Back to NYC Eats… and Drinks!

Com Tam Ninh Kieu, 2641 Jerome Ave [VIETNAMESE]
– As far as Vietnamese goes, its hard to find a place this authentic in the city, and for that reason alone, its worth the trek into the Bronx! Down-to-earth prices, massive portions, and some of the best Pho I’ve had in the city! The photo-based menu definitely helps, cause most of the staff here doesn’t speak a word of English!

Lickety Split, 295 City Island Ave [ICE CREAMERY]
– This cute little biker-friendly shack, complete with picket fences offers the perfect treat on a warm summer day’s outing to the Island. Great selection of ice creams and frozen yogurts, all very good!

Mexicocina,800E 149th St (Mott Haven) [MEXICAN]
– This hole-in-the-wall eatery is reason enough to make the trip up to the South Bronx! Excellent Tortilla Chips and house Salsa, great Tacos (get the ones with the home made Corn Tortillas!), and superb specials, including Albondigas or Mexican-stye Meatballs. A must have! Four massive jars containing Horchata, Lemonada, Tamarindo and Sangria conceal the tiny kitchen, and the Sangria, at 5 bucks a pop, is not to be missed – made here with Tequila and Wine! Service is warm and friendly, and the prices are rock bottom!

Tony’s Pier Restaurant, 1 City Island Ave [SEAFOOD / AMERICAN]
– Located at the southern tip of City Island, on a pier overlooking Eastchester Bay, this seafood restaurant serves up some fairly good fried shrimp and steamed clams along with chilled Coronas – perfect for that hot summer day, when sitting out on the pier!

Trattoria Zero Otto Nove, 2357 Arthur Ave [ITALIAN]
– This Bronx institution is set in the heart of Arthur Ave, NYCs other ‘Little Italy’! The name 089 refers to the area code for Salerno, where the Chef hails from! A vintage Fiat greets you on the sidewalk outside and once indoors, light filters into the humongous space through a skylight, illuminating wall murals depicting street scenes from Northern Italy! The menu is extensive (and a little expensive!) and so I only managed to sample a couple of pastas here – both of which were very good! Will have to come back again, if only for the Pies, which are ranked amongst the city’s best!