Bronx, New York – On Friday, October 27th, 2023, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined Consul General of Italy in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele, Executive Director of the Belmont Business Improvement District, Alyssa Tucker, and others for a guided tour through the Bronx’s Little Italy. The tour began at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a beautifully preserved Romanesque Revival church considered the spiritual heart of the Belmont community.
This was followed by visits to several small businesses including Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles, that for 70 years has been providing fresh pasta cut to customer specifications, Egidio’s Pastry Shop, opened in 1912 by Italian immigrant Don Pasquale Egidio, and Teitel Brothers, a third-generation wholesale and retail specialty food store offering high quality Italian gourmet items. Consul General Di Michele also stopped by the world-famous Mike’s Deli, owned by David Greco, located at the Arthur Avenue Retail Market that features an award-winning menu amplifying a wide array of imported foods from Italy as well as house made cheeses. The tour ended following a visit to the Belmont Library and Enrico Fermi Cultural Center.
“The Bronx`s Little Italy is a true cultural gem in our borough that has been a staple of the Belmont community for generations highlighting the very best of Italian American food, entrepreneurship, and perseverance,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “I want to thank the Belmont Business Improvement District for coordinating our tour of the Bronx`s Little Italy and for helping us welcome the Consul General of Italy in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele, to our beloved borough. I look forward to discussing ways we can work together to highlight, support, and uplift our Italian American community in the Bronx and beyond.”
“I am thrilled to be back in The Bronx, though this is my first visit in official capacity,” shared Consul General of Italy in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele. “Every time I come to Arthur Avenue, I can breathe Italian traditions, flavors, and smells. It is incredible to see how generations of Italians have kept their traditional commerce in this area while mixing and sharing with other communities.”
“Along with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, we were thrilled to welcome Consul General of Italy, Fabrizio Di Michele, to our historic neighborhood, showcasing some of New York City’s most authentic Italian bakeries, pastry shops, fish markets, delis, and artisan merchants, many of which have been owned and operated by the same families that founded them nearly a century ago, or longer,” said Peter Madonia, Chairman of the Belmont Business Improvement District (BID.) “This holiday season, we will have a number of festive community events and experiences including our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2nd, as well as caroling performances and special visits from Santa starting December 7th through December 23rd. We look forward to welcoming visitors and New Yorkers alike to experience the best of the Bronx Little Italy.”
The group also visited Marie’s Coffee; Madonia Bakery; Cerini Coffee & Gifts; and Mario’s Restaurant, all located on Arthur Avenue.