TH0424

A beautiful technicolor harbinger of spring, the annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx runs through April 21. I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory, and beholding the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. This year’s theme: ‘Florals in Fashion.’ (For additional info: www.nybg.org) After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are a few suggestions…

Dining At NYBG: There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/.

This year visitors can also enjoy cocktails as well as walk the runway during ‘Orchid Evenings’ filled with entertainment and snacks. These special evening events will take place on April 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20 from  7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested. 

Good Brews at Bronx Beer Hall: Located inside the historic Arthur Ave. Retail Market, not far from Fordham University and NYBG, the Bronx Beer Hall is a good place to hang out for locally sourced craft beers and wines. Mike’s Deli just down the aisle coordinates some of the food service with the bar, and it is good, hearty Italian. Good spot for mingling and networking. Entertainment schedule. Closed Monday. Bronx Beer Hall, 2344 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 1-347-396-0555 www.bronxbeerhall.com.

Bureks at Tony & Tina’s Pizzeria: It is a pizzeria, for sure, but this Albanian/Mediterranean-themed eatery on the corner of 189th St. is all about their popular Bureks, flaky Balkan phyllo pies with your choice of fillings: pumpkin, spinach, ground meat, or cheese. Their homemade yogurt goes well as a dipping sauce. There is homemade Baklava for dessert. Open daily. Street parking. Tony & Tina’s Pizzeria, 2483 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-733-8094 www.tonytinaspizzeria.com.

Dining With a View at the Sea Shore: Just a short drive from NYBG. Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew on City Island serve abundant platters of seafood at this sprawling 94-year-old institution: Oysters Rockefeller, daily Raw Bar, Lobsters galore, Surf & Turf, Italian specialties, too. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. Multiple seating areas. Sea Shore Restaurant, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. 718-885-0300 www.seashorerestaurant.com.

Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at 914-235-659 or by email at gutreactions@optonline.net.