Holiday Train Show - Where to Eat

Where to eat out when you attend the Holiday Train Show at the NY Botanical Garden. -Photo by Dan Gesslein

By Morris Gut 

Manhattan Voice 

November 25, 2023

NEW YORK - The glittering 32nd Holiday Train Show is on track through January 15th , 2023, at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx near Fordham University.

It’s an annual seasonal treat; a must for the young and the young at heart. I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and seeing the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. For additional info, times, and advanced tickets: www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/  After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are easy-to-reach suggestions…

HOLIDAY DINING AT NYBG! 

There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. Early dining is recommended since they keep Garden hours to 6 pm most days. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/ 

Check out the special Bar Car Nights featuring curated food & cocktails: Dec. 7 & 14; Jan. 5, 7 pm to 10 pm. For adults 21 and over. Advanced tickets and reservations advised. www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/bar-car-nights/ 

MARIO’S IN NEARBY LITTLE ITALY!

Arthur Ave. is just a stone’s throw from the Garden. Since 1919 five generations of the Migliucci family have worked the front and back-of-the-house making sure patrons are well served at this venerable ‘Little Italy’ institution. The amiable Regina Migliucci is at the helm. For starters enjoy the palate pleasing lagniappe of marinated carrots, hot peppers, and good crusty Arthur Ave. bread. Great appetizers include Hot Antipasto Platter for 2; and Spiedini alla Romana, skewered deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches. Move on to such entrees as: Penne Rustica with sausage; stuffed Braciola Napolitana; Osso Buco the size of Mt. Vesuvious; or the traditional Chicken Parm. Open Tuesday thru Sunday. Private party facilities. Free parking lot and valet service. Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-584-1188 www.mariosrestarthurave.com 

LIEBMAN’S DELICATESSEN FOR A NOSH!

Liebman’s kosher Jewish delicatessen in Riverdale has been serving their traditional larder since 1953. They are the only kosher deli left in the Bronx where once there were many. For all you corned beef and pastrami mavens, it’s just a 20-minute drive from NYBG. Owners Yuval Dekel and Craig Weitz have announced they are working on a new deli at Addyman Square in Ardsley. Stand by. Liebman’s original deli is located at 552 W. 235 Street, Riverdale, The Bronx. 718-548-4534 www.liebmansdeli.com 

QUICK DRIVE TO ARTIE’S, CITY ISLAND!

Owner Spiros Chagares and his staff offer patrons an inspired melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: hearty Seafood Chowders; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Wood Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; Chardonnay Poached Salmon with seafood; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. Big combo platters. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch. A selection of craft beers. Check out the bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Private party facilities. Open 7 days. Free parking. Artie’s, 394 City Island Ave., Bronx. 718-885-9885  www.artiescityisland.com

GOOD BREWS AT BRONX BEER HALL!

Located inside the historic Arthur Ave. Retail Market, not far from Fordham University and NYBG, the Bronx Beer Hall is a good place to hang  for good locally sourced craft beers and wines. Mike’s Deli just down the aisle coordinates the food service with the bar, and it is good, hearty Italian. Good spot for mingling and networking. Entertainment schedule. Closed Monday. Bronx Beer Hall, 2344 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 1-347-396-0555 www.bronxbeerhall.com 

SOUND VIEWS AT THE SEA SHORE!

Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew serve abundant platters of seafood at this sprawling 94-year-old institution: Oysters Rockefeller, daily Raw Bar, Lobsters galore, Surf & Turf, Italian specialties, too. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. Sea Shore Restaurant, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. 718-885-0300 www.seashorerestaurant.com 

BUREKS AT TONY & TINA’S PIZZERIA!

It is a pizzeria, for sure, but this Albanian/Mediterranean-themed eatery on the corner of 189th St. is all about their popular Bureks, flaky Balkan phyllo pies with your choice of fillings: pumpkin, spinach, ground meat, or cheese. Their homemade yogurt goes well as a dipping sauce. There is a house made Baklava for dessert. Open daily. Street parking. Tony & Tina’s Pizzeria, 2483 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-733-8094 www.tonytinaspizzeria.com 

CUCINA LATINA AT VISTAMAR!

Vistamar Restaurant & Lounge on City Island took over the sprawling space that previously operated as Don Coqui and the views are breathtaking. Evenings you can see Manhattan lights in the distance while enjoying ‘Cucina Latina’ prepared with style. Check out the menu for such house specialties as: Seafood Tower, Mofongo, Chuleta, Rabo, King Crab Legs, and Lobster in a variety of styles. Weekly happy hours and nightlife schedule. Reservations are suggested. Private party facilities. Ample parking. Vistamar, 565 City Island Ave., Bronx. 718-709-0888 www.vistamarcityisland.com 

HEARTY TAVERN FARE AT MORRIS PARK INN!

Proprietor Steve Poli of bustling Morris Park Inn offers a full tavern menu and generous portions. Sit at one of the high-top tables in the dining room or at the bar. Specialties to look for: Nachos Supreme, Baja Crispy Fish Tacos, Chopped Cobb Salad, hefty Burgers, wraps and sandwiches, Mussels with Spaghetti, Baby Back Ribs, Fried Seafood Combo, and Center Cut Pork Chops. Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-239-4109 www.morrisparkinn.com 

(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)