Restaurants

La Fonda Boriqua (meaning Puerto Rican diner) is a popular Puerto Rican restaurant in the community serving specialties such as octopus salad, crisp fried chicken and an array of pork dishes, including chicharrones (chunks) of pork, roast pork shoulder, and baked pork chops. Once a tiny storefront under the name Gina y George, it has since expanded in size, yet has retained the traditional components of its menu that have now earned this restaurant a favorable reputation. The dishes, all conveniently priced under $10, combined with the friendly atmosphere, contribute to an enjoyable dining experience. La Fonda Boricua is located at 169 E 106th St between Lexington and Third Aves.

Morrone Bakery is an Italian bakery that has been producing old-fashioned hand made breads since 1956. The unique brick oven bread is made fresh daily, and the varieties include Italian, French, semolina, prosciutto, and anisette.

Morrone Bakery is located at 324 E 116 ST between First and Second Aves.

Rao's is an exclusive Italian restaurant serving excellent, yet simple, Italian food. Owned by Frank Pellegrino, actor on the hit tv show The Sopranos, Rao's is a meeting ground for celebrities and other A-listers. Reservations are required but can usually be obtained only through invitation. Rao's Restaurant is located at 455 E 116th ST (corner of Pleasant Ave).

For those who prefer to cook from scratch, there are many groceries and street vendors selling fresh produce. La Marqueta is an outdoor vending market offering natural and organic products imported from their nation of origin. The supplies include nuts, spices, meats, salted fish, prepared foods and chocolates. La Marqueta used to span 111th to 116th Streets on Park Avenue. Today it only occupies a building on the corner of 114th ST and Park Ave and houses less than 10 stalls. It stands as a reminder of days past when it was the primary shopping destination for the locals.

Looking Towards The Future
The restaurant business in East Harlem has a promising future, given the success of many eateries that will continue to thrive in catering to regular customers and to newcomers who want to sample a taste of authentic Latino dishes. However, there is rising concern in the growth of franchise openings in the neighborhood, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Dominos, and Pizza Hut. Fast food restaurants pose a threat to small businesses because they have already proven to be popular and profitable with the public. As these brand names tap into the East Harlem market, their marketability is in direct competition with the older dining places, vying for the same sales and space.

Today, the restaurants of East Harlem provide a glimpse of international foods and are an important part of the community’s character. Each place has a unique ambience, cooking and designing dishes according to individual family recipes, and satisfying customers with ample portions, low prices, and distinct flavors.

Sources

Asimov, Eric. The Essence of Home Cooking, Puerto Rican-Style. 2001.
http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2001/vol5n46/EssenceHomeCooking-en.shtml

http://www.xs4all.nl/~wiskerke/artikelen/eattenny.html
MiBarrio.org. 2003. http://www.mibarrio.org
http://www.fondaboricua.com/
http://www.morronebakery.com/
http://www.raos.com/

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