Served with soup or salad. See the article in its original context from. Picture by BowieNetter Stonefox. Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, a restaurant and nightspot famous for its salsa music and celebrity customers, has closed after 10 years in business. Folks woke up today to the news of the passing of the legendary David Bowie this morning in Manhattan surrounded by his family. NY ''We couldn't do a party, because it was a sad day for everyone,'' he said. All Rights Reserved. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. ''Hey, Jimmy! Jaleene Rodriguez with dad Jimmy Rodriguez, who once owned the famous Jimmy's Bronx Cafe. A plain white building off the Major Deegan Expressway at the foot of Fordham Road, Jimmy's Bronx Cafe seems an unlikely hot spot for athletes and entertainers, politicians and plain folks. "My favorite restaurant in the Bronx is Don Coqui," Fat Joe said. Casual American diner offering huge menu including breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. Describes the scene as Rodriguez talks to Bronx Democratic Party chairman Roberto Ramirez in his club From across the room, Jimmy might be mistaken for a young James Brolin At a time when retro, languid, living-roomy lounges like Wax Bar, Jet Lounge and Spy Bar are replacing big dance clubs in downtown Manhattan, the scene at Jimmy's Bronx Cafe revolves around dancing. "He taught me the value of a job, and that patience and kindness can make or break a person," Rodriguez told Crain's New York Business. By mid-2004, it was unclear how long they would have to wait. Neither Rodriguez nor partner Brenda Hildenbrand returned phone calls yesterday. Driving to that hospital, I thought to myself, is this the last time Im ever going to see my father? Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. By 11:30, Mr. Rodriguez was racing up to the Bronx. Meanwhile, he began a relationship with Michael Michelle, former actress on the hit show ER. For 30 years, she has helped him run the business. Seven different census tracts in the borough lost over 97 percent of their buildings to fire and abandonment between 1970 and 1980. Reserve a table today! A police car moved so he could have the plum parking spot. It runs right through my veins.". Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Sign Me Up Ingredients Seafood and rice dish served with a cocktail at the waterfront restaurant. Anyone can read what you share. Pork with rice and peas served at Don Coqui Restaurant in City Island, Bronx. Joe was the chef. "To be here, it's a great opportunity to continue representing the Puerto Rican community the music, the cuisine.". The coconut crusted French toast is delicious! Owner Abbe Katechis chatted with the PIX11 Morning News about how the business is improving since the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Specialties: Liebman's Delicatessen is a Bronx landmark, providing the best in Kosher foods and catering. Sign up with Facebook or Sign up with email 38 Tips and reviews (Enid Alvarez/New York Daily News). (Enid Alvarez/New York Daily News). ''See, there's the secret entrance to Bill Clinton's office,'' he pointed out. He later told the New York Times, "I love being the host." Ambassadors, rap stars, socialites, and regular folk rubbed shoulders and munched on spicy ribs and chicken. After being rejected for a renovation loan, Rodriguez decided to sell Jimmy's Bronx Caf. Jaleene and Jewelle Rodriguez are the owners, operators and managers of the beloved Don Coqui restaurant chain, which opened its third outpost on City Island this January. Topped with mozzarella cheese and meat sauce. ), in Bronx, NY. Rodriguez was named one of Crain's New York Business's top minority business leaders on a list that included musician Wynton Marsalis, American Express CEO Ken Chenault, and lawyer Johnnie Cochran. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant dishes up classic American cuisine as well as tasty Latin American dishes. The entire team donated signed jerseys to decorate the restaurant's walls. He convinced her not to press charges, but word got around, with a radio station making a mocking song about it, the filing says. Proud papa Jimmy said he's happy his kids are continuing the family tradition in borough where it all began. Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, which opened in 1993, hosted Fidel Castro while he was visiting New York in 1995 and held two birthday celebrations for Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter. & ptn=3 & fclid=b873647d-d265-11ec-bf94-e0ea3b24342d & u . ''We're looking to go to two restaurants,'' he added. Filter. They were drawn by the Latin music, the celebrity memorabilia on the walls and the glad-handing, kinetic energy of Mr. Rodriguez, a politically connected Bronx native whose first business venture was selling live lobsters on the street with his father. Bill Cosby turned up occasionally, as did Tito Puente, David Bowie and a host of other sports stars, musicians, Bronx politicians and ordinary folks. ''I can't believe it myself,'' Mr. Rodriguez, 41, said. Bronx, Bronx, NY. For the last five years, in fact, the kitchen at Jimmy's has catered postgame clubhouse meals for the Yankees and opposing teams, a job that Mr. Rodriguez said would probably be taken over by Jimmy's Uptown. Patrons already hooked on his signature mix of Caribbean seafood and Latin sounds are eagerly waiting, forks poised, dancing shoes polished. Robert M. Smith, Youtube Everything is delicious. Rodriguez began popping up in the society columns and he appeared in a celebrity fashion show. Rodriguez has decided to lease the space to Felix Cabrera, who plans to open a seafood eatery there, the Times said. Banco Popular didnt tell me that the numbers didnt make sense or that I didnt have enough cash flow, Rodriguez said at the time. The walls at Jimmy's, which opened in 1993, were known for their display of Mr. Rodriguez's impressive collection of offbeat memorabilia, which included lederhosen worn by the Duke of Windsor on a 1937 trip to Austria and a dress that Jennifer Lopez wore to the Oscar ceremonies. Fortunately Mother Nature stepped in. He made sure that players who visited nearby Yankee Stadium stopped off at his nephew's restaurant. The community loved him, said his daughter, Regina Migliucci-Delfino. Both Marios and Joes Place are currently closed because of the pandemic. With its upscale ambience, a multi-screen sports bar and seafood dishes that owner Jaime (Jimmy) Rodriguez Jr., 33, describes as "bringing a taste of the Caribbean to the Bronx," Jimmy's. The property is 87 years old, which is eight year older than the average age of a building in Bronxof 79 years. Anthony "Bowat" Baratta (born July 3, 1938) is a made man and former capo in the family. Nightlife . Mr. Cabrera, who was reached while on vacation in the Dominican Republic, said his new restaurant would be called the Seafood Factory and will serve seafood with a Latin twist. Shortcut to Puerto Rico 1315 Commerce Ave. Bronx NY 10461 Great food and great atmosphere! He toured the restaurant and pointed at walls covered with signed baseball jerseys and photos of him with the likes of Sean Combs and Fidel Castro. The longtime tavern owner and boxing jack of all trades passed away from coronavirus. After dropping out of high school, Rodriguez hawked fresh fish on a street corner, which evolved into a small storefront eatery called Marisco del Caribe. Rodriguez's empire now had nearly 300 employees and raked in sales of $10 million per year. Not the successful talk show host Jimmy Fallon. All Rights Reserved. The food drew directly from the menu at Marisco del Caribe. Would they reopen, returning Jimmy to fame? Rodriguez, Jimmy, photograph. ``It's a sad day.'' He said his future plans were to reopen Jimmy's Downtown and then open another restaurant either in Miami or Europe. he asked them. (Enid Alvarez/New York Daily News), "He gives us his advice," Jaleene said. 1001 Castle Hill Ave Fully armed, he fired off a press release on Friday, October 20 th which invited Fidel Castro to a dinner in his honor, at Jimmy's Bronx Caf. "Jimmy's Bronx Cafe came to the neighborhood and kind of single-handedly revitalized it. Chicken Teriyaki. Fidel Castro Ate Here, but Now It's a Piece of Bronx History, https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/03/nyregion/fidel-castro-ate-here-but-now-it-s-a-piece-of-bronx-history.html. He kept writing me notes of things he remembered and wanted to tell me, said his daughter. Yelp users haven't asked any questions yet about Tommy's Deli & Cafe. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Copyright 2023 Jimmy's Grand Caf. Cuban groups protested the event, but at the packed dinner Mr. Castro, under heavy security, was warmly greeted and drew laughs from a crowd of about 300. Describes the scene as. ''I miss the Bronx.'' I dont think theres a Salsa Musician alive today who doesnt know who Joe Torres is, said Jose Reyes. Add 1 tablespoon butter. The cafe also features live music on select evenings. Slick cars whoosh past, ferrying baseball stars to nearby Yankee stadium, or across the river to Manhattan penthouses. This story has been shared 122,910 times. Hours of operation for the eatery are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. until 1 a.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Keep up with all the latest from your borough. He had plans to revamp the place. Its owner, Jimmy Rodrguez, is the founder of Jimmy's Bronx Cafe and the son of the founder of Marisco del Caribe in the Bronx. While in high school, Rodriguez joined his father selling seafood from the trunk of their car parked near the Major Deegan Expressway. He has just expanded the restaurant. 281 W Fordham Rd. Eight years later, he opened Jimmy's Uptown in a once-derelict building in Harlem. Fordham Rd /Major Deegan Creator DON COQUI 1980 - Present 43 years. Great food, and great service "shout out to Johnathan!" $25.95 + Dominican Breakfast Mangu, salami, cheese and egg any style with onion escabeche. Thanks for contacting us. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. The culinary world in the Bronx is in mourning, after two long-time restaurant owners passed away due to coronavirus complications. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. The delicatessen is still run by the family that started it all.still serving the children and grand-children of our original customers. "It was a place that everybody identified as very much our own," Bronx politician Jose Serrano told The New York Times. "The area that we are in was neglected for decades," Montana relates. Born Jaime Rodriguez Jr. in 1963(? $19.55. "The response from our guests has been exciting to see," said Rodriguez, whose own restaurant shuttered in 2009. "I like to introduce people who wouldn't normally meet each other," Rodriguez told The New York Times. (Enid Alvarez/New York Daily News). It's highly likely the property is valued at $808,650. 5. Jaleene Rodriguez with Jimmy Rodriguez at new Puerto Rican restaurant Don Coqui in City Island. In his 89 years, Jimmy Glenn saw a lot. At Jimmy's Uptown, the boss ordered a vodka tonic and looked around. He is the one whirring down the highway in a Jaguar convertible; his friends are the baseball stars, his girlfriend a famous actress. Seafood and rice dish served with a cocktail at the waterfront restaurant. Ruben Sierra, a Yankees outfielder, invested $450,000 in the restaurant. Lo, Miuccia Prada and Derek Jeter. COMEDY: CHRIS PORTER Thru 2/26, 7:30 p.m. (& 9:30 p.m., 2/24-2/25), Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club . By . Jimmy's Grand Lasagna. Sauteed chicken in a traditional teriyaki sauce served over Asian style fried rice. Jimmy's Grand Cafe | 1001 Castle Hill Ave, Bronx, NY 10472 Liven app10,000+ 5 star reviews Try the app! The best dinner in the BX! Memberships: Hispanic Federation of New York City; Bronx Chamber of Commerce; South Bronx Board of Trade. It was a tight-knit community and Rodriguez blossomed in it, developing his trademark mile-wide smile and unflappable charm. When the sisters decided to open Don Coqui, they turned to their father, the restaurant's organizational director. and its Licensors 8 min. The size of the land lot is 16,625 sqft. "For us, this was something that was going to happen so we grabbed the horse by the reins," said Jaleene, who is engaged and lives in Ossining with her 4-year-old girl. He was a legacy there. She dropped him off at the hospital on March 31 because he had a high fever and trouble breathing. "It's a sad day.". Like toots Shor's in the fifties, Jimmy's mix includes politicians, musicians, and athletes (as opposed to the prescription SoHo cocktail of models, rockers, artists, and actors). In 1995, Jimmy's became a center of controversy when Mr. Serrano organized a dinner there for Fidel Castro, who was in New York for the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. He also nabbed a role playing himself in the 2002 film Death of a Dynasty. "The inner city is underdeveloped, and whoever gets there first is gonna cash in," Rodriguez told W. Rodriguez's piece of the action was a 17,000 square-foot restaurant he bought for $900,000. The venues were: The Music Hall at Snug Harbor, St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn, the Queens College Golden Center, Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, and the Beacon Theatre on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Slick cars whoosh past, ferrying baseball stars to nearby Yankee stadium, or across the river to Manhattan penthouses. The new two-story restaurant offers customers a lounge . . Since 1953, Liebman's Deli has been a family tradition. It had also gained fame as a clubhouse for Yankees players and fans. Now 2 hours. (Major Deegan Expy.) ''Plus, how could a Latin person have a terrace like mine and not throw a party?''. Jimmy's Grand Cafe - Bronx, NY Restaurant | Menu + Delivery | Seamless Jimmy's Grand Cafe 1001 Castle Hill Ave (718) 319-1200 3313 ratings 87 Food was good 90 Delivery was on time 90 Order was correct See if this restaurant delivers to you. Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, which drew everyone from Yankee stars to Bronx politicos to Fidel Castro, closed its doors for good on New Year's Eve after a decade of salsa-inflected evenings. All rights reserved. ARE YOU A PEOPLE PERSON? Known for its fun, laid-back vibe and fantastic food, Jimmy's Grand Cafe is a favorite among locals in the Bronx, NY. Super Elite Parking Inc. 257 E 187th St. Bronx. Jimmy's Bronx Cafe menu Full menu with prices & pictures Contact address Jimmy's Bronx Cafe 281 W. Fordham Road Bronx, NY 10468,. Vegetarians can choose from an array of fresh veggie dishes like the garden salad with apples, while meat lovers are sure to get their fill with the half-pound cheeseburger. 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