We head off to the Bronx this morning. Arthur Avenue is our destination for a food tour. The trip there on the subway and walk once we arrive is a little daunting. We haven’t really ventured far from Manhattan and a little bit of touring in Brooklyn. And everyone knows that the Bronx has a reputation. Historically, the Bronx experienced a period of urban decline and socioeconomic challenges in the late 20th century. This era was marked by issues such as high crime rates, poverty, and deteriorating infrastructure. These challenges contributed to a negative perception of the borough, often associated with crime and urban decay. We saw this as we walked from the subway to Arthur Avenue. Boarded up buildings, graffiti, homelessness, rubbish, abandoned cars and furniture all added to the urban decay. However, when we arrive at Arthur Avenue, quite literally turning a corner, the landscape changed. Vibrant and bustling, acoustic and aromatic, we were transformed in an almost Alice in Wonderland fashion.
Arthur Avenue is a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood known for its Italian-American heritage, culinary delights, and old-world charm. Often referred to as the “Real Little Italy,” Arthur Avenue offers a captivating experience that transports visitors to a time-honored era of Italian traditions.
As we stroll along Arthur Avenue, we are enveloped by the bustling energy and warm atmosphere of this historic neighborhood. The streets are lined with a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and specialty food stores, each offering a unique glimpse into the rich Italian-American culture that thrives here. One of the defining features of Arthur Avenue is the incredible array of food establishments. From authentic Italian delis to family-owned bakeries and pasta shops, the aroma of freshly baked bread, simmering sauces, and aromatic spices fills the air. Traditional butcher shops display an impressive selection of cured meats and sausages, while cheese shops offer an assortment of imported and artisanal cheeses. As we stroll we look for our meeting point to join a food tour. Our senses are already alive as we look for our host and we cant wait to dive deeper into this eclectic mix of culinary delights.
We join our tour and sample the fare on offer: Madonia Bakery, Cosenza’s Fish Market, Teitel Brothers Italian Market, Addeo and Sons Bakery, Brogatti’s Noodles and Cafe Egidie. We enjoy bagels with cream cheese and salmon, cheese and spinach pastries, cup cakes, cannoli, donuts, cheese, cured meats and a beer! Wow, what a couple of hours. We also dive into the history of some of the stores and the local area. Walking we also notice the charming architecture and vintage storefronts that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The neighborhood has retained its old-world charm, with many buildings featuring colorful facades, ornate detailing, and hand-painted signage that add to its unique character. We conclude our tour and catch the subway back to Grand Central and walk around this iconic railways terminal. We explore the Chrysler buildings and maritime building, best known for its rats on ropes awning.
A quick pit stop home is all we have time for before we head out to a musical “Head over Heels”, using the music of the Go Go’s, the musical tells the story of a royal family in the mythical land of Arcadia, where gender norms and expectations are challenged. When an oracle predicts that the kingdom’s prosperity relies on one person’s acceptance of their true self, a hilarious and heartwarming adventure unfolds. “Head over Heels” seamlessly blends a hilarious Elizabethan farce with contemporary themes of inclusivity, acceptance, and self-expression. The music is awesome, from the exuberant and infectious “We Got the Beat” to the heartfelt ballads like “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” the songs are seamlessly integrated into the story, enhancing the emotions and driving the narrative forward. The choreography is energetic and dynamic, showcasing the incredible talent and versatility of the ensemble.
After the show we head home, we grab a hot chocolate, no need for dinner after our Arthur Avenue indulgences.
