If you are a true Bronxite, you tuned in to Anthony Bourdain's Parts Uknown: Bronx a couple of weeks ago. Not only was it a great episode but the live Twitter gathering was equally as epic. Shout to ProjectBronx for keeping us all organized and engaged.
As much as I loved seeing all of the places that Anthony visited (for a full list go here), I wanted more. So much more.
So, here is my humble list of places I love to eat at in the Bronx. It is my list and my list alone. If you don't like it, please make your own list and let me know. Let's put some shine on the Bronx.
1. Seafood City
I realize that Anthony visited a spot in City Island and I really like Sea Shore. But there is something so authentic, so gritty, so hood about Seafood City. Where else can you get deep fried lobster tails, wine in a plastic cup, kids play arcade games and an outdoor table? YASSSSS, just YASSSSS.
Note: this is a cash only spot. Don't ask why. Just get your money right.
2. Lloyd's Carrot Cake
Located in a hole in the wall spot across from Van Cortlandt Park, this is THE best carrot cake spot in all of the mothertrucking land. HEAR YE, HEAR YE, ALL OF THE LAND! A slice of this carrot cake will keep you full for 22 hours. It is family-owned and family-run, so feel free to talk to anyone about the history of the spot.
Note: parking sucks. Plan on coming here with a friend and park at the nearby fire hydrant while your friend sprints in and out. It is what it is. Do it for the carrot cake.
3. Bronx Ale House
I know this place has been highlighted in many places but that is because it is SO DANG GOOD. Besides hosting an amazing array of local and regional beers, their food menu is just nom nom nom. Seriously, nom. The surprise hit is the mac and cheese but you can order anything dang thing off the menu. Order it all. So good.
Note: while the food is family friendly, the space really isn't. Only high bar stools to sit. If you're like me, you tell your children to sit tight and hang on for dear life. Responsible parents might want to make this a date night spot only.
4. Frankie & Johnny
There are probably other Bronx Italian restaurants that true Bronxites love. This is a constant source of debate. Since this is my post, I will post about this restaurant because I love it so. I'm not sure what I love about it. It could be the backdrop of a brawl on Real Housewives of New Jersey (shout to table flipping Teresa) and cranks out the craziest array of music but this is the place I go to time and time again. Big personalities and even bigger dishes make for a great evening out.
Note: although hidden on the menu, the potato croquettes are the best thing EVAHHH. In fact, I would get a tattoo that says 'F+J Potato Croquettes 4eva' but I would be the only one amused. Which is probably the point of tattoos. But still...weird. And awesome.
5. Riverdale City Grill
The salads! The cheeseburger wrap! The sandies! Everything is so effing good! You can play trivia, watch sports, or dodge Manhattan College students. It is all so good. Another cash only place but worth it.
Note: get the yucca fritters! Trust and believe! Trust. And. Believe.
Honorable Mention: Bronxites also like to fight about their favorite cannoli spot. This is a tough one. I personally enjoy Palombo Bakery in Riverdale. But I think that as long as there is a hidden chocolate chip and a side order of espresso, I'm good.
Hope you liked my list! Any places YOU enjoy in the Bronx? Or in your local neighborhood? Hit me up on here or on the Twitters.
UrbanRhetoric
UrbanRhetoric
Showing posts with label pemora. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pemora. Show all posts
10.13.2014
8.01.2014
Review: Guardians of the Galaxy aka Why Bautista Is Hot Even Without Randy Orton....by pemora

Do the youth still say that?
My 6.5yo son has been bugging me about this film. He loves everything Marvel, going so far as to ask me 3 times per hour which is my favorite superhero and villain. Sheet. I don’t know. I keep on saying Ironman and Skeletor and then he gets mad at me for the latter. Like, I don’t know these things, Ye! Listen to me! But, being that he is my first born and prodigal son and future prince king and all dat, I give in to almost everything he asks for. He will probably be the youngest child to own a car, just cause.
I had my reservations because:
1. One of the main characters looks like a chupacabra. Yes, I know it is a raccoon. But what raccoon walks around on his hind legs, wearing a vest and talks smack? A chupacbra, I tell ya!
2. Bautista is in it.
2a. Yeah, yeah, he goes by Dave BAtista. But I’m going by his government name. Shoosh. Write your own review.
2b. I really don’t like him in WWE. We’ll get to that later.
So, I waver on saying yes. And then my man J-L Cauvin posts about it and I’m intrigued. Well, maybe more willing to say yes rather than no.
AND THIS MOVIE WAS AMAZING.
Zoe Saldana was a bit too thin but looked stunning in green. The main guy is super cute and people know him but I don’t and that’s ok because he is super cute. Vin Diesel supposedly was the big tree thingy and I guess that’s cool too because he delivered the one scene that made me cry real chola tears. But listen. Listen to me. The BEST parts of the film?
The chupacabra.
And Bautista.
WHAT?!
The chupacabra is hilarious. Let’s ignore the fact that he is voiced by Bradley Cooper, a guy I dislike as much as I dislike John Mayer and for the same reason -- they look like those college frat guys who will only talk to you (me) when drunk. Eff em. And, uhm, didn’t he seriously date Zoe? Am I getting my Latinas confused? It WAS Zoe, right? Anyway, the chupacabra was so very good. I wouldn’t even mind Bradley “Frat Guy” Cooper getting nominated for best voiceover. Or something.

Also, shout to the end-of-credits scene. Won’t tell you who shows up but know that my 80’s inner spirit was extremely happy.
So, uhm, go see this. It rocked. It was turnt up. On the molly. Wait, no, that last one was bad. It was fresh to death, yo.
7.20.2014
New Kicks [most wanted]....by pemora
Where have I been? Good question....mostly on the Twitters and the Facebook. It is hard staying a G on these here social media streets.
(also, I've been reading. Like, actual and factual books.)
Anyway, I was spending 1,348 hours on the Pinterest and saw this amazing pic:
What is there not to love about this? It is the perfect I-may-or-may-not-have-2-kids-to-take-care-of-but-I-am-still-hip-to-it outfit. Of course, I would wear bike shorts underneath because I don't need to expose my wiggle and jiggle to the playground set.
Looking at sneakers, I found 3 that I am coveting. For some reason, I am drawn to blue but, heck, I will take any color. What's your fav?
I can go with this:
Or I can go with that:
Or I can go with this:
Any new kicks you are rocking this summer? And for a peek into some of my favorite kicks from my personal collection, check out my interview at Kicks Culture.
(also, I've been reading. Like, actual and factual books.)
Anyway, I was spending 1,348 hours on the Pinterest and saw this amazing pic:
What is there not to love about this? It is the perfect I-may-or-may-not-have-2-kids-to-take-care-of-but-I-am-still-hip-to-it outfit. Of course, I would wear bike shorts underneath because I don't need to expose my wiggle and jiggle to the playground set.
Looking at sneakers, I found 3 that I am coveting. For some reason, I am drawn to blue but, heck, I will take any color. What's your fav?
I can go with this:
![]() |
From Coach and on sale! |
Or I can go with that:
![]() |
From Aerosoles (seriously....who knew?) |
Or I can go with this:
![]() |
From Reebok. This is some old school steel-o right here.... |
Any new kicks you are rocking this summer? And for a peek into some of my favorite kicks from my personal collection, check out my interview at Kicks Culture.
12.31.2013
Most Played of 2013

Now....on to the list! Following are the songs that we rocked the most this year.
Run the Jewels ~Run the Jewels....big bird
Nothin but Love ~Heavy D and the Boyz.....IMTHATDUDE
Watch Me Work ~Melanie Fiona....thewayoftheid
Get Lucky ~Daft Punk + Pharrell....jayare20k
For The Record ~Torae....Cross Bow
Girlfriend ~NSYNC.....missDTM
Take Me To Church ~Hozier.....dough
Locked Out of Heaven ~Bruno Mars....pemora
Banana Clipper ~Run the Jewels....surnamer
Fine China ~Chris Brown.....paj1
Winter Schemes ~J. Cole + Wale....KevFrumBK
Waiting Game ~Banks.....Thug Hardy
Tapas ~Action Bronson.....savazhe
What did you listen to? Drop us a line here or on twitter!
labels:
dough,
IMTHATDUDE,
jayare20k,
most wanted,
paj1,
pemora
11.27.2013
Shop Small #2.....by pemora
I love finding places/stores/people to support! If you have any suggestions for the #shopsmall movement, holler at us. And if you missed Shop Small #1, check it out here.
Now to the goods.....
11.25.2013
Shop Small #1....by pemora
Every holiday season, I like to give examples of great local and/or small businesses to support. If you have any suggestions, please drop us a line either here or on Twitter or on Facebook.
Now....on to the awesome goodies!
8.07.2013
My love of Oxfords....by pemora
Inspired by Kelley Anne's post on her clogs, I was thinking about my love of oxfords. It all started with these two:
L-R, Bakers + Cole Haan |
9.28.2012
A Boy and his Train....by pemora
My 4yo son used to be extremely attached to Thomas the Tank Engine. So much so, that we (meaning I) had to carry several Thomases (Thomasi?) around, in the event that he would misplace it. Oh, the tears.
He has since moved on to monster trucks and superheroes and Legos. This is AFTER purchasing the whole island of Sodor and every single one of Thomas' friends. His little sister better love Thomas.
All this to say that this video is super cute. And makes me think of the days when I believed a beloved toy could conquer the world.
He has since moved on to monster trucks and superheroes and Legos. This is AFTER purchasing the whole island of Sodor and every single one of Thomas' friends. His little sister better love Thomas.
All this to say that this video is super cute. And makes me think of the days when I believed a beloved toy could conquer the world.
9.10.2012
Back to School Supplies...by pemora
Oh, how I love/loathe September. Back-to-school is a difficult jolt to one's summer system but it is also nice to return to a regular schedule. Clearly, I also love the back-to-school sales. I like thinking about what I really need to start off on the right foot. (my friends who are reading this are probably cracking up right now. Wait until I do a post on my closet. Egads) Here are some of the things I picked up to start my school year right:
Did you make any purchases recently? Anything on your back-to-school list?
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Lovely tote from bookhouathome |
Those studs are teeny skulls! From lulus |
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I'm having an army green obsession. Not going to hide it. From sheinside. |
![]() |
Gosh, I love skulls. Maybe I am a closeted goth. At shopbop. |
Hands down, best notebooks ever. At B+N. |
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And I am loving these pens from Sharpie. |
9.05.2012
On Hair (2)...by pemora
I have received really great feedback on the first post about hair (but no comments....what's up with that?) and more submissions to share. I would love to continue posting hair stories, so please drop me a line here or on twitter if you would like to share yours.
Read the stories after the jump
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prints c/o thepairabirds |
Read the stories after the jump
8.25.2012
Date Night....by pemora
Our awesome newish* sitter emails us when she has free evenings, to see if we would like to go out. The bd and me. Just us, no littles. It is an amazing thing and I jump at the opportunity to do so.
When we have date night, the bd always asks if I would like to go out to a fancy dinner or see a movie or do something interactive and fun. My response? Always? BAR. A bar, any bar, get me to a bar. I just want to sit on a high stool, talk to a bartender and clink glasses with the bd.
I'm not going to get into the whole story of last night's fun at the bar but I will tell you that I am feeling it today. Too many glasses of wine, not enough petite burgers. (why couldn't they just call them sliders?) Where is my damn coconut water?
*newish because we know her but only started using her as a sitter early this summer...actually, this is the 1st sitter the kids have ever had b/c I totally believe in stranger danger. So, yep, 1st sitter in 5 years. It is crazy, I know.
When we have date night, the bd always asks if I would like to go out to a fancy dinner or see a movie or do something interactive and fun. My response? Always? BAR. A bar, any bar, get me to a bar. I just want to sit on a high stool, talk to a bartender and clink glasses with the bd.
I'm not going to get into the whole story of last night's fun at the bar but I will tell you that I am feeling it today. Too many glasses of wine, not enough petite burgers. (why couldn't they just call them sliders?) Where is my damn coconut water?
![]() |
image via REALITYTVGIFs |
*newish because we know her but only started using her as a sitter early this summer...actually, this is the 1st sitter the kids have ever had b/c I totally believe in stranger danger. So, yep, 1st sitter in 5 years. It is crazy, I know.
6.12.2012
Camp Anxiety.....by pemora
There have been some very anxious feelings in my house due to the beginning of camp. VERY anxious...I'm talking about Oprah-ugly-cry tears, tummy aches, calls to mommy for help.
And I'm talking about me.
I have not been dealing well with my son's participation in camp. It has been too much for my poor little heart. Mind you, he is only there for 4 hours and the "camp" is 7 minutes from my house. But, still...anxiety. My friends and sister, who reached out to me yesterday, kept on asking me the same question: what are you so worried about?
The chupacabra?
No, seriously. So much worries me. I actually don't really understand the concept of camp. Despite having worked in one the summer before I left for college and having several friends attend as children, I don't get it. My sister and I never experienced camp. We were shipped off to the motherland (Puerto Rico), picking mangoes, swimming in El Dorado beach, watching cheesy telenovelas with my grandmother. THAT was a summer experience to me. Camp? That's a dirty four letter word in my culture....
All morning, I had visions of this:
Yes, Karate Kid. I envisioned my son as a 4-year-old Ralph Macchio being bullied by the big ol' blonde preppy....and then, in my full blown panic attack mode, I saw my son learning wax on, wax off by the slide in order to combat the bully. This whole scene played out in my mind several times over, causing the avalanche of tears. Wax on, wax off, people!
Of course, he loved camp and was eager to return. Ugh. I was kind of hoping he would hate it and beg me to stay home. Today is the 2nd day and I am only slightly better. After dropping him off, I decided to stop by CVS and buy a crapload of sh!t to distract me:
I am also watching Maury and jumping off the couch whenever someone does a "you are NOT the father" dance. Love those dances. I can get down with that.
And I'm talking about me.
I have not been dealing well with my son's participation in camp. It has been too much for my poor little heart. Mind you, he is only there for 4 hours and the "camp" is 7 minutes from my house. But, still...anxiety. My friends and sister, who reached out to me yesterday, kept on asking me the same question: what are you so worried about?
The chupacabra?
No, seriously. So much worries me. I actually don't really understand the concept of camp. Despite having worked in one the summer before I left for college and having several friends attend as children, I don't get it. My sister and I never experienced camp. We were shipped off to the motherland (Puerto Rico), picking mangoes, swimming in El Dorado beach, watching cheesy telenovelas with my grandmother. THAT was a summer experience to me. Camp? That's a dirty four letter word in my culture....
All morning, I had visions of this:
Yes, Karate Kid. I envisioned my son as a 4-year-old Ralph Macchio being bullied by the big ol' blonde preppy....and then, in my full blown panic attack mode, I saw my son learning wax on, wax off by the slide in order to combat the bully. This whole scene played out in my mind several times over, causing the avalanche of tears. Wax on, wax off, people!
Of course, he loved camp and was eager to return. Ugh. I was kind of hoping he would hate it and beg me to stay home. Today is the 2nd day and I am only slightly better. After dropping him off, I decided to stop by CVS and buy a crapload of sh!t to distract me:
![]() |
Those slim jims are definitely not mine. No, ma'am, never that. |
6.08.2012
Please help [packing]....by pemora
I have asked for help on Twitter but I realize that 90% of my followers are either pros or spam bots (although, if you ARE a pro and you are following me, you totally should have helped me with this fashion dilemma). So, yeah, no one helped me. This is the thing....
...we are staying in West Texas for close to a month this summer. (please don't stalk me)
WTF do I pack? What do I wear? Should I just find a Target and buy gear over there? How do I DO this?
These are my fashion requirements:
1. I don't like to sweat.
2. I prefer to wear all black everything.
3. I don't like anything tight/short/low cut/sexy. I am a mom to 2 already....sexy left this home a long time ago.
I even welcome advice on shoes, although I think I'm just going to rock flip flops the whole time.
...we are staying in West Texas for close to a month this summer. (please don't stalk me)
WTF do I pack? What do I wear? Should I just find a Target and buy gear over there? How do I DO this?
These are my fashion requirements:
1. I don't like to sweat.
2. I prefer to wear all black everything.
3. I don't like anything tight/short/low cut/sexy. I am a mom to 2 already....sexy left this home a long time ago.
I even welcome advice on shoes, although I think I'm just going to rock flip flops the whole time.
5.05.2012
Goodbye MCA + KISS...by pemora
For personal + professional reasons, I have been thinking a lot about challenges + loss. Mostly I wonder about my own reserve of strength, flexibility + patience, traits that seem to belong to a greater person than me. Because I like to keep UR a bit more superficial than this, I wanted to write about the recent departure of 2 icons in my life -- MCA and 98.7 KISS FM.
Why would I even compare a person to a radio station?
MCA's life cannot be reduced to the span of a station. But the void left in the music world really must be acknowledged.
It hit me, this morning, that we will never ever again see the Beastie Boys perform. Remember how every couple of years, very randomly, they would show up to the MTV Awards? And regardless of what they performed or how they did, I would always step back and say, "damn, they rocked." I had this long-standing dream to convince 2 other girlfriends to do Intergalatic with me at Hip-Hop Karaoke. During college, whenever I felt particularly homesick, I often found myself reaching for a Beastie cd. They're sound, they're lyrics, they're antics, felt so much like NYC to me. Hello Nasty and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill were the soundtracks to my junior year.
I am still confused about the disappearance of 98.7 KISS FM. I can clearly remember getting dressed for middle school, attempting to create the perfect side ponytail, listening to freestyle music on KISS. At the time, my cousin was a back-up dancer for Cynthia and a number of the artists had made their way to my childhood home. It was exciting to hear their songs on the radio and I loved the sounds that these Latinos were creating. Later, I listened to the 'friend in my head' Wendy Williams. When I returned to NYC from college, I often tuned in to KISS for some good ol' R&B.

These losses are pretty darn sad to me. I am not even sure that we (or maybe just me) have fully realized how big a loss we are experiencing.
Why would I even compare a person to a radio station?
MCA's life cannot be reduced to the span of a station. But the void left in the music world really must be acknowledged.
It hit me, this morning, that we will never ever again see the Beastie Boys perform. Remember how every couple of years, very randomly, they would show up to the MTV Awards? And regardless of what they performed or how they did, I would always step back and say, "damn, they rocked." I had this long-standing dream to convince 2 other girlfriends to do Intergalatic with me at Hip-Hop Karaoke. During college, whenever I felt particularly homesick, I often found myself reaching for a Beastie cd. They're sound, they're lyrics, they're antics, felt so much like NYC to me. Hello Nasty and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill were the soundtracks to my junior year.
I am still confused about the disappearance of 98.7 KISS FM. I can clearly remember getting dressed for middle school, attempting to create the perfect side ponytail, listening to freestyle music on KISS. At the time, my cousin was a back-up dancer for Cynthia and a number of the artists had made their way to my childhood home. It was exciting to hear their songs on the radio and I loved the sounds that these Latinos were creating. Later, I listened to the 'friend in my head' Wendy Williams. When I returned to NYC from college, I often tuned in to KISS for some good ol' R&B.
These losses are pretty darn sad to me. I am not even sure that we (or maybe just me) have fully realized how big a loss we are experiencing.
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