Bronx restaurants bring community and global flavors to New York City Restaurant Week

Though New York City Restaurant Week has concluded, the culinary scene in the Bronx remains vibrant, with eight local restaurants continuing to draw diners with diverse offerings. These establishments, while fewer in number than those participating from Staten Island, showcase the borough’s rich cultural tapestry through their unique menus and community focus.

A Taste of the Bronx

The Bronx Times recently visited three participating restaurants: Barrio BX in Castle Hill, and Maisonetta and Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop, both located in Mott Haven. Each restaurant, despite its distinct culinary approach, shares a common thread – a deep connection to and reflection of the neighborhoods they serve. Owners and managers emphasized that their menus have evolved to meet the tastes and needs of their local communities.

Barrio BX: Culture and Community

Two years ago, Barrio BX relocated to Castle Hill after outgrowing its original location in Throggs Neck. The move, spearheaded by Tony Martinez and his partners, allowed them to expand their vision for a Puerto Rican restaurant and cultural hub. The Castle Hill location, conveniently situated near public transportation and major highways, has increased foot traffic and takeout orders from surrounding neighborhoods like Parkchester and Clason Point.

Did You Know? Barrio BX’s interior features murals of Puerto Rican independence leader Pedro Albizu Campos and members of the Young Lords, alongside revolutionary phrases like “Liberación” and “Pa’lante.”

Barrio BX distinguishes itself through its intentional embrace of Puerto Rican heritage, moving beyond typical island aesthetics. Martinez stated their goal is to be known as a community hub celebrating culture, not just a place to get “rice and beans.” The menu features traditional Puerto Rican cuchifritos like pastelillos, alcapurrias, and sorullitos, alongside heartier dishes such as pernil and bistec encebollado.

Beyond the food, Barrio BX actively fosters community engagement through events like open mic nights, sip-and-paint sessions, book clubs, and signature Bomba Nights. Martinez envisions the restaurant as a welcoming space for like-minded individuals to connect and strategize, offering solidarity to various groups and maintaining a non-judgmental atmosphere.

Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop: Rooted in the Bronx

Founded in 2021, Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop is a plant-based restaurant and community space created by Great Performances. CEO and founder Liz Neumark described feeling “at home” when the company moved its operations to Mott Haven in 2019. The café prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, sourcing produce from Great Performances’ 60-acre organic farm in Kinderhook, New York.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and community engagement demonstrates a growing trend among restaurants to prioritize sustainability and build strong relationships with their surrounding neighborhoods.

While primarily plant-based, Mae Mae has expanded its menu to include meat options to cater to a wider range of preferences. The café also serves as a community hub, hosting gatherings and events that reflect Great Performances’ commitment to the arts and local engagement. The menu offers diverse options, from grab-and-go sandwiches to globally inspired dishes like mushroom mole with jollof rice and falafel bowls.

Maisonetta: A Family Dream Realized

Maisonetta originated from a family dream, according to General Manager Sonya Calixto. Her father, Victor, a custom furniture maker in Mott Haven for over 20 years, sought a welcoming place to eat during his lunch break. This led to the opening of Maisonetta just before the pandemic, blending Mexican flavors from Puebla, Mexico, with French cuisine.

Despite initial success and drawing crowds from across the city, Maisonetta faced challenges during COVID-19 restrictions, relying on loans from family members to stay afloat. Since then, the restaurant has adapted its menu to better serve the neighborhood, offering more affordable options while maintaining its unique French-Mexican identity. The menu features both traditional Mexican staples and French classics, alongside fusion dishes like seasonal corn poblano chowder.

Calixto noted that while some customers are initially hesitant about the fusion concept, they often become regulars after experiencing the food. Maisonetta now serves a diverse clientele, including construction workers, families, and young professionals, reflecting its inclusive vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bronx restaurants participated in Restaurant Week?

Only eight Bronx restaurants participated in the most recent Restaurant Week, which was fewer than the number of restaurants from Staten Island.

What types of cuisine are offered at the featured restaurants?

The featured restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines, including Puerto Rican, plant-based, and a fusion of Mexican and French.

Do these restaurants focus on community engagement?

Yes, all three restaurants highlighted prioritize community engagement through events, a welcoming atmosphere, and a commitment to reflecting the needs and character of their neighborhoods.

As these Bronx restaurants continue to evolve and adapt, what role do you believe local eateries play in shaping the identity of a neighborhood?

Bronx restaurants bring community and global flavors to New York City Restaurant Week – Bronx Times