The Belmont Business Improvement District and National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) welcomed Marco Marsilio, President of Abruzzo, Italy and his delegation to the neighborhood on Thursday, April 21. The visit started with a tour of Bronx Little Italy with stops at Borgatti’s Ravioli and Egg Noodles, Terranova Bakery, Joe’s Italian Deli, Teitel Brothers and Cosenza’s Fish Market.

The tour was followed by lunch at Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue, where National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Executive Vice Chair John Calvelli addressed the Abruzzo Region delegation, speaking about the Bronx as an attraction and how Arthur Avenue is in close proximity to the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, Fordham University and SBH Health System.

Calvelli shared the mission of the Belmont Business Improvement District of expanding the neighborhood’s economic well-being and promoting businesses in the community, several of which are 100+ years old.

The visit to Bronx Little Italy was part of the President’s U.S. tour of New York City and prior to being awarded with “Regione Abruzzo-NIAF Region of Honor 2021” at Ciprani 42nd Street.

In addition to the Abruzzo delegation, The Belmont BID and NIAF will continue to welcome senior leadership from various Italian regions to Bronx Little Italy, introducing the local community, merchants, and businesses, many of which are owned and operated by the same families that founded them over a century ago.