Yesterday my friend and I embarked on our apartment hunt for post graduation. Emerging from the subway on the Upper East Side, I felt like I was Dorothy emerging from the tornado in The Wizard of Oz. Of course I have been to Manhattan before, in fact I'm there at least three times a week for my job. But emerging from a subway stop with the mindset that one day, I might live there was pretty different. You see a place with different eyes.
“Someday I might walk past these restaurants every day.”
“Someday that might be my grocery store.”
“Someday this could be my post office.”
Plus, there were no men yelling about selling gold and diamonds as there are at my familiar D train stop and there was definitely no loud salsa music playing.
We had a great afternoon exploring the neighborhood, taking in the local fare and people watching, but when we returned to the Bronx via 4 train and made our way down Fordham Road I couldn’t help but feel a twang of strange satisfaction and pleasure. I’ve talked about how walking down Fordham Road is a battle and it’s usually an annoying battle but I’m going to miss that battle. Arriving home and throwing myself on the couch I realized that I’ll never feel that weird sense of accomplishment that comes with battling one’s way home. I’m sure it will not be hard to get used to the wonderful scents of Shake Shack and beautiful windows of local boutiques, but I have to admit I’ll kind of miss the battle.
Everyone who has graduated from a dorm room without a kitchen to a dorm room with a kitchen has probably received a cheesy book with this title from an equally cheesy aunt or uncle. It probably has recipes like "cheese quesadilla" which instructs the "chef" to dump shredded cheese on a tortilla and heat it up for a few minutes on the stove (don't laugh, I sustained myself on these junior year). Either way I like to think that I have risen above that, at least slightly and by this I mean sometimes I buy fancier cheese than shredded cheddar and occasionally I venture to Whole Foods for "trendier" ingredients. Here are the three things I go for when I find myself hopelessly wandering the isles of Modern Food.
-"Fancy" cheese. Save the cheddar for the caf and go for goat cheese, feta, gorgonzola or blue. The latter two taste fantastic with a little balsamic vinegar and roasted onions and garlic on top of pasta and all of them also make a great salad garnish. It's well known that cheese makes everything taste better, but fancy cheese makes everything taste gourmet.
-Avocados. It's a shame they're so expensive because I would eat these babies all day every day. Whip up some guac, put them on top of scrambled eggs or just eat them straight out of the shell! Sometimes I can't even believe they're good for you.
-Hummus. Sometimes I have to stop myself from filling my shopping cart with dips alone, but hummus always wins out in the end. With so many varieties to choose from I always find myself going for something garlic involved. What to dip? The sky is the limit, pita chips, carrots, peppers, tortillas and your face.
Clearly I'm no Emeril and I'm also not very imaginative, but I am not longer making quesadillas for every meal so I guess that is a success.
Sure we're excited for Spring Weekend 2011 and some sunny days on Eddie's, but the thought on every senior's mind is May 21 (in my mind there are a million gray clouds, thunder, lighting and dragons looming above it). While simple denial and self destruction are two ways of dealing with the stress, here's my prescription for dealing with the pre-graduation blues for Fordham's graduating seniors.
See a psychic
The gypsy women who sit on rickity chairs on the stoop next to Pete's have been trying to lure us in for years, so why don't we finally give in and pay them a visit? Who knows...maybe they will grace us with some good news like that we aren't far away from landing a job, or even better, that we won't actually be graduating on time.
Have a drink
...from Pete's. After four years we have all had a drink or two from all of the main drinking establishments around town. Why don't we finally make a dent in the liquor collecting dust behind the counter at Pete's? It's there for a reason, plus they have a wider variety of food than Howl.
Max Out Your Debit Card at the Bookstore
Forget the sweatshirts and socks, go for the mugs, tumblers, throw blankets and fancy pens. If all goes as planned and you land a decent job for post graduation, you'll actually have a place to display these treasures that isn't a crummy dorm room or off-campus apartment that gets destroyed every weekend.
Pay a Visit to Your Old Homes
Go see the freshmen that are living in the dorm room you called home three years ago. Better yet, for those of you who lived in Martyr's, go see the people that are living in your old room there. Make sure you tell them how much fun you had there, how much you hated (or loved!) your roommate, and how you dealt with having a closet the size of a coffin. Maybe seeing that matchbox again three years later will jolt you into the realization that moving on can't be that bad. Look how much better it got when you moved into a bigger dorm room?
Ride the Ram One Last Time
Just make sure you get off. We can't stay here forever.
My roommate and fellow blogger is a huge fan of the Fordham Plaza flea market. Check out her post below. For great photos of the Bronx and even more excellent commentary check out her blog Bronx Eye
One of my favorite things about the larger Belmont community in the Bronx is
the ability to get pretty much whatever you want at the cheapest price possible.
While Arthur Avenue sports crazy high prices for most foodstuffs and knickknacks,
Fordham Plaza has the best deals around town. If its a nice day out and I have some
time to spare on my way to up to the 4 train, I love to poke through the Fordham
Plaza market; there is usually something I need there as well as a million other
things I definitely do not. Whether its 20 platanos for a dollar, two mangos for a
dollar, or six pairs of socks for a dollar, I can always find a good deal.
My favorite stands are located in the middle of the plaza and usually sell
costume jewelry, fake designer bags, or hilarious t-shirts. I, for one, will never shy
away from endless cheap jewelry stands where I can use my perfected Central
American haggling skills to talk a woman down 50 cents for a mood ring. The
Fordham Plaza market reminds me a lot of St. Mark's square because of the bustling
people, the cheap goods, and the wonderful feeling you get when you think you've
found a true gem amongst the pile of worthless nonsense. What's the best part
about the Fordham Plaza market? Its about 15 miles closer and a lot cheaper than
any other market NYC has to offer.
Chris has some more suggestions for off-campus dining! Check out his post below and his sports blog, Cavnaughty's Sport's Blog.
Don’t like rat poop in your food? Here are some good off campus places to eat.
Given what has happened with Fordham’s food service in the past weeks, I have not been on campus to eat at all and have relied solely on off campus dining. Here are some good places to grab food if you’re not into the whole contaminated food thing.
Tino’s Deli- Located on Arthur Ave., this is by far my favorite place to eat off campus. They have amazing sandwiches and great homemade Italian food. Whether it’s homemade, brick oven pizza, or just some stuffed shells, this is by far the best deli off campus. Everything is priced appropriately, ranging anywhere from $6 for an order of stuffed shells, to $7 for a hero. I go here almost every day and the quality of the food is always consistently good.
Bellini’s Pizza- Probably one of the Fordham area’s best-kept secrets. Located on Hughes Ave, a block over from Mugz’s and Ziggy’s, Bellini’s definitely knows how to make good pizza. My personal favorite is their buffalo chicken pizza (which is 100x better than the caf’s buffalo chicken pizza). If heat isn’t your thing, they have baked ziti pizza, BBQ chicken pizza, Philly cheese-steak pizza, or just the classic cheese pizza. They also have incredible garlic knots and penne vodka. Although it can get pricey compared to other pizza shops such as Pugsley’s and University, Bellini’s is definitely a place to go if you want a great slice of pizza.
These are my two favorite places to eat off campus which I think everyone should visit. Some other great off campus eateries are: Simon’s Deli, Planet Wings (great for ordering in), Sake II (large portions of Japanese food for a low price), and Full Moon Pizza.
One day when my Australian friend Lauren and I were ascending the stairs from the D train I remarked on how delicious it smelled. Lauren, agreeing with me, asked “What is it?” I almost didn’t believe her. As someone who has grown up in the NYC area, I cannot imagine not recognizing the smell of freshly cooked pizza. (PS If anyone has ever had pizza from the place by the D on Fordham Rd., let me know! I’ve been wanting to check it out). Lauren, on the other hand, has not had the lifelong privilege of enjoying delicious, greasy NYC pizza her whole life. Luckily, she consumed plenty during her trip to New York.
It’s a given that New York has great pizza. Lucky for us Belmont-dwellers, Arthur Avenue has the best pizza, and plenty of it. Everyone has allegiances, but personally, I think it’s next to impossible to pick a favorite. Below I’ve reviewed the Belmont area’s best slices.
Pugsley’s
It’s a given that every Fordham student has visited Pugsley’s a million times. Whether it’s for Global Outreach sponsored Eat Ups (pay $10 and eat all the pizza, pasta and salad that you want? I’ll take it), late night snack or quick lunch break, Pugsley’s is pretty much always full of Fordham students. With an eclectic décor (moldy La-Z-Boys, dead plants, a huge gong and burnt bread), and even more eclectic staff (everyone has at least seen someone perform late night karaoke with the owner, Sal), Pugsley’s is a Fordham staple.
But onto the pizza. I have to be honest, I wasn’t always a huge Pugsley’s fan, preferring slices from other establishments in the area, but sometime in the past year I’ve become a convert. A Pugsley’s slice is extra greasy (in a good way), flavorful and always hits the spot. My favorite tip is ordering a side of ranch for dip. I know it sounds gross, but trust me, you’ll never look back.
590 E 191st St., Bronx, NY10458
University Pizza
Unlike most people whose first experience with Bronx pizza was Pugsley’s, my first slice in the Bronx came from University. Maybe I’m a little biased, but in my opinion, University Pizza is totally underrated. The inside is pretty no nonsense but the pizza is out of this world. They offer plenty of specialty slices (most people swear by the buffalo chicken slice), but I believe the true test of a pizza joint is their ability to create a perfect plain slice and University does just that. Always hot and cheesy, I can never resist a slice from University Pizza.
574 E Fordham Rd., Bronx, NY
Tony and Tina’s
My friends and I went through a phase when we were obsessed with Tony and Tina’s. Maybe it had to do with its proximity to Fordham’s drinking establishments, but more so because the slices are huge, the service is fast, and the crust is delicious. I’m not one to focus on pizza crust alone, but the crust on Tony and Tina’s pizza is too good not to mention. Besides that, the staff takes the cake for best employees at a Fordham-area pizza place. Tony (not his real name) always says “hi” to my roommate and I on the street and calls us out for not coming in as often as we used to (which is impossible, because the late-night hours of Tony and Tinas are no longer). Regardless, I try to get a slice from Tony and Tina’s as often as I can because it brings back good memories and I always like visiting my friend “Tony.”
2483 Arthur Ave., Bronx, NY 10458
Bellini’s
I haven’t been to Bellini’s enough to truly judge their pizza, but what I can say is that the vegetable slice that I got a few weeks ago was out of this world. A newcomer to the Fordham pizza scene, Bellini’s is definitely already up there with the big-guys. They have tons of specialty slices (I hear the penne vodka slice is great) and a cute little atmosphere.
625 East 189th St., Bronx, NY 10458
Full Moon Pizza
Full Moon has a solid fan base that claim their slices are the biggest and tastiest. Always packed with tourists and Fordham students alike, Full Moon is a pretty big deal on Arthur Avenue. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve only had Full Moon twice. Of course it was delicious, but what I remember most is that both times I was served one plain slice on two plates because the slice was so big. Very impressive, delicious and filling.
My friend Elspeth found some great antique and second hand stores right in the Fordham area! Check out her post below. For mouth-watering food reviews and recipes check out her blog, To Stay or Go?
One day I was roaming around our little Belmont area and taking notes for a design project when I stumbled across two interesting little antiques stores: Big Apple Furniture and Antiques, and Diaz Second Hand Antiques.
Big Apple, off Third Ave. on 188th looked at first glance to be full of a bunch of junk, however I actually ended up seeing a few interesting things. I picked up a red and orange cast iron (I think) pot and lid that can go in the oven for $5. There was a bunch of women's clothes but it was all shoved in a space behind furniture that was inaccessible. The guy said he gets new stuff in often, so I think it could be a good little spot to check back once in a while.
Diaz Second Hand on 187th was mostly, if not all, furniture. I asked for kitchen stuff but they didn't have anything. It was a maze of tables, dressers, and chairs and had a really creepy cat. I didn't get anything there, but there was a ton of bed frames outside on the sidewalk, and it could be a good place to get furniture if you're moving to an off campus apartment nearby.
I was surprised to find these little stores in our neighborhood! I think there are a lot of little things around here that it is easy to be unaware of, but I like the idea of supporting little Bronx businesses for the time that we are here. It's too bad I only discovered these places in the end of my senior year!
Okay so maybe it is pretty miserable out today and the last thing you are thinking about is the blooming Bronx, but I’ve been waiting to use this title for awhile now and the Bronx is blooming, even if it is being overshadowed by the creepy fog and gross mist. I just have to express my appreciation for the budding trees and hint of spring in the air. After a tough winter we could all use a little reminding that spring is just around the corner.
Most people would not cite the Bronx as the best place to enjoy springtime and good weather, but these people are missing out. In honor of anticipated good weather, here are my top 3 recommendations for enjoying spring in the BX.
The Bronx Zoo
I’ve never had a pet, act awkward around most dogs and am horribly allergic to cats but the Bronx Zoo is definitely one of my favorite places to spend a beautiful afternoon. It always amazes me that exotic animals like flamingos, gorillas and mountain lions are my neighbors! My preferred animal is the polar bear because I think it’s pretty crazy that a polar bear lives in the Bronx. Also a must-see is the recently lost and then found Bronx Zoo cobra, definitely the zoo’s biggest celebrity at the moment. Probably the best part about the zoo, other then the fact that it’s within walking distance from my front door, is free-admission Wednesdays!
Botanical Gardens
I’m not a runner, but if I were a runner I would run through the Botanical Gardens every day. A massive beautiful garden in the middle of the Bronx is almost as unbelievable as a zoo in the middle of the Bronx, but you better believe it because it’s definitely the most impressive garden I’ve ever seen. With constantly changing special exhibits (even in the winter) and secluded spots to sit and reflect, the Botanical Garden is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Bronx.
Edward’s Parade
It’s not an exaggeration, Eddie’s might be my favorite place in the world. It seems simple, a large green area surrounded by a fence, but somehow Eddie’s is so much more. Even when I am no longer a Fordham student or Bronx resident, I will long for Eddie’s every perfect day of spring. Ideal for photo-ops (Keating always looks so majestic in the background!) and consuming refreshing spring beverages, Eddie’s is my top pick for enjoying the spring in the BX. I could go on and on but I will save that for a later post. Until then, I’ll see you on Eddie’s even if we’re all still wearing raincoats. The real spring will be here soon enough.
I'm not fashion guru but I do like getting dressed and going shopping. One of my favorite things about Fordham fashion is the way a lot of people integrate Fordham Road finds into their wardrobes. It takes a frequent Fordham Road shopper to recognize these pieces on other women (bejeweled sandals, big bags in loud colors, jingly quirky jewelry, etc) and sometimes it's completely impossible. I have friends who have found gorgeous President's Ball dresses and entire Spring Break wardrobes on Fordham Road that you would never expect they paid next to nothing for.
It takes a seasoned Fordham Road shopper (AKA a senior) to integrate these finds into her wardrobe without looking like a mannequin from Pretty Girl (great store, horrendously dressed mannequins). Usually all it takes is some understated pieces from other stores to help make these cheap additions look expensive, chic and unique.
Fordham Road is the best kept secret in NYC shopping and most Fordham girls are totally in the know, showing up to work or internships in Manhattan wearing pieces from stores our bosses and colleagues would never think of visiting.
Last week I was lucky enough to escape the dirt, grime and cold of the Bronx. Don't get my wrong, I love the Bronx (obviously) but everyone needs a vacation. Fourteen of my best friends and I embarked on the ultimate spring break trip to Freeport, Bahamas. I've never been to the Bahamas, or even the Caribbean (my parents always preferred summer vacations to cold places like Maine), so I wasn't sure what to expect. In my head the Bahamas was all peace, calm and tranquility sprinkled with fruity drinks and tropical music. While the fruity drinks prediction was dead on, we did not encounter much peace, calm or tranquility. We chose to plan our trip through a company called Student City which boasts 'the best spring break trips in the world." We figured everything would be easy and planned out for us, which did not turn out to be true. Without turning this post into a long complaint, let me just warn all readers to never under any circumstances book a trip with Student City.
We didn't let that ruin our trip though, and still had a great time soaking up the sun and enjoying the aforementioned drinks. Some of our fellow spring breakers who hailed from the Southern states had other ideas in mind which included bikini contests and body shots. While we chose not to participate, simply being around these creatures was pretty exhausting and I often found my cynical New York side come out as I wondered how they would fare in the Bronx. This isn't to say that I consider myself particularly tough and/or streetwise, but at least I could haggle with a street vendor and not stick out like a drunken, American idiot after a drink or two.
I've always thought of Fordham as a pretty college-y college (green space and lots of beer drinking) but after being blinded by sorority letters and deafened by school chants I can definitely say Fordham is a bit more sophisticated than I thought. Sure we hang out in bars named Mugz and pretend to be interested on the rare occasion that our sports teams do well, but we can also carry on a conversation about current events as we drink our beers in Mugz. I'm not trying to bash the south, I know plenty of smart, funny and cool people who hail from south of the Mason Dixon line. Unfortunately, they were not present on this trip.
After a bumpy shuttle ride, a cruise from the Bahamas to Florida, another bumpy shuttle ride, a 5 hour sleepover in the airport, a 5AM flight and a final taxi ride to Arthur Avenue, stepping over a pile of dog excrement and fumbling with the broken lock on my front door, I was proud and happy to say, "Home Sweet Home." I had a great time in the Bahamas, but sometimes a bagel from Simon's is all you need for a perfect day of relaxation.
Okay so I know I've already mentioned Munchiez on here at least once, and I know it doesn't have a great reputation (mainly because of the artery-clogging- heart-attack-inducing- insane-level-of-calories in their food), but I'm sorry, it's just so good. Unlike Simon's and Tony and Tina's which seem to have sporadic hours and, in the case of Simon's, a sporadic menu, Munchiez is always open when you want it (AKA after spending a night at tri-bar). Not only is Munchiez always open, but in recent weeks it's been almost as packed as Pugsley's. I will take this as a sign that others are catching on to the beauty that is Munchiez. Another Munchiez plus is the staff. Vlad and Pat are patient, nice and clearly geniuses for dreaming this place up.
As I've already mentioned, the mac and cheese bites are by far the best that Munchiez has to offer. My roommate Mary introduced me to the Munchiez gyro and I was pleasantly surprised. Although it is not authentic "street meat," it tasted just as delicious and I'm assuming the kitchen is a bit cleaner than street meat carts so that's a bonus. I'm also a big fan of the Skinny Bitch (chicken, bacon, cheese, tomato, mayo, lettuce in a wrap) and the Skinny Cheerleader (chicken, bacon, avocado, chipotle sauce, lettuce and tomato in a wrap).
I can't say that I've tried one of the sandwiches that Munchiez is known for, such as the Fat Munchiez (chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard) or the Fat Drunk (cheese steak, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, BBQ sauce lettuce and tomato), but last night a fellow Munchiez patron recommended the Fat Yankee, which involves the beloved mac and cheese bites, so I'm sure I'll be trying that soon. Also on my list is the quesadilla, a milkshake and Munchiez fries.
With so much delicious fried food left to try and only a few months left to try it, you better believe I'll be stepping up my Munchiez game and going there even more than I already do.
Ahhh the D train. Voted one of the city's worst subways, riding the D train is definitely always an experience. I have the pleasure of taking the D three times a week to and from my job in the West Village. Despite careful planning on my part, I can never seem to time my trips perfectly and always end up waiting in the station for far longer than anyone should ever wait for anything. While Fordham Road's B & D station is disgusting, and the trains themselves often reek of mysterious foul odors, I must admit that I sometimes find myself enjoying my D train experience. Here's why:
-Maybe it's creepy and maybe it's even a little weird, but I enjoy watching people. There is almost no better place to observe humankind than the D train. Whether the cars are packed with professionals traveling to work during rush hour or mothers and babies running errands, the D train is always full of interesting people and even more interesting situations. Anyone who has ridden the D at least once is bound to have observed some entertaining, disturbing or creepy situations. Singing homeless people? Check. Hilariously vulgar preteens? Check. Entertaining train conductors? Check.
- There's no need to travel to Broadway or the ballet for talented performances from some of the city's best entertainers. I once watched 9-year-old twins break dance better than anyone else I have ever seen as the D sped between 59th St and 125 St. I'm treated to an authentic Mariachi band almost every morning on my way to work. One time a lone guitar player followed my friends and I from 145th all the way down to the West Village, serenading us with songs he made up about us (okay that one was pretty creepy). New York Magazine just did an article on the city's best subway performers and while none of my favorites made the cut, I'll definitely have my eyes open for some of these underground musicians.
-While the commute can sometimes be a hassle and I hate having to wake up at least two hours before I have to be at work, I do value the forced relaxation that occurs when I am constricted to an underground pod for at least an hour and a half each day. Unlike people who drive to work, subway commuters, especially some D train commuters who are often traveling on the subway for at least 45 minutes each way, the trip allows us to read, listen to music, get work done, or just veg out. I complain all the time about my long commute, but I have to admit that the mandatory relaxation helps me start my day with a clear head.
While the D has its perks, we can't forget the screaming babies, foul odors, frequent delays, close quarters and annoying Yankees fans that often make the trip a living hell. But these are the things I try not to think about as I battle my way up Fordham Rd every morning.
When I think about the Marketplace a few things come to mind: wilted lettuce, weird meat dishes involving olives and cold, stale pizza. When I was living on campus and forced to go to the cafeteria everyday I spent a lot of nights eating bland pasta, loading up on tons of frozen yogurt and complaining. Thankfully, I live off campus now and can enjoy culinary delights from my own kitchen AKA Whole Foods burritos and lots of Annie's Mac and Cheese. Regardless, I have found myself missing the caf in the past few weeks as my senior friends and I have been reminiscing about all the time we spent "people-watching" (read: gossiping) and just overrall being carefree freshmen and sophomores with nowhere better to be.
After taking a trip down memory lane, my friend Erin and I decided to take Lauren, our Australian friend, to experience the Ultimate Dining Marketplace. Imagine my surprise when I discovered not only a burger bar stocked with a wide variety of breads, rolls, wraps and cheeses (blue cheese is my favorite!) but also a take-out area (no more stealing greasy grilled cheeses for a late night study session only to find them hard as a rock hours later). The vegetarian station has a million more options and baked potatoes are always available with a ton of garnishing options. I'm not going to lie, I was not only impressed but jealous of all of the people that get to eat there every day.
Maybe I'm just impressed because I haven't been there in a year and everything seemed new and exciting. Maybe it's because the novelty of having my own kitchen has worn off and I can better appreciate the luxury of a wide variety of prepared food and someone to clean my dishes. Whatever the reason, I thoroughly enjoyed my pilgrimage to the Ultimate Dining Marketplace. The only downfall: We barely knew anyone to gossip about.
Doing laundry is every college student’s least favorite chore. Fortunately, Arthur Avenue Clean House washes and folds my laundry to perfection so I don’t need to worry about turning my whites pink. There is nothing more satisfying than dropping my massive laundry bag off in the morning and picking up the same bag filled with freshly smelling and perfectly folded laundry the next night. The staff is super friendly and you can’t beat the price at 85 cents a pound. Best of all, Fordham students receive a 10% discount if they pay when they drop off their laundry.
Best Bodega
With bodegas on every corner in the Bronx, it seems as though everyone has a favorite. My favorite is Castillo on Arthur and 189th. While it is not as “high-end” as the bodegas that serve sandwiches and it isn’t open 24 hours, Castillo never disappoints. Always fully stocked with the best Ben and Jerry’s flavors and some surprisingly exotic beers, Castillo answers all of my late-night grocery needs. Another perk is the fact that the ATM distributes $10 bills, something I never knew I wanted until I realized how convenient it is.
Best Shopping
Fordham Road has long been regarded as the best shopping area in the Bronx. Shopping on Fordham Road is part marathon, part circus and part party. From metallic gold shorts to designer-esque over the knee boots and costume jewelry, anything a person could ever want can be found for unbeatable prices on Fordham Road. The street vendors also offer one of a kind merchandise like unique jewelry, scarves and I heart BX shirts in rainbow shades. With music blasting, cars honking, street food sizzling and people crowding the sidewalks, shopping on Fordham Road is definitely an experience.
Best Restaurant
With so much great Italian food on Arthur Avenue, it’s easy to forget that there are a ton of other delicious restaurants in the area. Estrellita Poblano III serves hands down the most delicious Mexican food I’ve ever tasted. My friends and I always start our meal with a big bowl of EP3’s fresh, slightly spicy guacamole. After that there are tons of authentic dishes to indulge in. I try to order something new every time I go, but sometimes find myself reverting back to the delicious cheese quesadillas served with rice and beans. Perhaps the best part of EP3 (besides the guac, of course) is their $2 Corona deal for Fordham students.
I enjoy Fordham’s tri-bar area as much as the next person but after almost four years my friends and I were eager to find something new. We had heard good things about Woodlawn and finally decided to try it out. Woodlawn is a neighborhood in the northern part of the Bronx known for its Irish population. After studying in Ireland last year and frequenting our fair share of Irish pubs, my friends and I were eager to check it out. We got a few recommendations from friends who live in the area and were on our way.
We went to Rambling House and Rory Dolan’s. With Magner’s Cider on tap and Irish bartenders behind the bar it was a pretty authentic experience! I have to admit that I was not expecting Woodlawn to be as authentic as it was, but I found myself thinking I was back in Dublin. I had no idea that there was such a lively Irish population just minutes away from my front door and I had almost forgotten how much fun Irish people can be after a Guinness or two. My friends and I had a great time reminiscing about Ireland, pretending we were back in Dublin and making new friends and then hopped in a gypsy cab and were back in our neighborhood in fifteen minutes.
Woodlawn was so different from the Belmont area that I am used to that it is hard to believe it’s only a few miles away. It's a great alternative for people bored with the Fordham bar scene but not in the mood to trek all the way to Manhattan. Plus, it's a great way to see a new part of the Bronx!
After living in the Bronx for almost four years I have found my favorite dishes at almost all of the local Bronx eating establishments. While many of my favorites are pretty standard and loved by all (Simon’s salads yum), I think I have also found some dishes and snacks that are a bit “off the beaten path.” Below I have laid out the Belmont Community’s Best Kept Dining Secrets.
Simon’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
I’ve always been a bit weary to try one of the chocolate chip cookies that are often displayed by the register at Simon’s. Maybe it’s because Simon’s was busted for health code violations my freshman year and I usually try to steer clear of anything that requires too much preparation, or maybe it’s because I’ve never seen anyone else order one so I figured they were the same cookies sitting on the tray visit after visit. Whatever the reason, one day I bucked it up and ordered a cookie. Fresh, gooey, chocolate-y and cooked to perfection, this cookie was fantastic and I regret not trying one sooner.
Munchiez Mac and Cheese Bites
Even though they specialize in massive sandwiches containing enough food for a week, Munchiez’s Mac and Cheese Bites are definitely the way to go. Essentially fried macaroni and cheese, I cannot get enough of these bite-sized balls of perfection. Even better, they are served with a side of ranch, which sounds weird but compliments the fried cheesiness perfectly.
Webster’s Nachos Supreme
Many people may be surprised to find a diner specializing in Mexican fare, but in the Bronx, anything is possible especially when it comes to food. Smothered in at least three types of cheese, red AND black beans and topped with a ton of fresh and slightly spicy delicious guacamole, plus tons of onions, peppers and tomatoes, Webster’s nachos are perfect for a late night snack or even a midday meal. Even better, Webster’s is almost always open and willing to deliver.
Gian Tina’s Gnocchi
Even after living in the Bronx for four years, it is difficult to try every single Italian restaurant on Arthur Avenue. Technically on 187th Street off of Arthur Avenue, Gian Tina’s is one of the Bronx’s best kept secrets for Italian dining. While almost all of the restaurants on Arthur serve delicious gnocchi, Gian Tinas Gnocchi Alla Jerry is by far the best I have ever tasted. Cooked to perfection and covered in some sort of mysterious cheesy yet tomato-y sauce, this is the dish I dreamed about and longed for when I was abroad in Ireland last year.
Of course there are plenty more delicious secrets hiding in the Bronx but these are my personal favorites. Even with only a few months left in the Bronx, I'm sure there will be more to come.
It seems appropriate that as I start this blog about Bronx living my friend Lauren from Australia has arrived to stay with me for a month. Lauren has never seen snow, let alone a bodega or the chaos that is Fordham Road at rush hour, so introducing her to my neighborhood has been an entertaining experience. So far she has enjoyed plenty of cheesy, fresh Pugsley’s pizza (exponentially better than the chalky, stale pizza we tried to enjoy during our semester together in Dublin last year),embraced the eclectic fashions available at the shops on Fordham Road and is already a regular at our corner bodega. Showing Lauren around the Bronx has re-opened my eyes to how much I love my neighborhood. With graduation fast approaching I am determined to soak up every last bit of the Bronx.
