Wednesday, November 7, 2012

N Y State Senate Control "Up in The Air For Now"


   As of now it looks like the outcome of which party will have the majority number of State Senators is up in the air, or should we say tied with the newly created 46th District in which Democrat Cecella Tkaczk leads by 139 votes over the Republican opponent with thousands of "Absentee Ballots" to be counted.
   
   Control of the state senate may hinge on newly elected Brooklyn Democrat State Senator Simca Felder who has said that he will caucus with the Republican side. Should Democrats regain control of the State Senate, we look for the Independent Democratic Conference to gain even more power there. State Senator Jeff Klein (head of the IDC) has said that he will note vote for a Republican to be Majority Leader, but Klein has told me that he can not support current Democratic Minority Leader John Sampson. I look for Senator Klein to either be the new Majority Leader or be the person to put that new leader in, if the Democrats win the State Senate.

    It took the New York City Board of Elections months to determine the winner of a special election to replace disgraced former Brooklyn State Senator Carl Kruger. This time it looks like it is in the hands of the State Board of Elections, and we wonder just how long it will take to find out the winner of the 46th State Senate District.



4 MORE YEARS


Romney Concedes at 1 AM

President Barack Obama has won re-election as President of the United States.
Obama wound up with over 300 Electoral Votes and a majority of the unofficial popular vote.
270 electoral votes are needed to win a majoroty of the Electoral College (as it is known) to win the presidential election.





Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Election Day 2012


   Election Day 2012 is certainly turning out to be very different from previous elections. Not only are there different voting machines from the presidential election four years ago, but many people are voting in different poll sites. There is also the added number of Hurricane Sandy displaced voters who have been allowed to cast their ballot for President and U.S. Senator at the nearest poll site. 

   Election Day 2012  started off cold, but the lines were long as soon as the polls opened. Turnout is much heavier than usual this year due to the Presidential election. Polls will shut down after the last person that was on line at the scheduled closing time is allowed to cast their ballots. It is expected that may take up to one hour after the scheduled closing tome. 

   Results will be posted as soon as they come in.


 
  

Monday, November 5, 2012

Governor Cuomo Announces Affidavit Ballot Voting


    During an update of the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy Governor Coumo announced that people displaced by the hurricane will be able to go to any poll site where they may be and vote by affidavit ballot. An affidavit ballot is used when there is a question of a voters registration or no name appears in the voting book. Coumo when questioned said that this way anyone displaced will be able to vote for president and U.S.Senator. When it comes to a local election if the poll site is not in the voters district that vote for the local elected official will not be able to be counted. 
    
     Also during the update Governor Cuomo became heated when answering a question about notification and restoration of power and other services. He said that power companies have franchises that are reviewed by the state. He added that he was unhappy with the response by most power companies naming Con Edison. Cuomo stressed that there was no plan to deal with what happened, and that must change or the power companies will change.


Election day changes of poll sites For tomorrow


UPDATED

    The Board of Elections has moved poll sites andsetup new poll sites due to Hurricane Sandy.
Changes in the Bronx include the following=
* Locust Point Civic Hall, 4400 Locust Point Drive, Bronx, NY 10465
has been moved to: MTA Throggs Neck Parking Lot, 4260 Throggs Neck Expressway, Bronx, NY 10465
* PS 69 Journey Prep School, 560 Thieriot Avenue, Bronx, NY 10473
has been moved to: Archimedes Academy for Math, 456 White Plains Road Bronx, NY 10473
* Manhattan College Draddy Hall, 4513 Manhattan Coll Parkway, Bronx, NY 10471
has been moved to: Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway, Bronx, NY 10463
 
Also If you voted at:
1920 McGraw Avenue 
2051 St. Raymond Avenue 
1591 Metropolitan Avenue
You may now have to vote at: 
1640 Bronxdale Avenue
There will be shuttle bus services available for those in need, courtesy of City Council Member Annabel Palma, and DJ Ambulette. These buses will provide transportation from the old polling sites and from Parkchester RAIN Senior Center, on the hour, beginning at 9AM until 8PM.
For more information, please contact:
Councilmember Palma's office: (718) 792-1140




Sunday, November 4, 2012

South Riverdale Little League Awards & Auction Night


    Due to Hurricane Sandy the South Riverdale Awards and Auction Night had to be moved from PS 24 to the College of Mount Saint Vincent Saturday night. Hundreds of  Little League baseball players from South Riverdale received awards for their hard play, and got to meet a real hometown New York Met player Mike Baxter. Baxter answered questions from the kids as their parents got to bid on some great sports items. 
    You may ask who is Mike Baxter, and what is his claim to fame? Mike Baxter grew up in Whitestone Queens a few miles away from the old Shea Stadium. It was his dream to play baseball, and to play for the Mets. Baxter was drafted in 2005 by the San Diego Padres, but played in their minor league system until he was called up on September 6, 2010. On July 22, 2011 Baxter was selected off waivers by the Mets. In 2010 and 2011 Baxter played in 31 games with 49 plate appearances for the Padres & Mets, and was granted free agency by the Mets on December 12, 2011. On December 16, 2011 Mike Baxter signed as a free agent with the Mets
     In 2012 Baxter played in 89 games with 211 plate appearances, hit 3 home runs, had 17 RBI's, and stole 5 bases. He played all three outfield positions making 81 put outs in 85 chances with only one error. Mike Baxter's claim to fame right now is that he made a diving catch to preserve Met pitcher Yohan Santana's no hitter June 1, 2012 (the first no hitter in Met history). In 2012 Met Pitcher Yohan Santana was paid 25 million dollars to pitch for the Mets. Not every baseball player makes millions of dollars to play, and Mike Baxter signed for a salary of $484,000.00 to play for the Mets through at least 2017. Baxter will be able to go to salary arbitration in 2014 should he prove to become a regular player. While Baxter said he prefers center field I don't see Baxter playing center field with Andre Torres the current Met center fielder, and Angel Pagan the former Met center fielder (who the Mets traded to San Francisco) now a free agent. 
     Mike Baxter in talking to the children in the audience stressed the iimportance of good team work and being a team player. After the auction was over Baxter stayed to talk some more and sign free autographs for those who also stayed. While he may not have been Derek Jeter or A-Rod, Mile Baxter looked as though he had as much excitement as those who were there to see him. 
    Registration for the 2013 SRLL season is underway and will continue through March of 2013. Last year there were almost 400 children (boys & girls), in different age groups up to 16 years of age in different divisions from T-ball to the senior league. The President of the South Riverdale Little League is Mr. Mike Farber who said that the league is also looking for more sponsors, as well as the many other volunteer positions that are needed. Mr. Farber can be contacted at srllmike7@gmail.com , and you can visit the South Riverdale Little League at their website at www.srll.org for more information on the league.
    Below are some photos that were taken at the event

South Riverdal Little League players pose with their awards and respective division.   


More kids with their awards and respective divisions. Left - you see the girls Division.



Left - Even the elected officials were on hand. State Senator Jeff Klein & Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.
Right - Mike Baxter speaking to the audience.




Baxter poses with Jack Buckley and Stavri Anopolus winners of special auction packages. 



After the event Baxter stayed to sign for the kids.

Baxter even posed with SRLL President Mike Farber and Board member Ken Katrzman.

   
 

Saturday, November 3, 2012

New York City Marathon Cancelled


    Late last evening it was announced that the New York City Marathon was being cancelled. The New York Post had an article the previous day about how generators and precious resources needed in hard hit areas by Hurricane Sandy were being stored for the marathon race.
    
   The Post reported that two giant emergency generators able to crank out to out power to 400 homes in an areas that have been hard hit, have been going 24/7 in Central Park for the Marathon, while a third generator sits idle as a back up. Also reported was that hundreds of cases of water was dropped off at the park site that also are needed in Hurricane Sandy ravished areas where there may be no safe drinking water.

    "He is clueless without a paddle to the reality of what everyone else is dealing with," was the comment about Mayor Bloomberg by one Staten Island resident. "If there are any resources being put toward the marathon, that's wrong". 

   The New York Road Runners Club, which organizes the world-famous race, is paying for the generators, and the Post also added in its story that a Fire Department permit revealed a $37,500 fee to run them constantly through Nov. 6. “These are our private generators. We are not draining any resources from the city’s plan to recover,” Road Runners spokesman Richard Finn angrily insisted. 

   The Post story goes on to tell of other city resources such as Police Department barricades, trucks and other personal that are being used to help set up for the marathon, and plans to deploy about 100 much needed police officers. The entire Post story can be found here.



    

Friday, November 2, 2012

Baseball Auction & Awards Night Change of Location


Please note that the Baseball Auction & Award night scheduled for Saturday November 3rd has been moved from PS 24 to The College of Mount Saint Vincent. See Below


Henry Hudson Parkway South Back-Up


    It is not the AM rush hour, but 1:15 PM on Friday afternoon on the southbound Henry Hudson Parkway. as traffic is backed up past the West 239th Street exit (as you will see in the next photo).

    You can see the northbound lanes are empty by exit 20 for West 239th Street. The reason that the southbound lanes are so jammed is that as cars travel under West 232nd Street the roadway is narrowed to one lane and each car is looked at to make sure that they have three occupants or more. Any car with less than three occupants is asked to exit at Kappock Street, the last exit before the Henry Hudson Bridge.
     The photos were taken from the West 235th Street pedestrian overpass.

UPDATE --
     As of 6 PM the restriction to have three occupants in cars crossing the Henry Hudson Bridge, and other NYC bridges was lifted.


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz


A leap of faith
 
You should know that I’ve spent a lot of money and resources this year on different Hispanic radio stations and media outlets to air a commercial asking for the Hispanic Community to cast their votes on the Conservative Party line in this year’s General Election on Tuesday November 6th.
 
My television commercial has aired in Puerto Rico and throughout America on WAPA American TV.  For those who would like to see it on WAPA America TV, tune in every weekday between 6pm - 7pm, and then again between 10pm - 11pm. My commercial, Ni Democratas! Ni Republicanos! has received great praise in the Hispanic Community.  It has been shared widely on Facebook and on websites, reaching a multitude of Spanish-speaking voters.
 
I have received calls from people in North Carolina, Florida, New Jersey, Connecticut and of course New York State, and I have been greeted by people who see me in my community congratulating me, giving me praise, and telling me that they will join me and vote on the Conservative Party Line.
 
It is well known that not too many people vote on the Conservative Party Line in New York City, and it will be very interesting to see this year’s election results to see how many Hispanic votes will have jumped over to the Conservative Party Line - not only in New York State but throughout the nation.
 
I'd like to say to all of you experts and pundits out there, get ready to have your eyes opened to see how many votes are cast on the Conservative Party line.  The results are only days away.
 
This leap of faith that I am taking is based upon what I believe the Hispanic community truly stands for.
 
This is State Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
 
 

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE TO THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY

09-0435_8615Email
NEWS FROM...
NYS Assemblymember
Marcos A. Crespo
85th Assembly District
1163 Manor Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472


Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that federal disaster unemployment assistance is now available to all New Yorkers who lost their jobs as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Disaster unemployment benefits are available to provide financial support to anyone who has lost their job and live or work in the Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland and Westchester counties.

This assistance will supplement New York’s existing unemployment insurance system and will expand eligibility to include individuals who might otherwise not be covered. The United States Department of Labor has committed to providing additional assistance if needed.

“The physical destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy has been terrible, and the resulting job losses can be even more painful for New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “These federal funds will quickly provide financial assistance to those whose livelihoods have been upended. I urge impacted New Yorkers to apply as soon as possible.”

Department of Labor staff will be deployed to hard-hit communities to help register impacted New Yorkers for Disaster Unemployment Assistance in person.

Anyone unemployed due to Hurricane Sandy is immediately eligible and can submit a claim to the Department of Labor. The criterion for collecting disaster assistance is broader than for collecting regular unemployment benefits. Specifically, an individual can collect disaster assistance in any of the following cases:
•Injured in the disaster and unable to work, whether the person is an employee or self-employed.
•Workplace is damaged, or destroyed, or the person cannot work because of the disaster.
•Transportation to work is not available because of the disaster.
•Cannot get to work because must travel through the affected area, which is impossible due to disaster.
•Planned to begin working, but cannot because of the disaster.
•Derived most of income from areas affected by the disaster, and business is closed or inoperable because of the disaster.

Examples of self-employment include small business owners, independent taxi drivers, vendors, independent commercial fisherman, and farmers.

State Department of Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera said, “These people want to work and are unable to because of circumstances far beyond their control. This money will directly help workers who have families to feed and bills to pay. Contact the Department of Labor and we will determine which program you qualify for.”

To apply for unemployment benefits or disaster unemployment assistance, those affected by the storm and have lost their job or income should call the Telephone Claims Center (TCC) at 1-888-209-8124, or 1-877-358-5306 if they live out of state. Applicants should answer the questions to indicate they lost their job due to Hurricane Sandy. In order to receive benefits you must apply by December 3, 2012.  


Borough President Diaz and BOEDC Announce that The Bronx is Open for Business!


  
Bronx Economic Development Corporation is providing support and information to businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, made clear today that BOEDC's office is open to support the area's businesses.

"While my office is working with the residents of the Bronx and the area's infrastructure, BOEDC is working on getting our businesses and its workers back to work," stated Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz.

All Bronx businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy by loss of property and or loss of business are encouraged to immediately call the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) at (800) 621-3362 or (800) 462-7585 TTY. Those who have access to the internet can register their claim online at www.disasterassistance.gov. There are operators who will assist you from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

FEMA funds can be used to cover rental payments for temporary housing for those homes that are unlivable, grants for home repairs and replacement of household items as well as unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who have temporarily lost their jobs due to the disaster.

Small Businesses that have registered with FEMA may also apply for disaster loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) who will provide low interest loans to cover up to $2 MM in loss of property, damage or loss of cash flow. In order to apply for the SBA loans, call (800) 659-2955 or (800) 877-8339 TTY, or register online at www.sba.gov/content/applying-disaster-loan or apply in person at any Disaster Recovery Center.

"If you are overwhelmed and need assistance to get your business back on its feet, contact my office at (718) 590-6252. We will walk you through the process to insure that you get the help you need and get it fast," stated Marlene Cintron, president of BOEDC.

"We have been working with the City of New York and SBS and are very pleased with the response we have gotten on issues we have raised to them," she added.

In addition to the resources cited, BOEDC is providing the following listing that can help Bronx businesses in need:  

Red Cross: Provides assistance to displaced residents. Call (877) 733-2767

New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Helps in the recovery of natural disasters as well as other emergencies. The Hurricane Sandy Helpline is (888) 769-7243 or (518) 485-1159  

NYC Office of Emergency Management: Coordinates emergency response and recovery in NYC. For the latest on utility and transportation service restoration, go to  www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/html/home/hurricane_sandy_businesses.shtml or call 311

NYC Small Business Services (SBS): Provides assistance to small business owners post Hurricane Sandy. Call 311

Con Edison: To report down lines, outages and check service restoration status by computer or mobile devices do so at www.coned.com. You can also call (800) 752-6633.

"You are not alone. You are a Bronx business where help is just a phone call away. Call BOEDC for any kind of assistance your business needs," concluded Ms. Cintron.


Election Day -- The Board of Elections Response


     In a Daily News item by Celeste Katz After Sandy New York officials rush to patch together an election   there is mention of just how things may go on Election day even if there is no power at many poll sites in the outer boroughs.

     “We’ll just have to make do. And it won’t be perfect, but we’re going to have an election,” said Douglas Kellner, Democratic co-chair of the state Board of Elections. “A democracy calls for sacrifice from time to time, and this is one of those occasions” Kellner added.
    
   J.C. Polanco, the Bronx GOP commissioner for the city BOE, said that officials were considering consolidating about 40 poll sites serving residents of hard-hit Breezy Point and the Rockaways in parking lots at Aqueduct Raceway, Jacob Riis Park and Floyd Bennett Field, setting up tents with generators. Meanwhile, Staten Islanders may end up seeing sites consolidated at the Armory.

    There is also mention of having mobil poll sites, and battery operated voting machine which would be required in areas that still would not have power. Then there mention Gov. Cuomo is also considering issuing an emergency proclamation to let people who reside in areas affected by the killer storm to vote by absentee ballot even if they’re in town. 

    We will have to wait and see what happens on Tuesday November 6th to make sure that people who are already disenfranchised by Hurricane Sandy do not get disenfranchised again when it comes to vote.

*************************************************************
    

Thursday, November 1, 2012

This weeks 'Riverdale Report' From the Bronx News


This is a copy of the Riverdale Report from the Bronx News Nov 1, 2012.

Riverdale Report
By Robert Press

Ben Franklin Democratic Club Celebrates

Monday October 22nd members of the Ben Franklin Democratic Club (of the 81st A.D.) held a “Watch the Debate” fundraiser at Oregano's restaurant located on Johnson Avenue. All in attendance agreed that President Obama won the third debate, would win the election on election day, and that the food was great at Oregano's. The restaurant was full of happy cheering Democrats, some who commented often during the debate about Obama's challenger Mitt Romney's lack of a vision and experience.
The following Sunday the Ben Franklin Democratic Club held a Pre-Election day victory party at the home of City Council candidate (and Vice-Chair of the Bronx Democratic County Committee) Mr. Andrew Cohen. While Mr. Cohen is waiting until after election day to officially announce his candidacy for current term limited Councilman G. Oliver Koppells seat, it has been one of the worst keep secrets.
On hand were Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer (Mayoral/Comptroller candidate), Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senators Jeff Klein and Gustavo Rivera, 81st A.D. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, Brooklyn Councilwoman Letitia James (candidate for Public Advocate in 2013), and almost 100 other supporters of the Ben Franklin Club.
Councilman Koppell expressed his view that President Obama has a chance of loosing the popular vote, but winning the all important “Electoral College” that elects the president. Congressman Engel took a swipe at his Republican opponent on election day, by asking Assemblyman Dinowitz if it was the same person Dinowitz soundly defeated two years ago. Yes it is replied Dinowitz. Senator Gustavo Rivera standing near Councilman Koppell thanked him for his over 40 years of public service as an elected official. Senator Jeff Klein said that the election is important as it is between what is right and wrong. Klein added “we have to make sure programs continue, and are not cut or discontinued”. It was said that Councilman Koppell has been a member of the Ben Franklin Democratic Club since 1966. Back then the club was known as “The Ben Franklin Reform Democratic Club”.
Questions I asked – Manhattan BP Stringer – Is it true that you are going to run for Comptroller instead of mayor? Reply by Stringer, I have not made up my mind yet.
State Senator Jeff Klein – In 2016 if Gov. Cuomo runs for president and current Attorney General Eric Schniderman runs for governor, would you run for A.G. Reply by Klein – I don't know, it could be a possibility if what I said all happens, but that is to far away to think about now.
Councilwoman James – Are you afraid of facing Brooklyn Councilman Charles Barrons who has said he wants to run for Public Advocate also. Reply by James – Don't believe what Barrons is saying, he and his wife are going to try to swap positions in the council and assembly. An interesting note was that we both agreed that Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. would not be running for citywide office next year. James said that Diaz Jr. is doing a fine job as Bronx BP, but still has to raise the image of the Bronx and himself more before considering citywide office.
The Riverdale Temple is holding a “Holiday Gift and Craft Sale” on Sunday November 18th from 9 AM – 3 PM. The Riverdale Temple is located at 4545 Independence Avenue at the corner of West 246th Street. There is free parking, and the temple has a few spots available for vendors. For more information check my blog or email rivtemple@aol.com or Ritajoshed@aol.com.
For the latest listings of events going on at Wave Hill don't forget to check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com (look in the archive section on the left) to see this and other events in the Bronx.
Finally, on Saturday November 3rd from 5 – 8 PM at PS 24 there will be an “Auction & Awards Night featuring current New York Met player Mike Baxter. The event is to support the local South Riverdale Little League. PS 24 is located on Independence Avenue at the corner of West 235th Street (two blocks from the Henry Hudson Parkway).
If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press. 

 

Hurricane Sandy UPDATE Thursday Nov 1st


The number of confirmed deaths in New York City has climbed to 37.
The two biggest challenges remain getting the power grid and transportation systems fully operational again.

All NYC Public Schools will be closed tomorrow Friday.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Do not use generators or grills indoors.  

Con Edison crews have restored power to about 250,000 customers who were affected by the storm. As of 11 a.m., the company was working to restore power to about 650,000 customers still out of service. 

Con Edison said today that based on an assessment of the unprecedented damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, it expects to restore the vast majority of customers who lost power by the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11. The remaining customer restorations could take an additional week or more.  

Those parts of the city with overhead power lines still without service may not have it restored possibly until next weekend. 

There are still approximately 534,000 customers citywide without power, down nearly 100,000 since yesterday, with 38,000 customers in the Bronx still without power. 

Lights ate turning on for many people in South Brooklyn, Staten Island, and some parts of Lower Manhattan.

"Con Ed has set a goal of restoring power to all Manhattan customers by the end of the weekend".


It is intend to reopen public schools for classes on Monday.

Traffic is very heavy in the city, particularly on routes into Manhattan.

The 3-person HOV restriction on Henry Hudson Bridge southbound crossings into Manhattan is still in effect, 6 a.m. until midnight Nov 1st & 2nd.

The Holland Tunnel and the Hugh Carey Brooklyn Battery Tunnel are still closed.

911 should only be used in case of emergencies. 
To report other conditions such as fallen trees and sewer backups, please use 311 Online, text 311 at 311-692, or call 311. 

Power outages and live wires should be directly reported to Con Ed (1-800-75-CON-ED)  

*************************************************************************************

525035_Save Up To 70% On Ink And Toner At SuppliesOutlet.com 
 


  

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ KICKS OFF THE 2ND ANNUAL "SAVOR THE BRONX" RESTAURANT WEEK


Bronx Restaurants to Serve Up Special Deals

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in conjunction with American Express and the New York State Restaurant Association, kicked off the 2nd Annual Savor the Bronx! Restaurant Week at the Oregano Bar and Bistro in Riverdale.

Savor the Bronx! Restaurant Week, produced by the Bronx Tourism Council and co-hosted by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC), showcases the borough’s best eateries by offering special values and discounts, all viewable at www.savorthebronx.com

This year’s event is especially significant, given the impact of Hurricane Sandy on our borough’s restaurants and eateries, which lost several days worth of business due to the storm. In addition, the famous Tony’s Pier restaurant on City Island was destroyed by fire on Sunday night.

This 12-day event, which runs from November 5th to November 16th, is the perfect opportunity to explore your taste buds and the Bronx.  Foodies can experience various delicious dishes from the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe and Asia, all of which are available in the Bronx.  
 
“I invite everyone to visit and Savor the Bronx. Come to our beautiful borough to try a new restaurant or return to an old favorite. Enjoy authentic Italian food on Arthur Avenue or some fresh seafood on City Island. Now is the perfect time to give our borough’s restaurants a try, when they need the business the most. Take a look at the ‘Savor the Bronx!’ website for participating restaurants and make your own savory choice,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“While our local businesses and restaurants have suffered from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, other boroughs have been hit even harder.  Let’s support our Bronx restaurants by bringing our families and even our friends from other boroughs to the Bronx to share the best of the best with them. This is how we help each other out,” said Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

“Visitors are drawn to borough restaurants as a way of experiencing diverse cultures through diverse flavors. What better way to share the Bronx with the rest of the world than through an epicurean experience? And what better way to say we are OPEN FOR BUSINESS than with a good meal?” said Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of The Bronx Tourism Council. 

Taste-tempting offers include special values like 15% off the check at Enzo’s Restaurant in Morris Park, Jake’s Steakhouse in Riverdale and the Lobster Box on City Island, as well as pre fixe menus at the Palace of Japan in Riverdale, Havana CafĂ© in Throggs Neck, and Montezuma Restaurant that are sure to leave your taste buds craving for more!

Other offers include $16.41 lunch menu, which represents the year Jonas Bronck purchased 500 acres of land that is now known as the Bronx, as well as $20.12 dinner menu representing the year we are in today!

More than 35 restaurants are participating in this year’s Savor the Bronx. For more information on participating Savor the Bronx! restaurants, please visit savorthebronx.com. For more information on what to see and do in the Bronx, visit the Bronx Tourism Council website at ilovethebronx.com.

Below are some photos of the Savor the Bronx! Restaurant Week kick off at the Oregano Bar and Bistro in Riverdale.

Mike of Mike's Deli serving BP Diaz at 'Savor The Bronx' Kick off.




Left - BP Diaz holding up Mikes Deli Sign.
Right - Diaz with Chef Claude from Oregano Restaurant Bistro, host to the Kick Off of 'Savor the Bronx'.



Left - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz of Riverdale area  host Restaurant Oregano watches BP Diaz enjoy the food.
Right - Assemblyman Dinowitz gets a plate of his own to enjoy.