Thursday, February 5, 2015 Page B1
LIVING
SECTION
B
WHAT’S ON? Q DINING GUIDE Q WHAT’S COOKING? Q SPORTS Q REAL ESTATE Q CLASSIFIED Q SERVICE GUIDE Q BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY
DINER HEAVEN When it comes to comfort food, there’s no place like the northwest Bronx for a good diner meal. Reporter Nic Cavell and Photographer Adrian Fussell herein explore the uniqueness of each eatery.
Tibbett Diner 3033 Tibbett Ave. News anchors, CEOs, construction workers. Tibbett Diner, a Riverdale favorite, has seen them all since its early days as a railway cart back in 1968. Co-owner Nick Diakakis makes a point of treating all his customers like family. Pointing to the building’s foundations, Mr. Diakakis, 32, said that the diner’s past is embedded in the present. “The cart’s wheels are still down there,” he said. The interior, meanwhile, has been remodeled a number of times since 1968. Regulars said they welcomed the return of sleek metal counters when the diner reopened in the fall of 2009 after a fire.
Mr. Diakakis said he has seen history in motion at the restaurant. “I’ve seen kids come here for meals when they’re 3 years old grow to where they’re 6’5’’ linebackers,” he remarked. There might well be a secret ingredient in Tibbett’s Friday special: the famous chicken pot pie.
THE BREAKFAST scene at Tiny’s Diner in Riverdale on Monday morning. The exterior of Tiny’s Diner in Riverdale on Monday, inset.
Tiny’s Diner 3603 Riverdale Ave. At just over three years old, Tiny’s Diner has not been on the scene as long as some of the local heavyweights. But it makes up for the difference with general manager Brian Seitz’s expertise in French cuisine. Mr. Seitz, who got his start at French bistros in Midtown Manhattan, makes a mean steak au poivre with peppercorns. There is also standard diner fare like omelets, frittatas and meatballs. Lloyd’s carrot cake is regularly available, too. Tiny’s original owners opened the diner with a one-sided menu in September 2011. When Mr. Seitz took over in May 2013, he made the menu two-sided and noticed an immediate increase in customers, especially through deliveries.
“We make our own turkey now. We bake our own muffins, which is something the previous owners wouldn’t do. We also play ‘50s music in the evenings,” he said. “Since 2013, we’ve really turned the place around.”
JEWEL AND Edith Jones have breakfast at Tibbett’s Diner on Monday. The well regarded pot pie dish, above.
Blue Bay Restaurant 3533 Johnson Ave.
LOUIE’S DALE Diner in Kingsbridge on Monday. Below, the exterior.
189 West 231st St. A change in neighborhood lines means Louie’s Dale Diner is technically no longer in Riverdale, but Kingsbridge. Also, founder Louie Katsikoumbas passed away about 13 years ago. But both Riverdale and the original proprietor still seem essential to this establishment. While Mr. Katsikoumbas’ son
said he continues the tradition his father started with the restaurant in 1975, Steve Katsikoumbas added that the diner’s clientele is increasingly a “melting pot” of different communities. Kosher hamburger meat is available. The Roumanian steaks are a hit with everyone, he continued, before exchanging a few words in Spanish with a man who just entered the restaurant. Although he owns the diner, Mr. Katsikoumbas, 33, considers himself one of Louie’s Dale Diner’s “team members.”
ED YOUNG, 68, reads the newspaper at Blue Bay Restaurant on Monday.
Riverdale Diner 3657 Kingsbridge Ave. “You’ve got to try the cheesecake,” manager Tom Mastoras said. “Hey, get them some cheesecake!” Riverdale Diner opened 47 years ago. Mr. Mastoras has only worked there for three years. But that is enough time to learn that everybody likes cheesecake — and that customers appreciate change, too. “The menu here has evolved along with the communities the restaurant serves,” he said. Variety, Mr. Mastoras explained, ensures that everyone can find something they like. On a recent visit, the daily specials included Asian fare like chicken teriyaki. “Still, longevity is the main thing,” he added while cheesecake came out of the kitchen.
F E AT U R E D E X C L U S I V E S
V I R T U A L LY S TA G E D
ATTORNEY LAWRENCE Cooper has lunch at the Riverdale Diner on Jan. 29.
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Louie’s Dale Diner
Alex Katechis, 69, started Blue Bay Restaurant in 1975. He still owns the establishment and says he cannot get enough.“Even on my day, off I’ll stop by,” he said.“This place is my second home.” The diner’s wood paneling recalls a bygone era, as do color portraits of an earlier Riverdale: Indian Pond, a statue of Henry Hudson and two swans looking at a sun-soaked Henry Hudson Bridge from their vantage in Spuyten Duyvil. Mr. Katechis said his emphasis on quality in meat products, especially, has not changed since Blue Bay opened. He has also added variety to the menu of seafood and chicken dishes. “We used to be a place that waited for people to stop by after finishing work downtown,” Mr. Katechis said. “Now we still have a mix of local people. The menu serves all kinds. We’re not so exclusive.”