bar & Lounge (& Giovanni’s Restaurant) 579 Grand Concourse (718) 402-6996 Those in-the-know head for the G-Bar for its live jazz in an intimate cabaret setting, along with traditional Italian entrees. 892 Gerard Ave. (718) 293-5025 Just blocks from Yankee Stadium, Feeding Tree is one of the city’s best West Indian restaurants. Nobody beats their jerk chicken and curried goat. Frankie & Johnnie’s Too 1634 Eastchester Rd. (718) 319-8231 Frankie & Johnnie’s features big helpings, a fun-loving crowd, and a popular brunch. 3511 Johnson Ave. (718) 543-0500 Hunan, Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine are at their best at Hunan Balcony, which The Village Voice has rated as Riverdale’s best Chinese eatery. Green Dragon 4111 East Tremont Ave. (718) 597-3600 Popular with the locals for over 37 years, this family-owned restaurant serves Cantonese and Szechuan specialties. Ice House Cafe 140 Reynolds Ave. (718) 863-5580 This café offers breathtaking views of the Cove Marine, innovative seafood dishes, an extensive wine list, and frequent specials. The Harbor Gabrielle’s Dining (2008 Michelin rated) Feeding Tree Hunan Balcony 748 E. 233 Street (718) 395-3045 Great Caribbean food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere earned this eatery its first Michelin rating in 2008. Garden Café at the New York Botanical Garden 200th Street & Southern Blvd. The Garden Café offers gourmet sandwiches, light snacks, and kids menu among the Garden’s 250 acres of nature. 565 City Island Ave. (718) 885-1373 If you’re dining at sunset, head for The Harbor for a beautiful waterview, along with outstanding seafood and pasta specialties. Honey Thai Pavilion 3040 Westchester Ave. Tel: 718-792-2803 A Taste of Asian Spice comes to Pelham Bay in the form of Honey’s Thai Pavilion. Thai food at its best. Jake’s Steakhouse (2008 Zagat rated) 6031 Broadway (718) 581-0182 Fine, aged steaks, three levels and views of Van Cortlandt Park make Jake’s a hit with visitors and locals alike. Joe’s Place 1841 Westchester Ave. (718) 918-2947 Always bustling with a high-energy crowd, Joe’s Place specializes in traditional Latino o Vol. 1, No. 2 22 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment dishes accented by creative twists on old favorites. Joe himself circulates to ensure everybody’s having a good time. Johnny’s Famous Reef 2 City Island Ave. (718) 885-2086 Since 1954, Bronxites have flocked to the tip of City Island for heaping platefuls of fried seafood and fries. Grab your tray and head out for a view of the Long Island Sound. Kappock Café & Wine Bar 17A Knolls Crescent Ave. (718) 601-5500 Enjoy American and Italian cuisine at this charming café featuring a wide selection of wines. 586 City Island Ave. (718) 885-2478 Dinner doesn’t get more romantic than this. The beautiful Samuel Pell landmark house, built in 1876, provides an idyllic setting on City Island. Discerning diners enjoy fine French cooking by acclaimed chef Pierre Saint Denis. Liebman’s Kosher Delicatessen (2008 Zagat rated) 552 W. 235 Street (718) 548-4534 A classic New York Jewish deli, Liebman’s has been around for over 50 years, dishing up favorites like overstuffed pastrami sandwiches and noodle pudding. Lobster Box (2008 Zagat rated) Latin Kitchen 3841 E Tremont Ave (718) 430-6600 One of the borough’s newest restaurants, Latin Kitchen brings authentic upscale Latino cuisine to Throggs Neck. Le Refuge Inn (2008 Zagat & Michelin rated) 34 City Island Ave. (718) 885-1952 Travel down City Island Ave. to one of its greatest treasures, the Lobster Box. Rich wood décor, and an inviting fireplace complement the top-of-the-line seafood, fish and meat dishes. Lobster House 691 Bridge Street (718) 885-1459 New York Newsday rates Lobster House one of its favorite places in New York City for a lobster meal. Louis Seafood 3478 East Tremont Ave. (718) 822-4600 Family owned since 1947, this cozy Italian restaurant features warm service and Frank Sinatra on the jukebox. Madison’s Montezuma Mexican Restaurant 119 W. Kingsbridge Rd. (718) 601-6400 There’s always a fiesta at Montezuma, with its tacos; fruity, frozen drinks; and nightly live entertainment in the evenings. (2008 Zagat rated) 5686 Riverdale Ave. (718) 543-3850 “Satisfaction is a given” at Madison’s, says WCBS Radio, while the New York Daily News calls Madison’s one Riverdale’s sophisticated (yet affordable) restaurants. Mamma Maria Mario’s (2008 Zagat rated) Photo: Courtesy of Mikes Deli 2344 Arthur Ave. (718) 295-5033 Located in the Arthur Ave. Market for over 50 years, Mike’s has received international acclaim for freshness, authenticity and culinary secrets passed down through generations. Lucca Restaurant 3019 Westchester Ave. (718) 892-8282 Lucca Restaurant combines an elegant setting with pasta or meat dishes to please everybody. 2342 Arthur Ave. (718) 584-1188 This 5th generation, family-owned restaurant boasts a wall full of culinary awards and accolades. It’s one of Arthur Ave.’s most famous and colorful spots. Michael’s Italian Family Restaurant teriyake and tempura. Park Place (2008 Zagat rated) Mike’s Deli 900 Morris Park Ave. (718) 892-3830 Mamma Maria boasts an entire street corner, so there’s plenty of room to stretch out for hearty brick oven pizza. Mike’s Deli 4300 Boston Rd. (718) 798-2800 No need to worry about the kids at this happy, noisy place. New Hawaii Sea 1477 Williamsbridge Rd. (718) 863-7900 Polynesian, Chinese and Japanese dishes offer lots of delicious options, including a sushi bar. Late diners can enjoy great specialty drinks while watching the ballgame. Ohana Japanese Hibachi Seafood & Steakhouse 500 City Island Ave. (718) 885-0700 Ohana specializes in authentic Japanese hibachi cuisine. Sip on sake and plum wine while watching your dish come together before your eyes. Palace of Japan 3505 Johnson Ave. (718) 543-8833 Palace of Japan gets high marks from food critics for Japanese favorites like 5826 Mosholu Ave. (718) 548-0977 Italian comfort food is especially satisfying at this warm and welcoming spot. Pasquale’s Rigoletto (2008 Zagat rated) 2311 Arthur Ave. (718) 365-6644 An Arthur Ave. institution for over 20 years, Pasquale’s Rigoletto is as authentically Italian as this bustling neighborhood. Family run, warm and friendly, Pasquale’s excels in shell steak, veal chops, roast pork and pastas. Pasta Pasta 2023 Williamsbridge Rd. (718) 892-9634 Northern Italian home cooking keeps loyal customers coming back for the mounds of freshly-made pasta. Patricia’s Pizza and Pasta Restaurant 1080 Morris Park Ave. (718) 409-9069 (2008 Zagat & Michelin rated) 3764 East Tremont Ave. (718) 918-1800 (2008 Zagat rated) 554 West 235th Street (718) 884-5700 (Nonno Tony’s) Craving capellini? Got a yearning for gnocchi? These three neighborhood restaurants share an abundant menu of the most popular Italian dishes. Bring the kids. Pio Pio (2008 Zagat rated) 264 Cypress Ave. (718) 401-3300 This Peruvian restaurant continued on p. 24 23 “Caterers to please the palate” Free delivery in Bronx For our complete restaurant/catering menu, please stop by. Open 7 Days: Mon-Thursday 11a-11pm Fri & Sat 11a-midnight Sunday 12p-11p o Vol. 1, No. 2 24 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment Among the most popular Thai restaurants in the city, Siam Square prepares Thai classics prepared to your preference. Spoto’s 4005 East Tremont Ave. (718) 828-5613 Specializing in Southern Italian dishes, Spoto’s is a family-friendly favorite in the Throggs Neck neighborhood. continued from p. 22 has made its debut in the South Bronx to rave reviews. food critics capitalizes on seasonal favorites with a menu that changes daily. In the warm weather, be sure to ask for a table in the garden. Portofino’s (2008 Zagat rated) 555 City Island Ave. (718) 885-1220 Treat yourself to a romantic dinner on Portofino’s open air deck with views of the New York City skyline. After your meal, linger over a creative assortment of homemade afterdinner drinks and wines. Rambling House 4292 Katonah Ave. (718) 798-4510 There’s a whole lot of fun at this high-energy restaurant. Rambling House offers pub fare plus lots of Irish specialties and live music. Roberto’s (2008 Zagat & Michelin rated) 603 Crescent Ave. (718) 733-9503 New York City foodies as well as food critics love Roberto’s, which in 2007 received the highest food ranking for Italian restaurants citywide in the Zagat survey. 3938 East Tremont Ave. (718) 863-5324 Northern and Southern Italian cuisine are represented at his longtime favorite in the Throggs Neck neighborhood. Riverdale Garden Café & Wine Bar (2008 Zagat & Michelin rated) 4574 Manhattan College Pkwy (718) 884-5232 This darling of New York’s Santa Fe Grill Restaurant 5042 Broadway (718) 796-5095 Authentic Mexican dishes, outstanding mole sauce and salsa verde makes this a popular destination, especially on Friday nights when there’s live mariachi music. Sabrosura 1200 Castle Hill Ave. (718) 597-1344 A variety of Latin and Chinese dishes satisfy lots of cravings, making this a popular neighborhood eatery for over twenty years. Sam’s Soul Food Rino’s (718) 885-3200 Sammy’s bakes and serves its fish on alder wood planks, a method first used by Native Americans to heighten the aroma and flavor of seasonings. At the Shrimp Box, there’s a Latin flair. 596 Grand Concourse (718) 665-5341 Cajun chicken, hickorysmoked ribs, and other Southernstyle favorites are delicious deals. On weekends, a DJ adds to the party atmosphere, presided over by Sam himself. Sea Shore 591 City Island Ave. (718) 885-0300 Established in the 1920s, Sea Shore is a City Island landmark with great seafood specialties, a view of the Marina, and a lively happy hour. Seafood City 459 City Island Ave. (718) 885-3600 This City Island restaurant specializes in offering family-friendly dining, with an extensive seafood menu and video arcade for the children. Sammy’s Fish Box 41 City Island Ave. (718) 885-0920 Sammy’s Shrimp Box 64 City Island Ave. Siam Square (2008 Zagat rated) 564 Kappock Street (718) 432-8200 Tra Di Noi (2008 Michelin rated) 622 E. 187th Street (718) 295-1784 Great seasonal menus and fresh ingredients from local merchants set apart this new addition to the Michelin guide. Tosca Café (2008 Zagat rated) 4038 East Tremont Ave. (718) 239-3300 The New York Times likes Tosca’s “great grilled calamari stuffed with mushrooms”, while the New York Daily News leans towards the “nicely charred, pleasantly chewy crust” of its brick oven pizzas. Tree House 273 City Island Ave. (718) 885-0806 A huge tree growing at the center of this dining space is the backdrop to great pasta dishes and marinated steaks. Umberto’s Clam House (2008 Zagat rated) 2356 Arthur Ave. (718) 220-2526 A long-time favorite on Manhattan’s Mulberry Street, Umberto’s Bronx location is a bustling site piping out Italian standards, seafood and pasta. Venice Restaurant 2107 Williamsbridge Rd. (718) 597-2360 772 E. 149 Street (718) 585-5164 Though unrelated to each other, these two Italian eateries share a commitment to fresh ingredients and family-friendly service. Villa Barone 3289 Westchester Ave. (718) 828-0560 Villa Barone offers fresh pasta and seafood dishes in an elegant, family-friendly setting. VIP Café 131 E. Gun Hill Rd. (718) 655-8500 They really do treat you special at this quaint neighborhood restaurant with a super-friendly staff and a varied menu, including breakfast, lunch, dinner specials and a full-service bar. Wave Hill Café at Wave Hill West 249th Street & Independence Ave. (718) 549-3200 Located at beautiful Wave Hill, The Café offers light fare and a fine selection of coffee and tea. Willie’s Steak House (2008 Zagat rated) 1832 Westchester Ave. (718) 822-9697 A landmark cabaret, Willie’s also offers great Latino dishes at reasonable prices, making it a popular, intergenerational destination. Yolanda’s Restaurant 292 E. 149th Street (718) 993-2709 Casual and popular, this neighborhood classic serves great Italian dishes in the heart of the South Bronx. o Vol. 1, No. 2 25 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment Photo: Courtesy of Jay D. Schwartz and Associates Gladys Knight Performing at Lehman Center The Lehman Center for Performing Art’s spring season kicks into high gear with a performance by R&B legend Gladys Knight on April 5. G ladys Knight’s fans have been treated to her performances during the opening ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympics, on “American Idol,” and in great surprise appearances on shows like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and the NBC sitcom “30 Rock”, where her pres- ence leads to the entire cast doing a rendition of “Midnight Train to Georgia.” But to Knight’s many Bronx fans, her most exciting appearance is coming up on April 5th, when she’ll take the stage at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. This performance means a lot to Knight as well. “The Bronx is full of rich culture and good, diverse people,” Knight said in an interview with BX360. “I am so excited to return and bring the music that we have shared in our journey throughout the years.” R&B star Gladys Knight launched her career as Gladys Knight and the Pips in the 1960s, but she has been equally successful in her solo career, recording more than 38 albums over the years, including four solo albums during the past decade: “Good Woman” (1991); “Just for You” (1994); the inspirational “Many Different Roads” (1999); and “At Last” (2001), which won a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album in 2002. Knight was born in Georgia and began performing gospel music at age four in the Mount Mariah Baptist Church. She also sang as a guest soloist with the Morris Brown College Choir. Three years later, she won the grand prize on television’s “Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour,” and the following year, she, along with her brother Bubba, her sister Brenda and her cousins William and Elenor Guest, formed The Pips. In 1959, Brenda and Elenor left the group, replaced by cousin Edward Patten and friend Langston George. The group was renamed Gladys Knight & The Pips, and following George’s departure in 1962, the classic line-up was in place. The group debuted their first album in 1960, when Knight was just sixteen. They went on to achieve icon status, having recorded some of the most memorable songs of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s: Top 20 hits like “Every Beat of My Heart,” “Letter Full of Tears,” “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “If I Were Your Woman.” In the mid-1970s, Top 10 goldcertified singles like “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye),” “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination,” “Best Thing to Ever Happen to Me” and the number one hit “Midnight Train to Georgia” established Gladys Knight and The Pips as one of the top pop/R&B vocal ensembles in the world. Her success continued with hits like “On and On” from the Academy Award nominated soundtrack of Curtis Mayfield’s “Claudine,” the 1974 comedy about love in the inner city. Knight enjoyed another huge hit in 1985 when she teamed with Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Dionne Warwick on “That’s What Friends are For.” Knight has remained humble, despite her stardom. She doesn’t want to be called a “diva,” and she says she owes her success to her fans. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without fans who continue to support me,” she said. At her Bronx concert, Knight says she “looks forward to a night of reminiscing and incredible moments”. The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is located at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West. Tickets to see Gladys Knight on April 5 are $55 to $100 and can be purchased through the Lehman Center box office, 718-960-8833 or at http://lehmancenter.org. eries and tenements and the Woodlawn Cemetery, final resting place of musical greats like Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Celia Cruz. Fun for Bronx history buffs as well as the curious. Tour admission is $15, (718) 881-8900, www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org. www.thewoodlawncemetery.org. www.hushtours.com. Hip Hop Tours, Hush Tours’ weekly event is a fascinating crash course on the hip-hop, which got its start in the Bronx. Every Saturday at 11 a.m., hip hop celebrities like GrandMaster Caz, Kurtis Blow, Rahiem (Furious Five) , Reggie Reg (Crash Crew) and DJ Red Alert narrate this tour aboard a luxury motor coach, providing anecdotes and background on hip-hop’s most important cultural landmarks in the Bronx and Harlem. There’s also live entertainment, photo ops, and a busload of extras. $55 per ticket; tour departs from midtown Manhattan. Highly recommended. (212) 209-3370, Overview Bus Tours, in four hours, New York Visions will take you on an informative, whirlwind bus tour of the Bronx that features the borough’s diverse neighborhoods and sites like Yankee Stadium, the Mott Haven Historic District and the Art Deco architecture of the Grand Concourse. Stop at Arthur Ave. New York’s true Little Italy, to enjoy a cappuccino. Tours depart midtown Manhattan on Saturdays at 9 a.m.; $49 for adults; reservations necessary. (212) 391-0900, www.harlemspirituals.com. Entertainment and Events Calendar continued from p. 14 Hill. The Family Art Project series offers unique activities like sculpting paper rattlesnakes, forming natural collages, and crafting unique wrapping paper. Classes take place between 1 and 4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for children. 675 W. 252nd St., (718) 549-3200, www.wavehill.org. Tours Bronx Culture Trolley, every first Wednesday evening of the month, visitors ride in a historic trolley to cultural events in the South Bronx with the Bronx Culture Trolley. Tours meet at 5:30 pm at the Center for Arts & Culture, 149th Street and the Grand Concourse. (718) 931-9500, www.bronxarts.org. Seaside Trolley, on the first Friday evening of each month, ride the Seaside Trolley to City Island and the Bartow Pell Mansion Museum. Tour meets at 5:30 p.m. at the last stop of the #6 subway, the Pelham Bay train station (Bruckner Expressway & Westchester Avenue) . (718) 885-9100, www.cityislandchamber.org. Historic Walking Tours. The Bronx County Historical Society offers ongoing historic tours of Bronx neighborhoods. Highlights include old brew- Famous Cemetery, every Sunday, The Friends of The Woodlawn Cemetery give tours of their grounds, acting as the final resting place for many of New York City’s rich and famous. Tours begin at 2 p.m., take roughly two hours, and cover 1.5 miles. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and children 6 and under are free. Reservations are recommended. (718) 920-1470, o Vol. 1, No. 2 26 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment TeatroStageFest: The Annual Celebration of Great Latino Theater Comes to The Bronx Commission (LMEC), NYC & Company, and the Bronx Tourism Council, TeatroStageFest is presented by the Latino International Theater Festival of New York, Inc., a nonprofit organization recognized with the Special Achievement HOLA Award for creating a global community of Latino theater in New York. Photo by Oliver Harrassowki Other highlights of TeatroStageFest 2008 include: Spain’s La Zaranda in Los que Ríen Los Último/Those Who Last Laugh. Our bilingual productions will be understood by all.” Organizers say the Festival is thrilled to be making its Bronx debut at the Hostos Center from June 6 -8 when it will present Borinquen Vive en el Barrio/ Borinquen Lives in El Barrio, Tere Martínez’s celebrated play about a New York Puerto Rican family that reexamines its identity when a young visitor questions its cultural duality. The bilingual (English and Spanish) production is directed by Angel Morales for the Hostos Repertory Company. Now in its second year, TeatroStageFest is the largest Latino theater festival in the Northeastern United States. In addition to spotlighting companies based in New York, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain, this year’s celebration will also feature family theater, intimate concerts and comedies, free artist panels, and a playwriting competition for Bianca Marroquín Photo by Len Prince La Zarandaº T he Bronx will join with cities around the world when the Hostos Center for Art & Culture serves as a performance site for TeatroStageFest, the annual festival that will feature great local and international theater for all audiences. Don’t miss this unique multicultural and multigenerational celebration that will transform New York into the U.S. capital of Gran Teatro from June 2- 15, 2008. “Whether you like plays, comedies, musicals, concerts, children’s shows, or solo performances, TeatroStageFest has something for you,” says Susana Tubert, Executive Producer and Co-Founder of the Festival. “This year we have an exciting theater fiesta that will be accessible to all, with most Spanish language shows offering supertitles or live translation over headset. high school students. Supported by Mayor Bloomberg’s NYC Latin Media & Entertainment • The Toothache of King Farfán: The delightful children’s zarzuela (Spanish operetta) with 20 life-sized puppets recounts the story of a toothache-suffering king who learns to love and respect others. By SEA Theater (June 6-7). • Picasso’s Flamencount Of Orgaz: Pablo Picasso’s childhood memories and art are brought to life with projections, masks, and the passion of live Flamenco music. By Thalia Theater(June 14-15). • Those Who Last Laugh/Los Que Ríen Los Últimos: Circus and vaudeville blend in the magical journey of three rag-tag performers in Spain who question the meaning of life and art. By La Zaranda Theater (June 13-15). • From Mexico to Broadway: Bianca Marroquín, star of Broadway’s Chicago, offers a one night-only intimate concert of showtunes, Mexican music and tradition (June 2). • From Teatro Puerto Rico in Mott Haven to Hollywood. Marga Gomez, the popular stand-up comedian, offers a one-night only performance celebrating pride and her hilarious take on life (June 2). To obtain more information about TeatroStageFest 2008 programming citywide, and/or to join TeatroStageFest’s mailing list for ticket discounts and special offers, send your contact information to info@ teatrostagefest.org or do so online by visiting www.teatrostagefest.org. To volunteer, call 212.695.4010. o Vol. 1, No. 2 27 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment Directory ART SPACES Call ahead to confirm gallery hours and learn about special exhibits Bronx Borough President’s Art Gallery Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse, 3rd floor (718) 590-3500 Admission: Free Hours: Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm This space features seasonal exhibits and public opening receptions showcasing the work of diverse Bronx artists. Bronx Museum of the Arts 1040 Grand Concourse (at E.165 Street) (718) 681-6000 Suggested Admission: $5 Adults, $3 Students and Seniors, Free on Fridays. Hours: Mon, Thur, Sat & Sun, 12 pm – 6 pm; Fri 12 noon – 8 pm; closed Tues & Wed. www.bronxmuseum.org The borough’s nationallyacclaimed art institution focuses on artists of African, Asian and Latin American descent. The NY Times has called BXMA “an important player in shaping New York art of both the present and the future”. Bronx River Art Center 1087 E. Tremont Avenue (one block east of Boston Road) (718) 589-5819 Admission: Free Gallery Hours: Mon – Fri 3:30 – 6 pm, Sat 12 noon – 5 pm (call in advance to confirm) www.bronxriverarts.org A multi-cultural, multidisciplinary arts organization bordering the Bronx River, the Center features emerging and established artists. Judaica Museum of the Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale 5961 Palisade Avenue (just south of 261st Street) (718) 581-1787 Admission: Free Hours: Mon – Fri 10:30 am – 4:30 pm www.hebrewhome.org/museum Overlooking the Hudson River, this significant collection of objects, paintings and textiles celebrate Jewish religion, arts and culture. There are also monthly lectures, concerts and multimedia programs. Krasdale Galleries 400 Food Center Dr. Hunts Point (718) 378-1100 ext. 2125 Admission: Free Gallery Hours: Mon – Fri 10:00am – 5:00pm; appointments preferred. www.krasdalegalleries.com/Galleries.html This gallery features eight annual exhibits of modern and contemporary art in a unique space. Lehman College Art Gallery 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West (718) 960-8731 Admission: Free Hours: Tues- Sat 10 am – 4 pm www.lehman.cuny.edu/gallery Housed on a spacious college campus, the gallery has pioneered the use of interactive media for the visual arts. Longwood Art Gallery@Hostos Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street (718) 518-6728 Admission: Free Hours: Mon – Sat, 10 am – 6 pm www.bronxarts.org, click on Longwood Arts Project The gallery hosts routating exhibits with an emphasis on the Bronx and the works of underrepresented artists, including women and people of color. HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum and Gardens 895 Shore Road in Pelham Bay Park (718) 885-1461 Admission: $5.00 Adults, $3.00 Seniors & Students, Children under 6 free. Mansion Hours: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday: 12pm4pm (last tour 3:15 p.m.) . Garden & Grounds: 8:30 am – dusk. Carriage House open April – October www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org You don’t need to be a history buff to be charmed by the beauty of this national landmark and its fine 19th century furniture. There’s also a carriage house, formal garden and reflecting pool. Special tours on the evenings of the first Friday of the month. Edgar Allan Poe Cottage Grand Concourse & E. Kingsbridge Rd. (in Poe Park) (718) 881-8900 Admission: $3.00 Adults, $2.00 Seniors/Students/Children Hours: Sat: 10 am - 4 pm, Sun: 1 pm - 5pm. Weekday tours by appointment www.bronxhistoricalsociety. org/about/poecottage.html Edgar Allan Poe lived in this small, modest home from 1846-1849, when he wrote Annabel Lee, Ulalume, The Bells and Eureka. Hall of Fame For Great Americans Bronx Community College at University Avenue and W. 181st Street (718) 289-5161 Admission: Self-guided tours free; guided tours by appointment Hours: Self-guided, daily, 10 am – 5 pm www.bcc.cuny.edu/hallofFame This dramatic 630-foot long, open-air colonnade is the nation’s original Hall of Fame and considered one of NYC’s architectural treasures. Built in 1900, it was designed by celebrated architect Stanford White and houses 98 bronze portrait busts. Lourdes of America at St. Lucy Roman Catholic Church 833 Mace Ave (718) 882-0710 Admission: Free Hours: Grotto: 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset; Scala Santa: In good weather only: daily 11 am - 4 pm, June-September; weekends only Oct - May. This replica of France’s famous shrine draws devout pilgrims who come to collect its flowing water. The adjacent Scala Santa depicts different stages in the life of Jesus Christ. Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler Campus of SUNY Maritime College 6 Pennyfield Avenue (718) 409-7218 Admission: Free Hours: Mon – Sat 9 am – 4pm www.sunymaritime.edu, click on Maritime Museum The museum houses one of the nation’s largest collections of maritime materials — from old sailing vessels to present day navigational instruments—and is perched over the Long Island Sound. Valentine-Varian House 3266 Bainbridge Ave. (at 208th Street) (718) 881-8900 Admission: $3 Adults, $2 Seniors/Students/Children Hours: Sat: 10 am – 4 pm, Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm. Weekday tours by appointment. www.bronxhistoricalsociety. org/historic_houses/vvhouse.html Built in 1758, this farmhouse is a national landmark and home to the Museum of Bronx History. Van Cortlandt House Museum Broadway at 246 Street (718) 543-3344 Admission: $5 Adults, $3 students & seniors; children 12 and under free. Free on Wed. Hours: Tues – Fri 10 am – 3 pm; Sat & Sun 11 am – 4 pm www.vancortlandthouse.org Washington really did sleep here. Twice during the Revolutionary War he used this rural manor house of a large and prosperous wheat plantation as his headquarters. The Woodlawn Cemetery Webster Avenue & East 233rd Street (718) 920-0500 Admission: Self-guided tours are free; pick up map from security guard. Guided weekend tours: $10 Adults; $5 Seniors/Students, Children 6 and under are free Hours: grounds open daily 8:30 am – 5 pm; weekend tours start at 2 pm www.thewoodlawncemeteryorg. Established in 1863, this 400acre cemetery is one of the most beautiful in the world and is the final resting place of America’s rich and famous, with impressive memorials designed by some of the nation’s most accomplished artists and architects. Yankee Stadium Tours River Avenue & East 161 Street Admission: $15 Adults, $8 Children 14 & Under/ Seniors. Purchase tickets through Ticketmaster: (212) 307-1212, on-line at yankees. com or at the stadium until 11 am on the day of the tour Hours: Daily at 12 noon on non-game days. Arrive 20 minutes before start of tour. www.mlb.com/nyy/ballpark, Click on Stadium Tours Get an insider’s look at the House That Ruth Built o Vol. 1, No. 2 28 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment during this one-hour tour that includes the field, dugout, press box, clubhouse and historic Monument Park. MOVIE THEATERS AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 2210 Bartow Ave. (718) 320-3020 American Theater 1450 East Ave in Parkchester (718) 863-4900 Concourse Plaza Multiplex 214 East 161st Street (718) 588-8800 Whitestone Multiplex Cinemas 2505 Bruckner Boulevard (718) 409-9037 NIGHTLIFE Here are some of our favorite Bronx night spots where there’s something going on every week. Call ahead for information on admission and special performances. (718) Lounge 3233 E. Tremont Avenue (718) 863-CLUB An elegant club, open every evening except Sunday; Salsa Tuesdays start at 6 pm. Bamboo Lounge 985 Morris Ave. at 164th Street, (718) 293-3944 Live Latin music and DJs on weekends in a warm, woodsy environment. Beal Bocht Café and Bar 445 W. 238th Street (718) 884-7127 Live bands ThursdaySaturday; traditional Irish music on Sundays from 4pm7pm followed by karaoke. Cue Tavern 1111 East Tremont Avenue (718) 239-2233 Half pool hall and half Asian pub, this is a great spot for both entertainment and food. The tavern offers American finger food, Asian dishes and will soon add Latin dishes to the menu. Darcy’s Bar & Restaurant 3159 Bruckner Blvd (718) 904-7503 Karaoke on Tuesdays starting at 9pm; live bands on Saturdays. G-Bar Lounge 575 Grand Concourse (718) 402-6996 Karaoke Mondays from 7:30-10:30pm; live bands on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 10pm; open mic on Wednesdays starting at 8pm; DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. Eros Lounge 1973 B Southern Boulevard (718) 299-0024 For the 21-and-over set, Eros provides a classy nightclub and lounge with drink specials, VIP rooms and your choice of wine, beer and martinis. Ibiza Lounge 220 W. 242nd St. (718) 796-1108 Bring your crowd to this Riverdale club for dancing, parties, special events and open mic nights. J. Maxson’s 139th Street & 3rd Ave. (718) 742-9070 Live jazz on Wednesday nights at this new, popular club in the South Bronx. Latin Kitchen Restaurant 3941 E. Tremont Avenue (718) 430-6600 Live bands Friday-Sunday. Montezuma Restaurant 119 W. Kingsbridge Rd. (718) 601-6400 Live Spanish-language music Monday-Friday; karaoke on Wednesdays beginning at 10pm; live Mariachi on Thursdays beginning at 10pm. Garden—are in the Bronx, and so is the city’s largest park: Pelham Bay Park is 3 times larger than Manhattan’s Central Park! O Lounge 1534 Dr Martin L King Jr Blvd. (646) 404-5515 This Highbridge club attracts people looking for a party. You’ll find hot DJs and a variety of Hip Hop, Reggaeton, and Latin music. Bronx River The Bronx River Alliance, the organization at the forefront of reclaiming New York City’s only fresh water river, hosts tours and kayak rides. For information, call (718) 430-4665. Rambling House Restaurant 4292 Katonah Ave. (718) 798-4510 Live Irish Music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 9pm. Bronx Zoo Southern Blvd. & East 185th St. (718) 220-5100 Admission: $14 Adults; $10 Children 3- 12; $12 Seniors 65+ Wednesday admission by donation, suggested minimum of $5. $3 admission for Congo gorilla Forest; $2 for Zucker Bug Carousel Parking: $10 Hours: 365 days a year, 10 am – 4:30 pm. Holiday Lights is open 5 pm – 9 pm Fri- Sun from Nov 16 to Dec 16 and Jan 4th to the 6th. Also, nightly from December 16 to Jan 1 (closed Dec. 24 & 25) www.bronxzoo.com Look to the Bronx to find the world’s greatest zoo. More than 4,000 animals live at the zoo, and its award-winning exhibits allow you to explore an indoor rain forest and come nose-tonose with Western lowland gorillas. During the holidays, the zoo’s light show delivers excitement for kids of all ages. Sante Fe Restaurant 6025 Broadway (718) 796-5095 Live Mariachi on Fridays from 7-10pm; Live DJ on Saturday nights starting at 9pm. Sports Plus Cafe 1161 Castle Hill Ave. (718) 239-2300 Live comedy starting at 8:30pm every First Tuesday night of the month. Tosca Restaurant 4038 E. Tremont Ave. (718) 239-9697 Belly dancing classes on Mondays at 8pm; live DJ Thursdays-Saturdays after 8pm. Willie’s Steak House 1832 Westchester Ave. (718) 822-9697 Live Latin Jazz on Wednesdays from 8:30pm-Midnight and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30pm-Midnight. OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS With 24% of its geography devoted to parklands, the Bronx is a great place to commune with nature. Two of the New York’s most famous outdoor attractions—the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical New York Botanical Garden Southern Blvd and Kazimiroff Blvd., north of Fordham Road (718) 817-8700 Admission: $18 Adults; $16 Seniors and students with ID; $5 Children 2 – 12 years old. Wednesday admission by donation Parking: $10 Hours: Tues – Sun and Mondays that are federal holidays: 10 am – 6 pm www.nybg.org Called “a garden of earthly delights” by the Wall Street Journal, the Garden holds one of the world’s great collections of plants. From an “ecotour” of the world to an innovative science museum for kids, the Garden is a grand, living museum. During the holiday season, the Garden’s train show is a huge draw, with model trains snaking past replicas of New York City landmarks made from all-natural materials. Wave Hill West 249th Street & Independence Avenue (718) 549-3200 Admission: Wed- Sun: $6 Adults, $3 Students/Seniors 65+, $2 children 6+; Tues: Free; Sat: free 9 am – 12 noon Parking: Free Hours: Oct 15 – April 14: Tues – Sun, 9 am – 4:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day. www.wavehill.org Wave Hill, an internationally-acclaimed, 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, is one of the most idyllic landscapes in New York City. Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain and Arturo once slept at historic Wave Hill House, and its gallery exhibits contemporary work exploring the relationship between people and nature. continued on p. 30 29 *Coupon Expires: May 15, 2008 o Vol. 1, No. 2 30 A Guide to Bronx Arts & Entertainment Romance Blossoms... continued from p.6 exotic and passionate ballet of love, jealousy and revenge. Then check out the Legends of Salsa at the Lehman Center on Saturday, April 26, featuring Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Adalberto Santiago, Ismael Quintana, Orestes Vilato, Nicky Marrero, Mike Collazo, Papo Lucca, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, and Andy Gonzalez, all performing with the Jimmy Delgado Orchestra. Both events are at 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West. Carmen is April 13 at 4 p.m. Tickets $35, $30, $25, $20. Legends of Salsa takes place April 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets $55, $50, $45, $40. Call 718.960.8833 for more information. Directory continued from p. 28 Birds Do It, Bees Do It, Even Educated Fleas Do It. Retreat To A Romantic Weekend Refuge Spring is mating season, and the Bronx Zoo offers lots of great events to celebrate the start of the year’s most romantic season: Living In Green/Year of the Frog on March 15 and 16, an Eggstreme Weekend of egg races, egg hunts and storytelling March 22 and 23, and Earth Week from April 21-27. 185th Street & Southern Blvd. 718-367-1010. www.bronxzoo.com. Hours:10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., weekends and holidays. Admission:$11 adults, $7 senior citizens, $6 children (ages 2-12), children under 2 years are always free. Spend a weekend at Le Refuge Inn on City Island, where you’re transported to a quaint New England village without ever leaving the city.The New York Times calls Le Refuge “the city’s only authentic French Inn.” The beautifully restored 19th century sea captain’s house overlooks the 300-year-old harbor on City Island and features a bed and breakfast and the comfort and elegance of Old World charm. During the day, explore the island or relax on the porch with a glass of wine, and in the evening, treat yourself to dinner in owner-chef Pierre Saint-Denis’ Zagat- and Michelin-rated French restaurant. 586 City Island Avenue, (718)885-2478, www.lerefugeinn. com. SHOPPING The Bronx is synonymous with urban fashion, and the borough’s shopping strips are a great place to pick up bargains. A good place to start are the six largest shopping districts. For more information, call the Business Improvement District that supervises each strip: 161st Street Merchants Assoc. (718) 549-5152 Fordham Road B.I.D. (the Bronx’s largest shopping district) (718) 562-2104 www.fordhamroadbid.org HUB/Third Avenue B.I.D. (718) 665-3983 Jerome-Gun Hill Road B.I.D. (718) 324-4946 www.mpcbronx.org Kingsbridge (718) 432-6935 www.kingsbridgebid.org White Plains Road (718) 881-3086 www.pelhamparkway.com If you prefer a good old-fashioned mall, here are the two largest: Bay Plaza Shopping Center Bartow & Baychester Avenues in Co-op City www.bronxmall. com/ShopBayPlaza River Plaza 40 W. 225th Street at the Harlem River 31