Havana Cafe

Inside Havana Cafe

A few months ago I got free drink coupons for Havana Cafe (link warning--there's music), and I have been wanting to go there forever.  I am a big fan of Cuban food, and I heard good things about this place.  It is right on Tremont Avenue.

The people there are all really friendly and helpful.  I also liked the decor a lot. It was very just a comfortable atmosphere.

Mojitos

So I headed up there to make use of my coupon and try out their mojito.  It was for that or sangria, and I did hear that they had amazing sangria but I saw a mojito drift by on a tray and that pretty much made the decision for me.

They were awesome!  I usually don't order them because if they aren't done quite right, they are way too sugary.  But these were grand.

Then because I was there, I HAD to try the sangria also.  (I walked, so no judgments here.  No driving post drinks.)  The sangria was great.  Instead of apples and oranges, they had strawberries and blueberries in it, and I really liked that.  It had a great taste, and wasn't too expensive for a full glass.  It makes me think I might have to go back for a "Sangria Sunday" deal where you have unlimited sangrias.... but that could be pretty dangerous.

Pernil at Havana Cafe

For food, we got a chorizo appetizer (which was just chorizo and onions with a sangria glaze).  I really liked it, my companion thought it was more just decent but nothing to write home about.  (Or write a blog about?)  I was impressed though.  Then I got the pernil (she got the ropa vieja) and we both really loved our meals.  Or at least I did...

I would definitely go back here!

Bronx Seaside Trolley

For ages I have been talking about how much I wanted to do the Bronx Seaside Trolley.  And people have been going, ".... the what?"
Then when I explain it, they go, "how cool!  And how come I haven't heard of it?  And why haven't you gone yet?"  Good question.
So this past Friday I hustled myself up to the Pelham Bay Park stop on the 6 train to take my free trolley ride.  At first I thought, "What if I don't see it?" Yeah, that really wasn't a problem.

It is "a replica of a turn of the century trolley"--bright red.  It is really cool looking.  And even better from the inside.  (I suck, I have no pics of the inside OR outside... I swear I'll go next time again.)  The trolley goes from the subway station, to the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, then up to City Island and back.  The whole ride there is a tour guide who has tons of fun facts that he shares as you drive around.  (For example, did you know around 50,000 people live in co-op city?!  I didn't.  Or that Pelham Bay Park is three times the size of Central Park?)

Lawn at Bartow-Pell Mansion

So the first stop was Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum.  Another thing I wanted to do for years but didn't ever get to.  The best part is, on the First Friday deal, you pay $8 to get into the mansion where you can do a self-guided tour.  Then outside in the yard, there is wine, cheese, seltzer, snacks all included with admission.  And the yard is beautiful!  I sat on the benches for awhile just enjoying the refreshments and how peaceful it was there.



Inside you tour the rooms, which are all  interesting, but I was really fascinated by the staircase.

In the conservatory they have live music.  The day I went, it was a folky band called Hawthorne; they were great and mood was perfect for the setting.  I sat in there for awhile enjoying that, and then got back on the trolley.

Bartow-Pell staircase

I was by myself, so when we went to City Island I figured I'd just come home instead of staying on City Island.  I love being there, but didn't really think I was up for a fancy dinner while being solo.

I definitely would do the whole thing again, and next time plan on spending time in City Island.  The last trolley leaves City Island at ten I think, but there is always the regular bus (BX 29) if you miss that while chowing down on seafood.

What's the point of it all?

So here's the gist: I live in the Bronx, I love living in the Bronx, and I get a LOT of crap about living in the Bronx.
I took it upon myself to try and fully explore all that my borough has to offer.  If I'm going to talk the talk, I better have some idea what I'm actually talking about, right?

So as I throw myself into all things Bronx, I figured I'd keep a little blog about it.  I'm going to try to keep links and pictures organized-ish, even just as my own resource for things I want to go back to.

Please don't give me crap about my borough; I'm being positive and just trying to share some of what it has to offer.