We are teaming up with The New York Adventure Club as we explore and taste our way through the Bronx neighborhood of Belmont, a close-knit neighborhood dating back centuries that’s home to dozens of eateries showcasing the authentic tastes of Italy, earning it the reputation of the “Real” Little Italy of New York City.

What’s so special about New York City’s neighborhood of Belmont, you ask? From over 30 mom & pop shops along Arthur Avenue serving everything from tantalizing cheeses and sausages to warm bread and freshly-filled cannoli — to being home to a world-premiere zoo, botanical garden, and university — this Italian community is steeped in history, not to mention some of the best food in the Big Apple. But how did this Bronx neighborhood go from a rural enclave to a lively hub for food, arts, and culture? It’s time to hit the streets of the “old neighborhood” and understand why it has a special place in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of Italian-Americans in the metropolitan area.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE PARTNERING WITH NYAC FOR THIS EVENT .  YOU WILL NEED TO USE THIS LINK TO REGISTER AND PAY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-secret-eats-of-arthur-avenue-food-crawl-the-bronxs-little-italy-registration-1112602456899?aff=nysn

Led by Susan Mills Birnbaum — licensed NYC tour guide, food lover, and history buff — our cultural and culinary experience around Belmont and its eateries along Arthur Avenue will include:

• A custom-made NY Adventure Club route of Belmont’s diverse neighborhood and cultural landmarks
• Tastings and treats from several delightful eateries along Arthur Avenue, including homemade pasta, sausage, pastries, and more
• A cheesemaking demo inside the historic Arthur Avenue Market
• The contributions of the Lorillard family to the neighborhood, along with those of immigrants who built some of the neighborhood’s most iconic institutions and local establishments
• A peek inside Italian establishments on Arthur Avenue, ranging from butchers and delis, to cheese shops and fishmongers, to bakeries and bread shops
• Stories of the “survivors” — the 3rd, 4th, or even 5th generation family-owned shops
• A discussion of the recent arrivals on the culinary scene including Albanian and Mexican fare
• This event is NOT being hosted by NYSN we are sharing this great experience with our members.

COST $78.79

Come hungry!

*Your ticket includes tastings at every eatery on the tour

**Please bring water and a pair of comfortable shoes as we’ll be on our feet for the duration of the tour

***This experience ends at 189th St and Arthur Avenue

****Eateries are subject to change

Transportation

*Please double check train departure times the day before as schedules can shift due to track work.

By Public Transit: Take a Metro-North train on the Harlem or New Haven Line to Fordham Station — the meeting location is steps away from the exit. Since this experience takes place on a weekend, be sure to purchase a Metro-North CityTicket for $5, which allows for inter-NYC travel for $5 flat.

By Car: Street parking can usually be found in the immediate neighborhood. The nearest parking garages can be found at 455 E 189th St on 189th Street (LAZ Parking between 3rd Avenue and Washington Avenue) and 425 E 189th Street (KK Parking on 189th Street between Webster Avenue and 3rd Avenue).

About Susan

Susan Mills Birnbaum, owner and operator of SusanSez NYC Walkabouts, is a native New Yorker obsessed with its history and food. Since 2002, Susan has been a licensed NYC Sightseeing Guide. She is also a member of the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC).

She’s had a lifelong interest in history (earning her Bachelors in History from Hunter College), is a member of many NYC historical societies, and volunteers as a docent at the Museum of the City of New York.

Along with history, Susan has a true passion for people (earning her Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University) and loves nothing more than to share with tourists and natives alike the best food, shopping, art, and architecture of her “hometown.”

Susan’s love for New York is infectious and her tours surprise even native New Yorkers who find themselves discovering its untold history. Taking a tour with this quirky and witty New Yorker is a sure way to explore the little-known treasures that make her “backyard” the most vibrant city in the world.