Straight From Mexico to Pelham Parkway: Tacos El Bronco
Written by Decota Letman / Photos by Hector Santos
When most people think of tacos, they think of endless toppings in a hard-crusted shell. Well, at least I do. When my fellow Bronx Narratives partner Hector suggested we try Tacos El Bronco, I did not know what to expect. “What’s so special about El Bronco’s tacos?” It took less than five minutes for me to eat those words. Literally. Quickly realizing I had a lack of understanding for the Mexican culture, I took the time to reevaluate, learn, and appreciate the mannerisms of another culture. When in Mexico, do as the Mexicans do.
Nestled right on the corner of Pelham Parkway and White Plains Road is Tacos El Bronco, coincidently a few steps away from Taco Bell. Late afternoon or early evening, you will find a crowd of people patiently waiting in line for their orders to be taken. Quick, easy, and to the point, the owners of Tacos El Bronco have mastered the art of this phrase in every sense. With the sounds of the busy streets, kids running, people shopping, trains passing, and cars honking, the employees seamlessly get their customers in and out. After all, this is New York. Not to mention, the raw environment adds to the aesthetics of a budding food truck industry in New York City – quick food in a very busy neighborhood.
Prior to ordering the tacos, I asked Hector again:
“What makes this taco truck so special?”
His response:
“It’s straight to the point; it’s an authentic Mexican taco.”
What is an authentic Mexican taco? Your meat preference, onions, cilantros, and a variety of hot peppers for my spicy lovers – that’s it? Yup, that’s it. Hector was right. It was straight to the point and by far the best taco I’ve ever tasted. The simplicity allows you to truly experience the essence of Mexican tacos and its setting gives street style food a new meaning.
The variety of meats includes: Cueritos (Pork Skin), Bistec (Steak), Pollo (Chicken), Carnitas (Fried Pork), Buche (Pork Stomach), Suadero (Tender Beef), Cabeza (Veal Head), Vegetariano (Vegetarian), Carne Enchilada (Spicy Pork), Chorizo (Mexican Sausage), Cecina (Salty Beef), Barbacoa (Goat), Lengua (Tongue), and Tripa (Tripe).
One of the owners, Anthony, explained he and his brother wanted to bring a piece of home to New York. Relocating from Mexico to the Big Apple, they originally set up shop in Brooklyn with a storefront restaurant and soon after launched their food truck on Pelham Parkway in 2009. They hope to expand their food truck business. They believe it offers accessibility and good homemade tacos to their customers.
Coda’s Corner – 5 out of 5 stars for Authenticity, Street Style, and Happy Customers.
Keep Calm and Try Lickety Split
Written by Decota Letman / Photos by Dondre Green
Whenever you hear the sound of an ice cream truck nearby, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. As a millennial growing up in the nineties, I was taken back to a place where kids could be heard screaming through a game of freeze tag or Red Light, Green Light, 123, fire hydrants replaced the pool as everyone cooled off in the middle of the street, and sound systems could be heard booming through windows as parents BBQ’d on the curb. Then, there was Mister Softee, everyone’s favorite ice cream truck. The familiar sound of the ice cream truck slowly cruising down your block as kids ran to catch up and buy an ice cream cone with sprinkles on top.
After a long and dreadful winter we are now in the heart of the summer. Where temperatures are high, beaches are packed, and air conditioners are in overdrive. Times have changed, face to face interaction has become less popular and social media now consumes our day to day lives but some things never change. The instant reminder that ice cream seems to help you escape reality in just one scoop, even if just for a moment.
Here, we have Lickety Split Ice Cream, which has humbly resided at 295 City Island Avenue for the past thirty years. Having gone through a few managerial changes, it was revamped and brought back to life most recently in 2005. A neighborhood mom and pop shop, Lickety Split is everything your childhood once was from its vintage exterior to its sixties styled signs that lines the walls and let's not forget the flavors that most remind you of why you love ice cream in the first place.
Twenty flavors including Vanilla, Red Velvet, Pralines and Cream, Butter Pecan, Chocolate, Birthday Cake and so much more. Ten flavors of sorbet as well as soft served ice cream. But an ice cream parlour wouldn't be an ice cream parlour without Sundaes and Soda Floats, including your classic Banana Split Sundae to a Root Beer Float with whipped cream. Let's not forget: the famous ice cream with a pie or brownie pairs.
Upon visiting, Dondre and I sampled a few flavors. I opted for pralines and cream on top of a brownie Sundae while Dondre went for the classic two scoop in a cup, a scoop of Birthday Cake and a scoop of Red Velvet. The afternoon was sunny with a slight breeze - we found a shaded area in the park that's nestled directly next to the shop and enjoyed our ice cream as we chatted. Both realizing, "this park is perfect for the ice cream shop."
After indulging in my much needed guilty pleasure, we went back inside to take in more of the scenery and chat with the owner Louise. Louise and her husband originally from Yonkers and Parkchester, respectively. They decided to relocate to City Island because they were looking for a suburban neighborhood in the Bronx. She stated, "My husband needed a place that was a bit less congested and we settled on City Island, it was perfect for us."
They knew of Lickety Split because it's been around for years. Once they relocated to the island, they bought the shop from its previous owners. They saw an opportunity and jumped at it because they wanted to keep the neighborhood parlour alive. "It's like your neighborhood ice cream shop, has a real old school vibe," says Louise and she's right.
“We wanted to maintain its original aesthetics, everyone comes here, everyone loves ice cream. It’s perfect for families, moms can enjoy the day while kids play in the park.”
Lickety Split, although a few added minutes to your commute, is definitely worth a trip this summer, even if it's just a trip down memory lane it'll be well worth the ride.
Coda's Corner - 4.0 out 5 for decor, customer service, and location but would love to have homemade ice cream be reconsidered.
Pugsley: Pizza, Family, Love & Sal
Written by Decota Letman / Photos by Dondre Green
The Bronx is known for its Latino culture in the southern parts and its West Indian culture in the most northern parts. Right smack in the center is Pugsley, a family owned pizza shop located in the heart of the Bronx, Fordham Road. In 1967, twenty-three year old Salvatore Natale migrated from Sicily to America with the hopes of becoming a big time Saxophone player. Fulfilling his dreams, Sal joined a band and traveled the country making music, money, and meeting women. Although, he was living his lifelong dream, there was still a void. He longed for a family; he wanted to be a father someday. The fast life no longer fazed him. Sal eventually returned to Sicily to marry the woman of his dreams, Pina.
After asking for her hand in marriage twice, Sal succeeded and settled back in New York City to start his new life. No longer a professional musician, Sal realized he wanted to own his own business and create his own schedule. He sought advice from a former band member who suggested opening a pizza shop. Originally opened on Pugsley Avenue in the early eighties, Pugsley began as a chain restaurant but there was still competition, Sal did not want to be "any ole pizza shop," he wanted variety, substance, and to stand out.
In 1985, he bought what would be "the home of Pugsley," a junk yard nestled on the corner of east 191st street, directly across from Fordham University. Almost easy to miss, an old junk yard was transformed into a hub for students, families, and Bronx residents who resided in the neighborhood. If you're searching for this restaurant on the main roads of Fordham, you probably won't find it. Word of mouth, loyal students, and familiarity is how they build their customer base and how we learn of gems such as this one. "The reason Pugsley is special is because it's a reflection of you guys," says Sal.
Upon entering Pugsley, you will be welcomed by a warm and friendly staff, let's not forget this is family owned so most likely you will meet Peter, his eldest son or Laura, his lovely wife - who Sal unashamedly gushes about every chance he gets. Do not expect to stop by for just a slice. When you do stop by, expect to be in for a wild ride.
“An experience, that’s what we are...anyone can make pizza but not everyone can make pizza with love. ”
And this is true; every inch of Pugsley is covered in meaningful art from the handwritten graffiti notes on the wall to the cafeteria like booths separated by the four seasons and Polaroid pictures of students, residents, and local leaders. Its raw wooden benches, vintage styled couches, and colorful decor gives the restaurant personality.
Popular dishes include a traditional pie or the garlic knots marinated in mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. If you are into the spices request a bowl of their specially homemade pepper sauce with jalapeños, red and green peppers, and olive oil. It definitely gives your slice a kick.
If you would like to stop by to see what all the hype is about but you are looking for an alternative to pizza try their Brick Oven Wings and a side of Garden Salad, freshly made and lightly topped with vinaigrette. Other menu favs include their hot hero sandwiches; meatball and parm or sausage and peppers amongst others. You can also try their one of their pasta dishes or a personal childhood fav beef patty with cheese.
For beer lovers or moms who just need a break, your beverage choices also include pitchers of beer or a bottle/glass of wine. Every so often you'll be graced with an impromptu performance of Sal playing the saxophone or a late night open mic session. But the icing on the cake is when anyone orders a pie you'll be reminded your pie is ready with the sound of a loud “DING!”
Now at the tender age of seventy, Sal can easily say he's done it all. A philosopher, writer, musician, lover, and pizza shop owner, Sal's advice to people is the practice of self-growth.
“You can grow spiritually, educate yourself, and create something that is bigger than you.”
Coda's Corner - 4.2 out of 5 stars for experience, service, and quality of food.