NewRoc Now

Walking out of Merry Go Round toy store, my life saver for children’s birthday parties and recent NY Times feature, I saw a new (to me) purple awning for a store called Ambrosia. It turns out to be one of the nicest galleries in New Rochelle featuring African and Jamaican inspired paintings and some sculpture. I am no art critic, but I liked the feel of the place. Ambrosia also had some very nice hand bags and jewelry and is owned by a very nice and friendly Woman. It’s a really tough business to be in and even tougher in the nascent stages of the rebirth of New Rochelle, but it’s definitely worth the walk down to 176 North Ave. to check it out.

The Little Mexican Cafe at 53 Main Street has over 35 different Tequila’s and the only fresh juice bar that I know of in the downtown area. A loud bar with mucho hombres, but the dining room is tamer.

If you are looking for a good, fresh take out/deliver meal and you are into grilled chicken then check out Chickens Gone Wild on Main Street, about .5 mile north of the Radisson.  They used to be on North  Ave. under a different name (Roaring Rooster), but they have recently moved into a bigger place.  It is the same owner, Anthony, though he seems to have some new partners.   The grilled Chicken is great and well prepared and some of the side dishes are good as well.  They have a few tables if you feel like hanging out by the chicken grill, but for me it’s a little too hectic.

Here are some pics that I took while running in Glen Island Park before I dropped my Curve in a urinal…Looking East

A Cold Day

Spring Day

Fall Sunrise

Fall Sunrise II

Frank’s barbershop at 13 1/2 South Division is closing after 45 years.  Hard to imagine coming to the same shop every day for 45 years, but here’s a shout out to Frank, who undoubtedly is not reading this.  If you have a chance stop by his shop, next to CTown on S. Divsion and take a look at the old stype airplane children’s barber chair and say good bye.  He has many stories and though he is not there very often any longer, it is worth the talk if you can catch him.

There is tons of information about this place online so I won’t bore you with 4th hand details about the owner, but from street view, it is a decent place.   The bar is very nice - the best wines in New Rochelle, decent deserts and nice salads.    They have the only game in town for Sunday brunch and it is pretty decent as well.  Lots of seafood and meat along with normal brunch fare.   The main dining room is spacious and I love the look, though staring at 95 can get a little depressing.  Food is above average and it is possible to get privacy for lunch and enjoy a longer dinner with friends.

Haven’t been to Glen Island Park for a few months and it was stellar today.  If you live in New Rochelle and you haven’t gone to Glen Island Park then you haven’t seen the nicest spot in New Rochelle. This is a beautiful park with an acceptable beach, stations to BBQ and a real happening in the summer. It’s a Westchester County park so you will need a park pass in the Summer, which you can buy there.  It’s not a stodgy private beach club and it’s not for the xenophobe, but it’s the best that Mother Nature has to offer in Downtown New Rochelle.  Also one of the best running destinations and dog walking parks.  Not bad for a late night kiss either.

Found this old NYTimes Article from 1992 that gives you an idea of just how far things have come in downtown New Rochelle.

Are you bummed out because you moved out to New Rochelle, NY and there is basically crap takeout?  If you are willing to walk a few blocks East/South on North Avenue you will find some great prepared food to cook at Battaglia Brothers on 138 North Ave.  Besides being the best Italian deli and meat market in the downtown area, they have amazing prepared foods to pop in the oven.  Lasagna, canneloni, pasta’s, stuffed meats, lots of choice, most are great.

I’m not Mexican, but the Mexican community seems to have an incredibly good time in New Rochelle.  There are at least 10 Mexican Restaurants in downtown NewRoc, most of which are very good.  But every Sunday night, as I stumble back to my place, I pass by an incredibly rocking party at Las Palmas on Church Street.   This little place is about a half block east of Main Street and they have a band, I think Mariachi though I’m not an expert on Mexican music, and they rock the place.    The party isn’t incredibly late, but it is a blast and highly recommended for some home style, Mexican fun.  Great food to by the way, but don’t expect too much English.