Considered the real Little Italy of New York by residents, Arthur Avenue in the Bronx is the best place for bread, pasta, meat, pastries, espresso machines, the only place to buy Italian sausage and more. Many New Yorkers never heard of the place, while for others its home away from home … although it is often a well-kept secret. Arthur Avenue is in the Belmont section of the Bronx.
Whether you call it Belmont, Little Italy of the Bronx or Arthur Avenue, the neighborhood beats its rivals in the sheer number of establishments for shopping for fine Italian American foods, house wares and other goods. The quality and values are tops – a recent ranking confirmed once again by critics like Zagat whose readers repeatedly give “Best Buy” status to more Arthur Avenue shops than any other neighborhood in New York City.
Generations of Italian families have given the area a special small-town character unique for an urban setting, at the same time establishing traditions that permeate the neighborhood like the sweet smell of pizza or peppers. Among the notables born here are actor Chazz Palminteri, author Don DiLillo and rock star Dion DiMucci, whose group Dion and the Belmonts is named after the local street Belmont Avenue.
Today the tradition continues with grandchildren and great-grandchildren remaining on Arthur Avenue or returning here to own and manage business begun by their immigrant ancestors. “Nearly every shop on Arthur Avenue is already an institution,” as one visitor put it. The vast array of markets, butchers, and pastry and pasta shops is supported not only by longtime area residents but also their relatives and children from far and wide, who regularly return for the tastes and memories especially at Easter time.
This one stop shopping area includes Vincent’s Meat Market located at 2374 Arthur Avenue. For your holiday dinner table, no one beats Vincent’s for their fine selection of lamb, baby goat, rabbit or roast. Since 1954 they have been providing shoppers with the highest quality of meats, along with their favorite recipes and tips to make your meal perfect!
Addeo Bakery is a must stop to order your Easter breads. For over 80 years, they have been at 2372 Hughes Avenue, making sure their products are fresh and to your liking. No matter what is served for your main meal, bread is always a welcomed addition, whether with an oil dip or to sneak a dip into the sauce.
Since 1935, Borgatti’s ravioli and noodles at 632 East 187th Street, has been known for their home style ricotta ravioli, manicotti, cavatelli, fresh egg noodles, whole wheat pastas, spinach pasta and any other flavor of pasta imaginable. “Well worth the Trip” is their slogan and rightfully so. Put your order in early to get the freshest pasta for Easter dinner.
For over 100 years, Teitel Brothers has been serving the Arthur Avenue community. They carry a complete line of Italian products, including olive oils from Italy, San Marzano tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and any other grocery you would need to compliment your holiday table. Located at 2372 Arthur Avenue, stop and in be amazed!
Good Friday is the holiest day of the year for Catholics. It is the solemn day that Jesus Christ was crucified and died for our sins. As a day of penance, Catholics do not eat any meat on that day. This year, make your Arthur Avenue shopping trip to Cosenza’s Fish Market, 2354 Arthur Avenue and pick out the freshest fish you will find anywhere. Your family will love you when you make their favorite seafood dinner. While there, stock up your freezer with cod, shrimp, lobster, crab meat and much more, to savor at a later dinner.
For the cigar-loving men out there, La Casa Grande Cigars offers the freshest and most flavorful cigars in the area. Located at 2344 Arthur Avenue, La Casa Grande also carries humidors, personalized matches, labels, cigar boxes and anything else needed for your smoke. They are also available with their cigar catering and rolling packages for weddings, bachelor parties or other special occasion. So while the wife is shopping, stop in and enjoy a cigar!
CAPTIONS
1 (page 13)
ADDEO BAKERS is located at 2372 Hughes Avenue in the Bronx and for over 80 years they have been baking quality bread and rolls. Sal and Larry Addeo, pictured here are the second generation of the Addeo family bakers. Put your orders in early for your Easter feast on April 1.
2 (page 14)
CHRIS BORGATTI, owner of the world renowned Borgatti’s Ravioli and Egg Noodles, holds a photo of his grandparents, Lindo and Maria Borgatti. This store has been located at 632 East 187th Street in the Bronx since 1935. Make sure you stop in and pick up all your Easter holiday needs.
3 (page 15)
TEITEL BROTHERS on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, has been serving the community since 1915, with their grocery and Italian products. Bring your list of the hardest to find Italian items and you’ll walk out with an armful of specialties. This Easter, make a special trip to the Bronx and you’ll be glad you did.
