Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, alongside Consul General of Italy in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele, Executive Director of the Belmont Business Improvement District, Alyssa Tucker, and other notable figures, embarked on a guided tour of the Bronx’s Little Italy. The journey commenced at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, an exquisitely preserved Romanesque Revival church revered as the spiritual nucleus of the Belmont community.
Subsequently, the group explored various small enterprises, including Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles, which has been crafting fresh pasta tailored to customer preferences for seven decades. Egidio’s Pastry Shop, established in 1912 by Italian immigrant Don Pasquale Egidio, and Teitel Brothers, a third-generation establishment offering top-notch Italian gourmet items both in wholesale and retail, were also on the itinerary. Consul General Di Michele made a notable stop at the world-renowned Mike’s Deli, owned by David Greco, situated within the Arthur Avenue Retail Market. This celebrated establishment offers an award-winning menu featuring a wide array of imported Italian foods and house-made cheeses. The tour concluded with a visit to the Belmont Library and the Enrico Fermi Cultural Center.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson expressed her admiration for the cultural treasure that is the Bronx’s Little Italy, which has been an enduring presence in the Belmont community for generations. She extended her gratitude to the Belmont Business Improvement District for organizing the tour and for facilitating the visit of Consul General of Italy in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele. She looked forward to exploring opportunities for collaboration in promoting and supporting the Italian American community in the Bronx and beyond.
Consul General of Italy in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele, shared his excitement about being in the Bronx, particularly on an official capacity visit. He marveled at the Italian traditions, flavors, and scents that permeated Arthur Avenue, witnessing how generations of Italians have preserved their traditional businesses in this area while engaging with and sharing their culture with other communities.
Peter Madonia, Chairman of the Belmont Business Improvement District (BID), expressed delight in welcoming Consul General of Italy, Fabrizio Di Michele, to their historic neighborhood. He highlighted the authenticity of New York City’s Italian bakeries, pastry shops, fish markets, delis, and artisanal merchants, many of which have been family-owned for nearly a century or longer. Madonia also mentioned upcoming festive community events, including the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2nd, caroling performances, and special visits from Santa starting on December 7th and continuing through December 23rd. The BID eagerly anticipated the opportunity to introduce visitors and New Yorkers to the best of the Bronx’s Little Italy.
The group also made stops at Marie’s Coffee, Madonia Bakery, Cerini Coffee & Gifts, and Mario’s Restaurant, all located along Arthur Avenue.
