Arthur Avenue: Small Town Charm, Big City Appetite

Belmont, known as Arthur Avenue or the Little Italy of the Bronx — or, to some, “the real Little Italy” — is one of New York City’s oldest Italian-American neighborhoods. Generations of Italian families have given this neighborhood a small-town character and a strong culinary identity.

Though the neighborhood has changed, with Puerto Ricans, Albanians, and Fordham students outnumbering Italians, many shops and restaurants are still owned and operated by the families who opened them three generations ago. And many Italian-Americans return often to the neighborhood, maintaining cultural and economic ties through the purchase of specialty food items that have become part and parcel of their family traditions.

Join us for a conversation moderated by Dr. Rocco Marinaccio of Manhattan College and including Angel Hernandez of the Bronx County Historical Society, plus local business owners. Afterward, stay for a reception with tastings from the neighborhood.

Panelists

• Chris Borgatti, owner, Borgatti's Ravioli & Egg Noodles


• David Greco, chef and owner, The Original Arthur Avenue Italian Deli (AKA Mike's Deli), Arthur Avenue Catering


• Angel Hernandez, Education Coordinator, Bronx County Historical Society


• Carmela Lucciola, owner, Egidio Pastry Shop


• Rocco Marinaccio, PhD, Professor of English, Manhattan College (moderator)


• Gil Teitel, owner, Teitel Brothers


• Vera Terranova, co-owner, Terranova Bakery

This program is part of the Museum of Food and Drink’s MOFAD City series and is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Check out MOFAD City's full lineup at programs.mofad.org.

PLEASE NOTE: East 187th Street from Arthur Avenue to Cambreleng Avenue will be closed the day of the event.

Photo: Chris Goldberg