When I’m not in Italy, I seek other comforts in my Italian American world.
Such as: New York’s REAL Little Italy: Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.
I’ve long loved this humble neighborhood of shops, bakeries, and restaurants—many that have been run by Italian-Americans for generations. It’s a kick to leave the skyscrapers of Manhattan behind, and in just a half hour feel as though I’m stepping back in time, to the days when I’d trail behind my mother on a shopping outing in the small town I grew up in, as we’d go from baker to deli to pizzeria—where everybody knew our names.
The Arthur Avenue neighborhood became even more dear to me when I signed up for Danielle Oteri’s Arthur Avenue Food Tour.
The inspiration for Danielle’s project came from her great grandfather, Albino Oteri, an immigrant from southern Italy who opened a baccala shop in 1918, that later became a butcher shop on Arthur Avenue—the same shop that was featured in the Academy Award winning film “Marty”. Danielle grew up in Westchester, hearing stories of the old days in the old neighborhood, when the whole family lived upstairs from the shop.
I can imagine Danielle’s ancestors smiling down upon her now, as she’s come full circle, creating an experience for her tour guests that brings the heart, soul, and history of the neighborhood to life. Her Arthur Avenue Food Tour has been highly praised in the travel media world, and recently was featured in The New Yorker…
*(Illustration of Danielle by Jenny Kroik — October 29, 2018, The New Yorker.)
Being on Arthur Avenue with Danielle means having an enriching insider’s experience, being welcomed like family to cozy shops, every delicious step we took. It was the perfect way to meet up with wonderful women I’ve traveled to Italy with…a happy reunion, where we felt surrounded by warm Italian spirit.
Some highlights…
Cafe al Mercato in the Arthur Avenue Retail market, where we were surrounded by beautiful produce, Ralph fixed me a divine cappuccino, while Danielle filled us in on the history of this neighborhood that began with Italian stonemasons who came to help build the nearby Bronx Zoo and Botanical Gardens…
Addero’s bakery…where signora bakers welcomed us on a chilly winter day with scrumptious sesame seed covered breadsticks…
Borgatti’s Ravioli and Egg Noodles, run by a Bolognese family since 1935. Tagliatelle hangs on ceiling racks to dry, vintage family photos surround workers rolling out golden dough, and Chris Borgatti, grandson of the founder, tells us how ravioli once sold here for a penny-a-piece…
Joe’s Deli is where Danielle tells us all the locals go to get the very best panini and cheeses…we’re treated to tastes of an aged pecorino infused with red wine…
Calabria Pork Store and its sausage chandelier wins for Best Photo Opp AND Best Aroma….
Lunch at Mangi Pasta…where Napoli comes to New York via signora Chef Aurora hand making pasta daily in these simple surroundings…
And the sweetest finish comes at Egidio Bakery, since 1912 , with its dazzling cases of traditional beloved goodies: cannolli, baba, pignoli, and the Best Rainbow Cookies in the World…
Grazie Mille Danielle!
If you’re in New York, get in on this fun, with your appetite and shopping bags…
CLICK HERE for Arthur Avenue Food Tour Info
(Tours operate daily, Tuesday-Saturday)
