Where to Dine After Orchid Show at NY Botanical Garden

Dining Out After Orchid Show

Oysters Rockefeller at Artie’s. -Photo by Morris Gut

By Morris Gut

Manhattan Voice

February 19, 2024

NEW YORK - A beautiful Technicolor harbinger of spring, the 21st annual Spring Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx runs from February 17th to April 24th, 2024. I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and beholding the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. This year’s theme: ‘Florals in Fashion’. 

(For additional info: www.nybg.org) After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are a few suggestions…

‘ORCHID EVENINGS’!

This year visitors can also enjoy cocktails as well as walk the runway during ‘Orchid Evenings’ filled with entertainment and snacks. These special evening events will take place: March 30 & April 5,6,12,13,19,20. Evening hours: 7-10 p.m. Reservations are suggested. 

CONSTELLATION CULINARY GROUP at NYBG!

 

Ever since restaurant rock star Stephen Starr of Starr Catering took over the food service concessions at NYBG, now known as Constellation Culinary Group, hungry visitors have been taking note. Starr made a big name for himself in Philadelphia where he owns several powerhouse restaurants including his retro: Continental. They have premiered themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and a more formal dining room with waiter service called Hudson Garden Grill serving an eclectic American menu with locally sourced ingredients. Check it out online: www.nybg.org/visit/dining/the-hudson-garden-grill/ 

MARIO’S IN NEARBY LITTLE ITALY!

Arthur Avenue 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 through Sunday. Private party facilities. Free parking lot and valet service. Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-584-1188 www.mariosarthurave.org 

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 some 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 

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 

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, there is a wide selection of old-world favorites: matzo ball soup; frankfurters with mustard & sauerkraut; smoked fish and appetizing; overstuffed sandwiches; stuffed cabbage; Hungarian goulash; and chicken in the pot with all the fixings. Owners Yuval Dekel and Craig Weitz have announced they are working on a second location 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 

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 

ARTIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD, 394 CITY ISLAND AVE., BRONX 718-885-9885

Owner Spiro Chagares and his staff offer patrons an inspired melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several inviting dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: hearty Seafood Chowders; Asian Sticky Buns; 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. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Rolls at lunch and their Mediterranean style Pizzas are good to share, too. Check out the bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Craft beer selection. Private party facilities. Off premise catering. Open 7 days. Free parking. www.artiescityisland.com

DINING WITH A VIEW 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. Multiple seating areas. Sea Shore Restaurant, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. 718-885-0300 www.seashorerestaurant.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 & Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)