May 2020

We’re Open – Randazzo’s Seafood
May 28, 2020: News 12 The Bronx
Randazzo’s Seafood on Arthur Avenue is making the shopping experience for customers safe. Customers and employees are required to wear face masks and social distancing rules apply. Extra cleaning protocols are also taking place. Fortunately, the high quality and freshness of their seafood products remains the same. Watch the segment, here.

Arthur Avenue Food Tours Launch Virtual Cooking Classes, Cookbook Club, and More
May 28, 2020: BronxMama
Due to the pandemic, Arthur Avenue Food Tours is not currently running their neighborhood tours, however they’re helping fans connect with the neighborhood by offering a virtual cooking class and tour of the community with MOFAD next week. They’re also introducing a virtual Italy vacation, which features cooking classes, wine classes, art and history classes, and more, all accompanied by products from the neighborhood. Read more, here.

Call to Reopen Their Doors
May 26, 2020: CBS
Restaurants are just one of the industries suffering due to the COVID-19 crisis. Many owners are ready to open quickly and more importantly, safely. It’s important to restart the economy, you will lose the soul of the City losing neighborhoods like Bronx Little Italy and others states Peter Madonia of Madonia Bakery. Watch the segment, here.

Manicotti with Marinara Sauce: Little Italy’s Recipe by Borgatti’s
May 25, 2020: La Cucina Italiana
Passed down by five generations recipe, Borgatti’s fresh manicotti recipe never gets old. Cook this delectable manicotti and marinara sauce as a family to repeat the fun the Borgatti’s have in the kitchen. Read more, here.

Despite Facing Coronavirus Harship, Bronx Bar Hands Out Free Food to Locals in Need
May 23, 2020: NY1
Due to the pandemic, Howl at the Moon had to temporarily close its doors after more than 20 years in business. Those doors opened this past weekend as the owners and staff graciously handed out 1,000 sandwiches and snacks for free to residents of the community. Read more, here.

The Resilience of Local Businesses: Little Italy in the Bronx
May 20, 2020: Italics Magazine
While businesses across the world are adapting to the “new normal”, Little Italy in the Bronx is also doing their part to give back to the community. Numerous local businesses have found ways to support others including donating food to first responders and healthcare workers. Read more, here.

“Back Off”: Ex- Bloomberg Chief of Staff on Gov’t’s Role in Small Business Recovery
May 20, 2020: WCBS Newsradio 880
This isn’t just about revenue and profits shares Peter Madonia, of Madonia Bakery. City and state governments should provide guidelines for reopening and entrepreneurs should develop their own solutions. Listen to the segment, here.

Hometown Helpers: Bronx Jesuit school raises $50k to supply St. Barnabas Hospital workers battling coronavirus with meals from famed Arthur Ave. deli
May 19, 2020: Daily News
Mike’s Deli partnered up with nearby Fordham Preparatory School to provide a month of lunches for workers on the coronavirus front line at St. Barnabas Hospital. All made possible through the school’s Lunch for Life initiative, an idea started by Fr. Christopher Devron. Read more, here.

Little Italy’s Homemade Bread Recipe by Madonia Brothers Bakery
May 16, 2020: La Cucina Italiana
From Little Italy to your home, a simple homemade bread recipe – Sicilian style! Co-owner Peter Madonia shares that the product needs to be excellent and consistent every day. Sacrifice is certainly part of being a professional baker, but few tasks are as meditative and rewarding as baking bread at home. Madonia Bakery shares a recipe for homemade bread. Read more, here.

In Memoriam
May 14, 2020: CBS
Joseph Migliucci was a fixture on Arthur Ave, a patriarch of Mario’s Restaurant, where he did everything from cooking to running front of the house. Joe was a dedicated family man and will be missed by all who knew him. Watch the segment, here.

How an Italian Bakery Has Made Olive Bread For Over 100 Years
May 13, 2020: Eater
Madonia Brothers Bakery in Bronx Little Italy, is an old-school, family-run, Italian bakery, and famous for its olive bread. Unlike cooking, which can be improvised, baking can’t be deviated from the program, says baker Jason Lalima. “There’s no reason to change perfection.” Read more, here.

Reviving New York’s Tourism Industry
May 12, 2020: Manhattan Institute
Belmont BID Chairman, Peter Madonia, joined a virtual discussion that reviews the devastation the tourism industry has faced due to COVID-19. Fortunately, there are ideas for what the recovery process will look like. Watch the segment, here.

Mother’s Day business in Belmont affected by COVID-19 pandemic
May 8, 2020: News 12 The Bronx
Mother’s Day is approaching, and while there isn’t the usual hustle and bustle along Arthur Avenue, you can still bring mom her favorites, whether it’s a bottle of wine from Arthur Cantina, or pastries from Gino’s Pastry Shop. Happy Mother’s Day! Watch the segment, here.

34 NYC Destinations Serving Cake, Cookies, and Other Sweet Treats
May 7, 2020: Eater
For those in search of sweet treats, there are dozens of bakeries still open during the COVID-19 crisis. Gino’s Pasty Shop is one local bakery that has remained opened and offers takeout, curbside pick up and shipping on their fresh and delicious baked goods. Read more, here.

NYC’s Reopening Plan Includes Advisory Board With Three Bronx Restaurateurs
May 7, 2020: Eater
Co-owners of the Bronx Beer Hall, Anthony and Paul Ramirez, have been appointed to Mayor de Blasio’s Small Business Advisory Council. 31 business owners and organization leaders will help restart business across the five boroughs by creating a reopening strategy. Read more, here.

Those We’ve Lost
May 6, 2020: Eater
In NYC, where COVID-19 has hit harder than anywhere in the country, the number of people dying in the restaurant industry is growing. Little Italy lost Joseph Migliucci, owner of 101 year old, Mario’s Restaurant. He is sorely missed and will be remembered as an individual with a big heart and soul. Read more, here.

An Italian Specialty for Spring, Veal, for Takeout and Delivery
May 5, 2020: New York Times
There are a variety of foods that can satisfy the appetite for Italian specialties.While some are easy to make at home, others, like veal, can be quite challenging. Luckily Antonio’s Trattoria and Mike’s Deli both have delectable veal specials you can get to go. Read more, here.

The Worst of Times Brings Out the Best of the Bronx
May 5, 2020: NBC
Cinco De Mayo looks different this year, but restaurants like our local Estrellita Poblana III are offering take out on traditional dishes so customers can still celebrate – margaritas included! Watch the segment, here.

The Worst of Times Brings Out the Best of the Bronx
May 1, 2020: I Love the Bronx
The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating to our community and businesses, but there are a number of establishments that have relied to support essential workers. Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue has donated Italian comfort food to nearby SBH employees, and Mike’s Deli has partnered with Fordham Prep for their “Lunch for Life” program to benefit the emergency department at SBH. Read more, here.

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