THE BRONX TOURISM COUNCIL
TO AWARD WAVE HILL
THE 2017 BRONX WEEK TOURISM AWARD

Wave Hill, recently named the “Most Loved Cultural Venue in New York City” by Time Out New York magazine, will receive the 2017 Bronx Week Tourism Award at the annual Bronx Ball. The award, presented by The Bronx Tourism Council, recognizes the achievements of an individual or institution toward furthering the mission of making The Bronx a tourism destination.

A public garden and cultural center located in the northwestern corner of the borough, Wave Hill sits on 28 acres of gardens, lawns and woodland, with stunning views of the majestic Hudson River. In addition to the thousands of children it welcomes to school programs each year, and a world-class gallery of contemporary art, Wave Hill also offers myriad public programs, including guided garden walks, workshops in gardening, woodworking, drawing painting and wellness, as well as both indoor and outdoor concerts, year-round. The institution has enjoyed record-breaking participation for the past two years.

“The Wave Hill team has not only been enthusiastic in helping me welcome tour operators, travel journalists and other visitors from all over the globe, but also have played a key role in the success of our Mansions & Cottages: Historic Homes and Gardens of The Bronx Trolley Tour,” says Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of The Bronx Tourism Council.

“In The Bronx, we all know how special Wave Hill is, and I am proud not only of this amazing acknowledgment they have received but also for the hard work and love Wave Hill’s staff has put into making the garden a magical place. The Bronx Tourism award recognizes that work and commitment, and I look forward to honoring this wonderful organization at the 2017 Bronx Ball,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“On behalf of all the staff and the Board of Directors of Wave Hill,” remarked Wave Hill President and Executive Director Karen Meyerhoff, “I want to say thank you, we are so thrilled to receive this honor from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and The Bronx Tourism Council. Wave Hill is devoted to showcasing the rich and vibrant diversity of the Bronx and providing a place of peace and community for all of our visitors. We are a small organization, but we have a big impact on the lives of those we serve and a growing international reputation as a garden and cultural center. We are proud to be one of the gems in the crown of New York’s greenest borough, The Bronx.”

David Greco of Mike’s Deli received the 2015 Tourism Award for his work in attracting international visitors to the burgeoning Arthur Avenue market as well as supporting the Tourism Council by maintaining a BTC Visitor kiosk at the entrance of the market. The 2016 Tourism Award went to the City Island Chamber of Commerce for bringing thousands of visitors to the nautical village on their monthly Seaside Trolley Tours.

Bronx Week is a 10-day borough-wide celebration of The Best of The Bronx. Nearly 50 events produced by the Office of the Bronx Borough President, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, The Bronx Tourism Council, the Business Initiatives Corporation of New York, and several other public and private-sector institutions take place at various locations. The festival culminates with the induction of several individuals to the Bronx Walk of Fame located on the historic Grand Concourse. The celebrity-studded Bronx Ball will be held on Saturday, May 20^th at Split Rock. To purchase tickets download this form or contact The Bronx Tourism Council at 718.590.3518

BRONXeats:
Top Restaurateurs Share Secret Recipes!

 

The Bronx is known for a great many things: The largest urban zoo in the country, the winningest team in Major League Baseball, and the birthplace of hip hop. It’s also known for its diversity which is evident by the variety of cuisines represented in its restaurants. In a new series called BRONXeats, we will share some recipes from some of the top eateries in various parts of this borough.

Moules Marinieres courtesy of City Island’s BistroSK

Born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, restaurateur Stephane Kane made City Island the home of BistroSK, the only French restaurant in The Bronx. Established in 2011 BSK specializes in Gallic favorites such as escargot persillés (escargot in a garlic and parsley butter sauce) and coq au vin (chicken stew in red wine). But the restaurant is also known for the best mussels this side of the Atlantic.

Download Chef Paredes’ recipe for Moules Marinieres.

See restaurant’s video here.

 

 

Mike’s Deli Famous Eggplant Parmigiana as seen on Food Network

Arthur Avenue is considered the Real Little Italy and was recently named one of America’s Greatest Streets by the American Planning Association. Celebrity Chef and 3^rd generation Arthur Avenue business owner David Greco shares his secret eggplant parmigiana recipe. The best part of this recipe is that you don’t have to go far to get the ingredients. Everything can be found at Mike’s Deli inside the Arthur Avenue Market. Oh, and one little piece of advice…it’s pronounced MOO tsah rela. If you ask for 
MAH tsa rela David will look at you funny. Here is a “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” champion Eggplant Parimigiana by Chef David Greco of Mike’s Deli.

Download David Greco's Famous Eggplant Parmigiana recipe

 

Moss Café Scottish Drop Scones

Emily Weisberg grew up in a small town in Wisconsin surrounded by farmland and has worked in restaurants for many years. When she moved to The Bronx in 2014, she found it difficult to locate farm-to-table options that would nourish her dietary preferences in the borough. Banking on the idea that others shared her need for organic, vegetarian, pescatarian and kosher options, she opened up Moss Café, a quaint eatery located in Riverdale. The majority of the produce comes from local farms and farm coops lending itself to an ever-changing menu inspired by the season. The restaurant, with its culturally-diverse staff and customer base, has become a hub where the community comes to connect over a glass of wine, beer or some espresso.

Download Emily’s recipe for Scottish Drop Scones

See restaurant’s video here

On October 4, 2016, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined the American Planning Association (APA) and elected officials, business and community leaders from across the city as the APA named Arthur Avenue as one of the Great Streets of America, as part of the organization’s annual list of Great Places in America in celebration of National Planning Month.

Arthur Avenue is one of the classic streets of New York City, combining ethnic and economic diversity and a strong commercial and cultural base. It celebrates its rich Italian heritage and cultures with highly-rated restaurants, butcher shops, fine bakeries, world-class delis and groceries, and shops of all kinds, all in dense, compact mixed-used buildings.

“This is a tremendous recognition for Arthur Avenue, and The Bronx is proud to celebrate today as this amazing street is named one of the greatest in our nation by the American Planning Association,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The Belmont community is filled with amazing restaurants and shops, and is one of the finest tourist destinations in the region, if not the world. We already knew how great this neighborhood is…but now the rest of the country knows that the best place to be is right here in The Bronx, right here on Arthur Avenue.” 

 “Arthur Avenue is an example of how careful planning, public engagement and innovation can create a better place to live, work, play and visit,” said Carol Rhea, FAICP, president of APA. “This collaboration have made Arthur Avenue a legacy and destination.” 

As part of National Community Planning Month, APA’s Great Places in America program recognizes streets, neighborhoods and public spaces in the United States that demonstrate exceptional character, quality and planning—attributes that enrich communities, facilitate economic growth and inspire others around the country. The Great Neighborhoods, Great Streets, and Great Public Spaces of 2016 are places that are unique and exemplary in their amenities and infrastructure, cultural identity and use of sustainable and innovative practices.

“This distinction is an honor that further cements Arthur's Ave indelible contributions and significance to the Bronx and New York City. The street's remarkable history, long-standing businesses, cultural importance and people who have made it great is now receiving the recognition it rightfully deserves, and I am proud to represent the district where Arthur Avenue is located,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

“As Chairman of the Business Improvement District and one of many third and fourth generation business owners on Arthur Avenue, I want to express our gratitude for honoring Arthur Avenue as one of the five best streets in America.  Generations of Italian families, and those that support this community, have helped insure Arthur Avenue remains vibrant, authentic and true to its deep cultural roots. Anyone who has walked, shopped or dined on Arthur Avenue appreciates its unique qualities as an al fresco shopping bazaar. We hope the gracious recognition we received today will inspire many more and future generations to come find out what makes Arthur Avenue, or as so many refer to it ‘the neighborhood,’ such a special place,” said Peter Madonia, Chairman, Belmont Business Improvement District and Owner, Madonia Brothers Bakery.

“The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation is delighted that Arthur Avenue is being recognized for their iconic neighborhood and businesses that provide a warm and savory flavor to our borough.  It is an area that is full of hard working small businesses that is unique and beloved by all including the many tourists that frequent it daily.  We look forward to supporting it for decades to come,” said Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

"Since 1981, the Belmont Library has sat adjacent to Arthur Avenue, offering key services to the vibrant community while enjoying the energy, uniqueness, and spirit of the Bronx's own Little Italy," said New York Public Library Chief Operating Officer Iris Weinshall. "The dedicated staff at this branch can certainly attest to the greatness of this storied street and the people that bring it to life. We are proud to honor that tradition with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and The American Planning Association."

“Arthur Avenue embodies the American Dream that has made our Borough so strong. It is an economic engine that has deep roots within the Italian American culture and that continues to draw and captivate visitors whether they live around the corner or across New York State,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “I am very proud to join Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the American Planning Association in recognizing Arthur Avenue as one the greatest streets in our country.” 

“Arthur Avenue is one of our gems. Tens of thousands of tourists come through this area we call the real Little Italy to experience the food and the culture of Italian Americans here in The Bronx,” said Olga Luz Tirado, executive director, The Bronx Tourism Council.

Since launching the Great Places in America program in 2007, APA has recognized 260 neighborhoods, streets and public spaces around the country. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement and a vision for the future.

For the third year, members of the public can suggest their favorite public space, neighborhood, or street to earn a “People’s Choice” designation. During the first half of October, individuals can offer suggestions via APA’s social media channels using the hashtag #APAgreatplaces. APA will select five finalists that the public can vote on via APA’s website. The “People’s Choice” winner is announced in early November 2016.

For more information about these streets, as well as APA’s Great Neighborhoods and Public Spaces for 2016 and previous years, visit www.planning.org/greatplaces.

You can also find more information on National Community Planning Month by visiting www.planning.org/ncpm.

 

News Coverage:

PIX11: Arthur Avenue to be honored as one of America’s Great Places

Next City: Ranking Public Spaces That Put Community First

Metro: Bronx’s Arthur Avenue named Great Street of America

CBS New York: Bronx’s Arthur Avenue Recognized As One Of The ‘Great Streets Of America’