Written by Dondre Green / Photos by Hunter Reveur
Our second annual magazine release event was a success. We appreciate everyone who came out and supported. If you weren't able to snag your copy but reside in NYC, you can via one of our retailers. These include: The Miles Coffee Bar, Verde Flowers, Casa Magazines, Quimby's Bookstore NYC and MoMa PS1.
Written by Dondre Green / Design by Hoay Smith
For our seventeenth episode we talked with Founding Pastor of All Saints Church, Eric Hoke.
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For our seventeenth episode, we talked with the Founding Pastor of All Saints Church, Eric Hoke. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Eric Hoke https://www.instagram.com/erichoke/ https://www.instagram.com/allsaintschurchnyc https://twitter.com/erichoke https://allsaintsnyc.com Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg
Written by Dondre Green / Design by Hoay Smith
For our sixteenth episode we talked with Photographer, Hunter Reveur
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For our sixteenth episode, we talked with Photographer, Hunter Reveur. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Hunter Reveuur instagram.com/hunterreveur https://overthecherrymoon.com / https://quickeasenow.com Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg
Written by Jeannie Smith / Photos by Dondre Green
I smacked the back of my spoon on top of my crème brûlée, revealing the basil infused custard lying beneath its torched surface, it’s aroma incredibly charming. I was already full, but I'm not one to turn down dessert. I took a spoonful.
"Oh my goodness," I moaned loudly, leaning all of my weight from tonight’s dinner into the back of the chair. My friend who sat across from me looked up from her spoon and laughed. We couldn't understand how we were in an Italian restaurant in the Bronx and NOT on Arthur Avenue, for me, the two is seemingly synonymous with one another. This association was surely challenged by tonight’s adventure in the South Bronx to Porto Salvo on 161st between Melrose and Elton Avenues as part of “Savor the Bronx” restaurant week.
Upon seating, I quickly took stock of the space around me: seahorses, low hanging lights, white tiles and wood lining the bar and walls. A boat steering wheel hung on the far end of the bar. Behind it hung a captain’s hat. The nautical décor transports one to an old Italian port tavern to which the restaurant derives its interior.
The ambience was relaxed. It was something I found myself taking note of repeatedly: how comfortable I was, how comfortable everyone around me seemed to be. It was a relatively busy night for the budding restaurant, shy of being open only five months. We sat next to a table of about eight, a good-humored and lively group, but I was able to hear my friend clearly as if she were sitting right next to me. For the most part, patrons appeared to be locals. The restaurant stands alone on the block, save for a deli at one corner, and a fresh foods market and an African market sandwiching both sides of the restaurant. Service wasn’t rushed, which I typically prefer. I’m not one to want my meals so quickly, especially multiple courses. It helps to appreciate the full culinary experience of a home cooked meal coupled with the intimacy of enjoying good conversation and several glasses of wine in between. From my experience, this also tends to be typical of most authentic style restaurants where one can be assured that their food is prepared fresh and made to order.
Porto Salvo was one of the latest restaurants I couldn’t wait to try out. I followed them on Facebook, on Instagram, all before actually stepping foot inside of it. For all I knew this could have been a total disappointment, which, thankfully, it was not. In a recent conversation, Mark Lu, one of the restaurant partners, spoke a truth that all foodies live by:
“[Customers] are looking for an experience. They are not just looking for something to eat. They are coming out to connect with people. They are coming out to socialize versus ordering in.”
This is an important fact. To live in one of the most incredible, diverse cities in the world, as much as I love to eat, I am hungrier for an experience and I don’t always want to swipe my Metrocard and leave the mainland behind in search of it. Call it Bronx pride. Heck, call it sheer laziness, I wouldn’t be entirely offended, but one thing I do know is that I can have both a good meal and the experience of fine dining right here in my home borough.
In the beginning of the restaurant’s establishment, finding ways to bring the fine dining experience to the locals has always been a priority. Often, Lu and his partner (in business and in life) Luigi Ghidetti, who is also the executive chef, would shed their labels as restaurant owners and sit down with the patrons and casually converse with them in order to understand what they most desired in a fine dining experience:
“The idea of us being owners and chefs, being there and engaging [with] the locals after they consumed a meal; we [would ask], ‘How do you feel, you know, when you look at the menu?’ and ‘What would you like to see? What sort of basic ingredients would you like to see?’ And then we connect those meals that they would like to consume with some of the recipes we already have and then we can present that dish later on…[W]e have done two or three iterations of the menu, and those menus have been adjusted and continue to adjust to the local taste but without compromising the recipes we already have. That I think is important because, you know, you cannot say that, or no restaurant can say that, ‘Well we have great food!’, but is it the food that the local people are looking forward to having [for] dinner?”
“Savor the Bronx” restaurant week afforded us the opportunity to enjoy a three-course old Italian style cuisine meal for only $35, which included a glass of their house wine. I started with their homemade crab cake served over cauliflower and string beans with a light white drizzle sauce, my friend enjoying their Bruschetta Funghi e Fontina (mixed mushrooms, fontina cheese, and truffle oil over toasted peasant bread). For the main course, I had their homemade ravioli with sausage and potatoes with a rosemary sauce (an incredibly aromatic meal!) while she had the grilled salmon with string beans, roasted tomatoes and potatoes. Portions sizes of both of our appetizers and main courses were impressive and we find ourselves full rather quickly and taking leftovers home. Of course, saving enough room for dessert.
"Frittura mista” (mixed with apple, cauliflower and zucchini)
From my seat, I could smell several other patron’s plates as they were being delivered to their tables, curious about that they were having, asking myself if I made the wrong decision, instead confirming that I would just need to come back and try another menu item. In chatting with the waiter, it was clear that the restaurant met the need for more options for “a night out” without having to travel too far from home, a personal philosophy I stand by for my weekend adventures. Lu recalls similar frustrations with trying to convince some of his friends to come visit him here in the Bronx:
“When we call up friends, they always say, ‘Well you come to me and meet me at such and such,’ which is usually not in the Bronx, and then you have to be the one, as a resident of the Bronx, that has to travel out of the borough. But then when you decide to say, ‘Well, why don’t you come up for once?’, then they quickly say, ‘Well, there’s nothing near you,’ or you all end up going to Riverdale, or Arthur Avenue or a little further [out and away]. They come and meet you at your apartment and then [you all] have to travel to another place…it’s always an extra step further and it really prevents people from connecting.”
These “compromises” shouldn’t have to come at a cost of living in the Bronx. Bronx pride is strong, and real! And anything that deepens this emotion is worth proudly representing, Thankfully, places like Porto Salvo are an important reminder on all that our borough has to offer, specifically to its locals. We can begin to abandon the idea that we need to travel into Manhattan for a good meal and great drinks. Instead, we can invest in exploring the open seas that is our home borough and discover new places to drop anchor. With a well-stocked bar featuring local draft beers, a variety of wines, and a menu full of authentic Italian cookery made to order at an affordable price, and most important, the feeling of being home, I wouldn’t be surprised if Porto Salvo becomes a frequent weeknight hot spot. And knowing that they offer brunch (with outdoor seating, sch’mon summer!), I wouldn’t be surprised if I find myself pulling into port and dropping my anchor again and again.
Written by Dondre Green / Design by Hoay Smith
For our fifteenth episode we talked with Founder & CEO of BORNjuice, Henry Obispo.
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For our fifteenth episode, we talked with Founder & CEO of BORNjuice, Henry Obisqo. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Henry Obisqo instagram.com/henriquebishop facebook.com/bornjuicebar/ Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg
Written by Samantha Blake / Photos by Dondre Green
Take a walk down Bronx Boulevard and you’re sure to be greeted by food wrappers, used toothpicks and most notoriously, dog feces. In fact, at the Montefiore Medical facilities between East 234th and East 236th street, lab tests placed in outside pickup bins, sit just a few feet from piles of dog waste.
There are very few public litter baskets in this North Bronx community, so pedestrians tend to throw personal garbage right on the sidewalk. Although residents have the right to request public litter baskets, a September request for a litter basket was denied by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY). “It’s a low trafficked area and placing a litter basket there would attract further dumping,” James O’Connor, a Community Associate at DSNY informed Bronx Narratives.
However, with the presence of a cardiovascular facility, an OB/GYN and Geriatrics center, along with the Metro North Railroad Woodlawn Station just two blocks away, many would argue that the area receives a moderate amount of traffic – enough traffic to deserve a garbage bin.
“[The Department of Sanitation] should come clean the sidewalk, but they don’t.”
Although street cleaning happens here six days a week, sidewalks are not included in that process. Business owners and employees on that street gave cleanliness a poor rating. Pedestrians have also spotted rats in the daytime. “[The Department of Sanitation] should come clean the sidewalk, but they don’t,” says Tanairy Gonzalez, a medical secretary at the OBGYN facility on the block.
And that’s where finger pointing and the blame-game come to play.
Tamar, a Customer Service Representative at NYC’s 311, says the DSNY is not responsible for sidewalk cleaning. They are only held responsible for garbage removal, street cleaning and snow removal. “Residential property owners must clean the sidewalks adjoining their property and 18 inches from the curb into the street.”
As for the neighborhood’s animal waste problem, there are no “Curb Your Dog” signs to remind dog walkers of their responsibility. In fact, since 2013, there has been a cutback on more than 1,000 dog waste signs, in an attempt to clear up sign clutter across NYC. At the time, former DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan told the New York Post that, “New Yorkers know they need to clean up after their dogs, so I don’t foresee any problems....” Four years later and residents feel dog waste continues to be an ongoing issue.
Employees in the neighborhood also agree they have witnessed the DSNY police hand out more fines for parking violations than for dog waste.
According to the city’s Pooper Scooper Law, property owners are expected to clean up animal waste, even if the animal doesn’t belong to them. So when a dog litters on your sidewalk, if the dog walker doesn’t clean up, that waste becomes your responsibility. However, property owners do have the right to report any dog walkers who fail to pick up after their dogs. Property owners can call 311 or file a Dog or Animal Waste Complaint online. Violators are subject to a $250 fine. This law does not apply to Service Dogs being walked by those who have special needs.
Since Bronx Narratives began researching this story in late September, sidewalks have become visibly cleaner, proving that, neighborhood cleanliness is not just one party's responsibility. When the DSNY, property owners and pedestrians each do their part to pick up trash and properly dispose of litter, residents experience a cleaner, more improved Bronx.
Written by Kayla Smith / Photos by Dondre Green
An EDM version of “Treasure” by Bruno Mars blared through the speakers to pump up the crowd for the bike ride ahead. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. started the countdown and the first group of cyclists, the 40 milers, were off followed by my group, the 25 milers.
Sunday, October 22nd marked the 23rd Annual Tour de Bronx, New York State’s largest free cycling event. I joined with more than 6000 people who trekked up the steep urban terrain of the Grand Concourse to take part in Tour de Bronx. Some 2000+ avid riders tackled the scenic 40 mile route through City Island, Orchard Beach, Woodlawn Cemetery and more. While those choosing the casual 25 mile course rode through several lovely Bronx parks.
Riders from all over New York City, visitors from New Jersey, Connecticut and a few participants from out of the country were greeted by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. He spoke highly of the birthplace of doo-wop, salsa and hip hop, and also reminded us that the tour was an opportunity to make strides in #Not62, a collaborative campaign for a healthier Bronx by 2020. #Not62 was created after the release of the 2014 Robert Wood Johnson County Health Ranking Report which ranked the Bronx the unhealthiest county; last of 62 counties.
“My favorite route was the Soundview Greenway, a trail along the Bronx River. The sun bounced off the river while golden brown leaves fell from the trees, it was the perfect view to complement the unusually warm mid-October morning. ”
Bikers doing their final registration before they started the race.
I spoke with riders who participated in Tour de Bronx for many years, one rider mentioned this was his seventh year. Another rider told me this was her comeback after a few years hiatus. For me, the novice, Tour de Bronx was an opportunity for a new experience and to view the Bronx from a new perspective.
My favorite route was the Soundview Greenway, a trail along the Bronx River. The sun bounced off the river while golden brown leaves fell from the trees, it was the perfect view to complement the unusually warm mid-October morning.
Some riders pedaled past me, the bikes they rode were as diverse as the crowd. Unicycles, bikes with the thickest tires I’d ever seen, some that looked like motorcycles, and bikes made for two, carried the young and the old, experienced and the novice. Together we shared this experience. The unity was palpable.
That feeling began for me after I carried my bike up the steps to the Lexington Avenue bound 4 train platform and spotted a few riders on their way. It grew as I exited the train at 161-Yankee Stadium and saw the sea of people rolling their bikes out of every train car. It grew even more still along the way to the finish line. Bronx residents encouraged us almost every step of the way with signs. Some shouted, “Keep going! Don't quit!” This was the fuel I needed to keep going.
A cyclist and his unique bike who we ran into after the event.
I crossed the finish line and received my trophy, a t-shirt commemorating the 23rd ride. We sat in a large grassy field in The New York Botanical Garden enjoying the music festival and a free slice of pizza courtesy of Domino’s. My legs felt like jelly but It was worth it.
Putting yourself in new situations is a great way to learn about yourself and the world around you. It connects you with people you may not otherwise meet. I gained two new bike riding partners that day. They’ve invited me to do a 40 mile ride with them, my acceptance is pending. But I don’t doubt that I can do it, Tour de Bronx was a testament that I could.
Written by Dondre Green / Design by Hoay Smith
For our fourteenth episode we talked with Bronx Emcee and Fitness Instructor, Efrain Opus.
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For our fourteenth episode, we talked with Bronx Emcee and Fitness Coach, Efrain Opus. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Efrain Opus instagram.com/efrainopus soundcloud.com/efrainopus Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg
Written by Dondre Green / Design by Hoay Smith
For our thirteenth episode, we took a break from our regularly scheduled program and discussed the state of Bronx Narratives, personal projects that we've been working on and injustice around the borough.
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For our thirteenth episode, we took a break from our regularly scheduled program and discussed the state of Bronx Narratives, personal projects that we've been working on and injustice around the borough. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com Kayla Smith instagram.com/kaythecreative Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg
Written by Dondre Green / Design by Hoay Smith
For our twelfth episode we talked with Photographer and Visual Artist, J.Shotti and his friends.
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For our twelfth episode, we talked with Photographer & Visual Artist, J.Shotti and his friends. Visit our website at: www.bronxnarratives.com Comments/suggestions/feedback: info@bronxnarratives.com J.Shotti www.jshotti.com instagram.com/jshotti facebook.com/jshotti Jorge Martorell instagram.com/jorge_martorell Phil Dganski instagram.com/phildganksi Hascan DJ instagram.com/hascandj Hoay Smith instagram.com/hoaysmith twitter.com/hoaysmith Dondre Green www.dondregreen.com instagram.com/dondregreen twitter.com/dondreg Jonathan Cabral instagram.com/joncabral11