Restaurants

Parrillada is the best deal at this Spanish restaurant that sins with some Mexican dishes. Parrillada is about 27 dollars, and it comes with a soup or salad and a side dish. Carmen restaurant is located at 750 Barclay Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10312. Tel. 718-356-2725. For more information visit their website at www.carmenrestaurant.com

This small restaurant is in a not-often-explored area of the Bronx, but it is worth a trip if you are in the area (they also do take-out). Other than the obvious barbeque items, which are very good, their chili is excellent – not spicy but just flavorful enough – and their mashed sweet potatoes are perfect. The prices are more than reasonable, especially given the homemade food. Located at 5788 Mosholu Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471, Tel. (718) 601-2400

Sunday Brunch at Pasticceria Bruno
Now that’s brunch. I don’t care what anybody says, their Lombardi Pizza is one of the best pizzas I’ve had in town: light and tasty, like it was meant to be. When I have pizza there, I share one pie with my husband, and we get a Giardino Salad as well. We go there for brunch, but never leave without dessert. This weekend we finished up with a pear caramel mousse that was just out of this world. WOW. If only they would invent guilt free Bruno pastries, the world would be a perfect place. Prices are what they are everywhere else for dessert in Staten Island, but are very good for food. But let’s be serious, when you see the way those desserts look, you have to admit they are the best deal in town.

506 LaGuardia Pl (212) 982 5854 and Hyland Boulevard( 718) 987 5859 .
Sunday night they have amazing live music in Staten Island, mainly old Italian songs.

Cumin
 3549 Johnson Ave Bronx, NY 10463(718) 432-2481This Indian restaurant doesn’t have absolutely rock-bottom prices, but it is certainly less expensive than Manhattan, and the great food more than makes it worthwhile. Cumin is right in the middle of Riverdale, one of the nicest areas in the Bronx, and is easy to get to by car or public transportation. Their chicken biryani is some of the best you’ll get, and their pistachio ice cream is wonderful. Anna Bristow, Contributor