SoBro Rocks!

SoBro just got a little more lively, a little more hip and I'm sure a LOT more exciting for the 21-and-up crowd! From the guys behind the Bronx Underground comes a monthly dance party scene in Mott Haven that is attracting lots of attention not only from Bronxites in the know, but also from our neighbors to the south. Yes, Manhattan music lovers now have the Bronx on their radar, thanks to the Revolution! Party, a new event taking place at The Bruckner Bar & Grill each month. A Revolution! Party is the place to be if you are searching for fresh new music, a hip atmosphere and prices that Manhattan hasn't seen in a full decade or two!

Not only will DJs Cindy Kim and Adam Underground keep everyone happy with a mixture of 80s, new wave, rock, 90s, electro, punk and much more, but Revolution! will be bringing you live music each month. Check out the sound of two acts from their August event: Fire and Reason and The Scene. (Editor's Note: NSFW - for audio volume, not boobies...sorry)

According to organizer, Anita Colby: "Produced by a collective of Bronx native musicians and artists with a vision to mix live bands, art, nightlife and Bronx authenticity; the Revolution! Party exploded onto the scene this July and will continue with its third event on Friday, September 26th at Bruckner Bar & Gallery (1 Bruckner Blvd on the corner of 3rd avenue – under the 3rd avenue bridge) in Mott Haven, The Bronx.

This month's party will feature the first live performance ever by William Control; Aiden frontman Wil Francis' new electro/new wave sideproject + NYC punk band Kissy Kamikaze + DJ sets by Adam Underground, Cindy Kim and Wil Francis."

We know that this is the type of energy that can help keep the South Bronx on the revitalization track that is all the buzz in the real estate world. The Boogiedowner wishes you guys good luck - we'll be keeping our eye (and ears) on you!

Getting There: Take the #6 Subway to 138th Street, walk south on Alexander Avenue to Bruckner Blvd and take a right. (And maybe stop in at Alexander's Cafe for a pre-party drink!)

~Simone Davis

Culinary Delight in SoBro!

We all know that Mott Haven in the South Bronx is aggressively nippin' at the heels of a certain neighborhood in Brooklyn, trying hard to displace that burg's rep as THE hot spot if you are looking for Hipster Heaven. It's not there yet, but it sure is gaining steam. Back in the nineties, I called Billburg home and when I visit Mott Haven, I feel like I am stepping back in time. EXACTLY the same feeling that I got back then. There is still enough raw urban grit, a rough-around-the edges vibe and a certain uneasy desolation that will give newbies a feeling of being a hip pioneer ahead of his or her time. Searching for some street cred, Manhattanites? I suggest you put Mott Haven on your short list! (Although to be honest, the real pioneers have been here for a good decade, but shhh....we won't tell!)

But I digress...This post is to clue BoogieDowners in on a little secret. Alexander's Cafe (on Alexander Avenue at Bruckner Blvd.) offers amazingly fresh, top quality and unprocessed food, a great atmosphere (think cool and modern, yet cozy) and two owners who provide truly refreshing service (with genuine smiles to boot!) A few years ago, Mateo David and Chris Dimitriyadi, former business executives, felt the calling many (if not most) of us have at some stage in our lives - to quit the nine-to-five routine and start a business of their own. It becomes very clear after just a few moments of being in their place that they have poured their collective heart and soul into their project of choice. I had the feeling that I was a guest in their home, with Chris cooking my delicious Salmon Eggs Benedict in the back and Matteo engaging customers in casual and comforting conversation. There were four or five tables of patrons when I was there and after a while we were all talking to one another about various topics (mostly about how hot, hot, HOT the area is getting!!)

I urge all of you to check out their menu on their website and then pay these guys a visit. Beer lovers - they have a collection of over 100 labels. And croissant aficionados - they make their own daily and I promise you, they'll melt in your mouth and will have you swearing off the ones you usually get. You know, like....everywhere else!

And lest you think a BoogieDowner review is not enough to get you down to Sobro and Alexander's, check out this write up on Chris and Mateo in London's Financial Times (yes you read that right!) - The Bonfire of an Urban Myth.

Getting There: Alexander's is located just a short walk from the 138th stop on the #6 subway or check out their website for driving directions.

~Simone Davis