[i]Andiamo Arthur Avenue[/i] By Angelique and Cristina Who wouldn’t want to embrace little Italy in the Bronx when your greeted with “due baci” (2 kisses) and succulent Italian food. Right around the corner from the Rose hill campus, a little bit of Northern and Southern Italian culture still Thrives. About two blocks long, Arthur Ave contains a rich history and all the more friendlier “Pizons.” When venturing to this block of Baci's and Ba-Da-Bings, you should remember to bring some Arthur Avenue home to the familiga. The retail market at Arthur Ave has been the long standing attraction for years. In it you’ll find almost anything your “momma” and “nonna” need. For some fantastic cold cuts, Mike's Deli in the famous Retail Market has everything from American Cheese and Provolone to Ham and Mortadella; and the best part about Mike's, besides the excellent service and quality of meats, are the free samples: anything you order will be given to you to nosh on while you wait for your order. It's not a surprise that Mike's has achieved such perfection in the quality of their food because the Deli has been serving the Belmont community for over 50 years. Around the deli you will find the freshest of meats from Peter’s Meat Market. Their excellence in tradition keeps everyone coming back for their famous chicken cutlets and fresh made sausage. The best part of the market is that it never changes. You will always see the same smiling faces and friendly service making your experience that much better. All that shopping in the Market really builds up an appetite, and Dominick's Restaurant and Bar is just one of the many best places on Arthur Avenue to get a hell of a meal with a side of flirting, of course. With their monstrous portions you can bet that you will be leaving with a doggy bag and a satisfied appetite. The lack of menus at Dominick's reflects the character of Arthur Avenue: you never know what goodies you're going to eat. Something that we enjoyed about Dominick's, is its warm and familiar ambiance. The friendly wait staff is incredibly accommodating and when it comes to what you should order they encourage you to get whatever tickles youre fancy. Another unique feature of Dominick's are the dining tables, which are set up so that all customers eat together. By the time you leave, you feel like you've met some new relatives from your extended family. Now let's mangia. We suggest you start with the baked clams. This is the perfect appetizer to warm you up for the entree. And don't be shy- definitely double dip your bread in the delectable buttery sauce that the clams are smothered in. Next it's time for the main event: Chicken Parmagiana which comes with a side of spaghetti and Pene ala Vodka. And continuing in the tradition of double dipping, Dominick's bread in the Vodka sauce is sensational. We left Dominick's with a full stomach and a full wallet: our bill only came to $40.00. And thank God for that- we needed to have dessert. Egidio's Pastry Shop was our next stop to complete, "Mission Satisfy Sweet Tooth. Egidio’s carries a large selection of Italian pastries like creampuffs, cannolies, and cookies like tri-colors, biscotti, and your old fashioned chocolate chips." The decision was tough as our eyes were certainly bigger than our stomachs. Finally we settled down and satisfied our mission over some creamy cappucino's and a mini cheese cake topped with strawberries and a napolean, whose tissue paper thin crust was lined with with a thick, lucious, cream filling. Arthur Avenue guarantees you a day rich in stories, smiles and a very full stomach. Whether you're a regular or rookie, the many vivacious vendors make sure you have a delightful cultural and historical experience. It is certainly no wonder that this Avenue keeps New Yorkers going back for more. Side Bar: Famous Italian Proverbs “Old wine and friends improve with age.” “He that seeks to have many friends never has any” “Beware the person with nothing to lose” “In water one sees one's own face; But in wine one beholds the heart of another” “He that flatters you more than you desire either has deceived you or wishes to deceive.” “He saith little that loveth much” “Anger can be an expensive luxury” “Only the spoon knows what is stirring in the pot.”