May 5, 2023
So Many Festive Occasions in Downtown!
Cinco de Mayo, which translates to the Fifth of May, has become a source of pride among many with family roots in Mexico and a fun day for all. It is typically celebrated with vibrant parades and traditional cuisines in honor of the Battle of Puebla, the 1862 victory over French forces. This symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination is heralded with speeches and re-enactments in the state of Puebla. Many of our New Rochelle Downtown Mexican restaurants will be hosting festive menus and entertainment to celebrate the day.
Margaritas, the popular cocktail made with tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice, will be no doubt be served. It’s up to you whether you’d like salt or no salt on the rim of the glass!
Downtown has you covered for Coronations and Derbys
Then on Saturday, will you be up at 6am to watch Britain’s historic Coronation of King Charles? If so, be sure to begin your prep here in Downtown for your festivities.
First, you may need a tiara for the event. Although they won’t be featuring the 400 gemstones that King Charles’ crown will have, these bejeweled headpieces from Jays Boutique at 490 Main St and Gloria’s at 605 Main St certainly will sparkle in the morning sun.
Next, for this notable hour-long ceremony, you’ll want to have something for toasting the new King and Queen. Try some Dubonnet, the favorite drink of the Charles’ grandmother, the Queen Mother, or a sip of some nice champagne. House of Wine at 479 Main St and Main Wines and Liquors at 64 Centre Ave have everything for just the right “Cheers!”.
For your festive meal after the Coronation ceremony, why not make it all about desserts. Downtown has some best-loved celebratory confections for you to order early for this history-making breakfast!
- Alvin and Friends: Red Velvet Bread Pudding
- Colombian House: Pistachio Cake
- Krave: Coconut Rum Cake
- Little Mexican Cafe: Fried Ice Cream
- Magnos Grill: Argentinian Crepes
- Modern Restaurant: Fresh Cannoli
- The Wooden Spoon: Brownie Sundae
Keep the Pageantry Going with More Crowning Moments
Of course, if you haven’t celebrated enough on Saturday morning, come see a horse crowned later that day when the 149th the Kentucky Derby runs at 6:57 pm. The screens at Spectators at 227 North Ave, Lawton Street Tavern at 47 Lawton St will be on for you to see whether or not you are next in line for some winnings.
Speaking of Queen Mothers…
For every culture here, Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday May 14. Be sure you book early for the wonderful special menu meals for the day in any of the many New Rochelle Downtown dining spots.
You’ll be able to honor these special women in your life with flowers from Enchanted Flowers at 296 Huguenot or Blossom at 60 Memorial Highway, something from one of our District’s jewelers—Talners at 565 Main St, New Rochelle Jewelers at 20 Division St and T&R Jewelry at 557 Main St, or a lovely soap, candle or home item from Curtain Shop at 541 Main St.
Sew What’s New at the Library? Fashion Dreams!
After this week’s annual uber-fashionable gown display at the Met Gala in NYC and the upcoming royal Coronation, our New Rochelle Public Library’s announcement of their most creative program yet seems right on time– Sewing lessons for all!
Now, everyone in New Rochelle can take a next step in making their fashionista dreams come true. For adults and teens, the Library will be providing both the machines and the teacher at the Main Branch at 1 Library Plaza on May 23, May 30 and June 6. Registration is required and space is limited. Sign up here.
I Scream, You Scream…and the Dogs Bark for Ice Cream
At CasaRoma, the District’s newest coffee house at 391 Huguenot St, owners Yaretsy Flores, Kevin Rucker and Donnell Culver have been super creative in their approach to bringing in customers. First they created their popular Cinnamon Agave Latte which has people coming back for more. Now, they have a special promotion—a free “Pup Cup” with a purchase—that has the dogs coming back, too. The pups are lapping up the specially chilled whipped cream and they and their owners couldn’t be happier when they take their spring walks to get coffee.
Dropping Your Calls?
I FIX 4 U Helps to Repair That
With better weather and more outdoor time, it is the actual phones, not the calls,that are getting dropped a lot, according to the owners Natasha Santana and Lucas Santana IFIX4U at 522 Main St where they have been replacing more than 70 cracked phone screens a week since spring began.
Helping customers stay connected with the repair service isn’t all they have been doing for the 7 years they’ve been on Main St. They also sell phones, colorful phone cases and accessories. And they have been creating a sense of community in Downtown, too.
Their repeat customers come back for repairs, yes, but there is another neighborly reason customers stop by. They come to check on the shop’s beloved Boston Terrier pup, named Zola.
“Everyone comes back to say hi to her and see how she is doing,” said Natasha. “And then they also happen to get their phones fixed at the same time.”
Whether you are here for your daily walk or work out at Planet Fitness or Champs Boxing Club; for your new spring semester or a business lunch with friends; here to celebrate a Communion with a family meal or to have a great date night out seeing the latest blockbuster movie at New Roc City’s Regal Cinemas–know that you will get a royal welcome from our Downtown community and our wonderful shop and restaurant owners.
See you soon!
Karel
Karel Littman,
Executive Director
New Rochelle Business Improvement District (NRBID)
newrochelledowntownbid@gmail.com
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