Restaurant snobs and food geeks citywide don’t really give The Bronx the respect it deserves. Aside from the red-sauce staples on Arthur Avenue, what else does The Bronx have, these Brooklyn and Queens chowhounds argue.
Oh, you poor dears!
How about Bangladeshi buffets in Parkchester? How about old-school Jewish delis in Riverdale? What about Guyanese and West Indian restaurants in Westchester Square?
Fortunately, now is your chance to educate yourselves. Starting today through Nov. 13, the borough is hosting its own Restaurant Week, called “Savor The Bronx.” OK, so the roster of restaurants is limited to about 40 or so eateries, and some of the names will not necessarily excite every foodie out there. (Applebee’s, anyone?) Moreover, rather than a standard prix fixe, the deals will vary from restaurant to restaurant.
“For our first year, we wanted to make the restaurants comfortable, give the restaurants some sway in how it’s done,” says John DeSio, communications director for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz.
But this doesn’t mean the deals — and the restaurants — aren’t amazing. To guide us through this culinary pageant — for a full list of offerings, go to savorthebronx.com — we turned to the great food demon of the borough, Baron Ambrosia. The host of “Bronx Flavor” on BronxNet and a Cooking Channel special this Sunday, he helped recruit restaurants for “Savor The Bronx.” Here are some of his favorites:
PARKCHESTER BANGLADESHI
Neerob, 2109 Starling Ave.; 718-904-7061
The deal: $11.99 for a three-course lunch
“This neighborhood,” Baron tells The Post, “is the hub of Bangladeshi culture in The Bronx.” And Neerob might be the best place to sample it. Even before 6 p.m. on a Sunday, the crowds who assemble here for authentic Bangladeshi food are so overwhelming that some are forced to eat their dinners on the sidewalk. But no one seems to mind. Owner Mohammed Khokon and his chef serve mounds of goat biryani, duck with rich brown curry, real chutneys (fishy ones!) and off-menu items, too.
RIVERDALE DELI CLASSICS
Liebman’s Deli, 552 W. 235th St.; 718-548-4534
The deal: $11.99 for a cup of soup, sandwich and soda at lunch
“I’m only Jewish by marination,” Baron says. He has apparently spent many hours of his life marinating in the pickle juices and coleslaw of this Riverdale institution, which has been around since 1953. While the Savor The Bronx deal stops with a soup, sandwich (Baron prefers corned beef, pastrami or tongue) and soda (Cel-Ray), he recommends not leaving without trying the stuffed derma, the Jewish equivalent of haggis.
WEST INDIAN IN WESTCHESTER SQUARE
Coconut Palm, 2407 Westchester Ave.; 718-597-8700
The deal: $14.99 appetizer and entree
Mohamed F. Mohamed makes his own black pudding at this incredible Guyanese/West Indian bar and restaurant, and it’s a heck of a lot tastier than what you’d find in the English countryside. (Maybe it’s the green sauce on the side? We’re not sure.) But that’s just the beginning. This establishment, with a full bar, roaring music and a pool table, also serves outstanding roast-duck fried rice and tender curried chicken gizzards (Baron’s favorite). Or, if you’re in the mood for something unusual, well, you can’t go wrong with fried shark. (Tastes like chicken!)
ARTHUR AVENUE ITALIAN
Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave.; 718-584-1188
Mike’s Deli, 2344 Arthur Ave.; 718-295-5033
Zero Otto Nove, 2357 Arthur Ave.; 718-220-1027
The deals: Free coffee or espresso with an entree at Mario’s; buy one sandwich and get a second half-off, or buy a pound of prosciutto and get a pound of mozzarella free at Mike’s Deli; a three-course lunch special is $24.99 at Zero Otto Nove.
Just because Arthur Avenue gets all the love doesn’t mean this affection isn’t well-deserved. For the full pizza experience, Zero Otto Nove is a can’t-miss. (Yes, it has an outpost in Manhattan, but here’s your chance to go to the original.) Mike’s Deli might be the place to pick up some goodies for home after you eat. (Baron suggests “the Monster” sandwich, along with “time and a bottle of Tums.”) But Baron’s favorite is Mario’s, where he recommends the lobster fra diavolo.
BRONX BREW
Bronx Ale House, 216 W. 238th St.; 718-601-0204
Tosca Café, 4034 E. Tremont Ave.; 718-239-3300
The deals: $11.99 lunch menu at Bronx Ale House; $14.99 appetizer, entree and dessert at Tosca
Pair the specialty pizzas at Tosca or the chicken wings topped with “Bronx Is Burning” hot sauce at Bronx Ale House with suds from local Mott Haven-based Bronx Brewery. Chris Gallant or Damian Brown, from the brewery, will be on hand at Tosca Wednesday at 7 p.m. and at Bronx Ale House Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. We have a good toast for you: To The Bronx!