The Rib-Bar and Grill in the Bronx

THE DAY THE FAMILY WAS WAITING FOR

I feel remiss in not giving my younger brother a shout out on the day of the Grand Opening of his Rib Bar and Grill sooner. I wanted to interview him for this article, but he has been too busy booking parties, and etc. to schedule an appointment with me. So, I will just talk about my take on his opening day.

HOPES OF EATING AT MY BROTHER'S ...

On the day of my younger brother's Grand Opening I was anxious to finally see the results of his hard work .... I was informed that the Rib Bar ... would open around 11:00 AM. I did not want to arrive too soon, so I left my home around 11:40 AM. Leaving my home that morning — during school hours — was made easier, because — of course — my son was in school. Preparations for me, easy. Preparations for my son, not so much. I almost always forget something.

After I reconfirmed I had my ... card – I had hopes of ordering lunch — I called my local car service.

The car ride there was less than seven minutes. When we arrived my driver and I both exclaimed at the sight of several dozen yellow and burgundy balloons gracing the entrance of the opened smoked glass doors.

A LOVELY SIGHT FOR THESE EYES TO SEE

I walked into a naturally lit restaurant which was also decorated with yellow and burgundy balloons of varied shapes. The scent of some sort of berries caressed my senses, but try as I did I could not smell the usual smoky aroma of BBQ ... still, I had hopes of lunch. Maybe I can order a hero or a salad . I thought while I watched several young workers not noticing me while taking care of what seemed to be their assigned duties .... It did my liberal heart good to notice the work force looking like a small rainbow coalition. Suddenly a wispy young woman, about 5'8”, who looked to be in her mid-twenties came straight up to me and politely said, “Sorry, we should be ready by 3:00 PM.”

Briefly I thought, ‘Man, no lunch?’ To her I said, “I'm Nat's sister —”

“Oh, I'm sorry —”

“Please, don't be. Is he here?”

“No, but Erica is.”

Before I could respond I heard the familiar joyful greeting, “Natalie!” coming from my sister-in-law, Erica's voice. I smiled when I noticed her, and was silent as I took in the look of exhaustion displayed on her face. Still, she sounded happy, and that to me was a positive sign that she was happy with their new venture.

She politely introduced the young woman I was speaking to as their head waitress. Erica gestured for me to follow her. I then turned my head and politely thanked her head waitress, and then followed.

As we passed four sets of booths -- to the left of the restaurant – which had maple wooden tables at each ... that could hold a total of six people on the burgundy vinyl bench seats which were placed on either side of each table. Erica was explaining to me that my brother was out taking care of last minute details while she oversaw the last minute details inside the restaurant. She told me I could sit and wait for him, and I decided to do just that.

PROUDLY OBSERVING MY YOUNGER BROTHER’S ACHIEVEMENT

I stuck around for some time watching how things were going. Not bad at all. I could not help, but feel proud of my brother and his wife.

Some of the young employees were busy filling ketchup bottles, salt and pepper shakers, and etc. While the kitchen workers brought in raw meats, potato salads, and other foods for consumption into the kitchen. Still, with all they had to do, some of the workers found the time to see if I wanted anything to drink. I was thirsty, but they were busy. I turned them down repeatedly. After some time I decided it was best to leave. I was truly in the way, but everyone was too polite to inform me of that. Well, that was my belief.

MY INNER DEBATE

After arriving home I called my sister and informed her about all that I saw. She informed me that she may not be able to attend the grand opening that evening. That depressed me a bit, and I began debating with myself about going back to the restaurant .... Though I was upset when my sister later told me she could not make the grand opening I decided I would go anyway. ‘Support is not always with a group you are comfortable with.’ Is what I thought.

PREPARING TO GO — AGAIN — TO THE RESTAURANT WITH MY SON
Though it was a Friday I made sure my son completed all of his homework first, and I found a nice outfit for him to wear. For a young boy -- six years old -- that is jeans, cool sneakers, a nice extra large shirt, and — for a New Yorker — a Yankee's baseball cap. Oh, and the Game-boy — hand held game — just in case he became bored.

All of that preparation and I Still forgot his jacket.

Finally my son and I arrived at my brother's restaurant by cab, and I actually was very proud at what I saw ... a packed house of customers ... enjoying their food and the live DJ.

A PLEASANT SURPRISE

As I walked through the doors — this time — a heavenly aroma of meats cooking filled the air of the — now — dimly lite restaurant. I walked two booths down, trying to find seating for my son, and me, and found my beaming sister, and a few of our cousins.

They saw me as I came through the doors. I loved that my sister tricked me. I also loved that I saw relatives almost in every corner of my brother's place. It was a family affair and I was beaming at the sight of all the relatives I have not seen in years there supporting my brother. Yet I debated going. Yeah, not proud of that.

EATING THERE AND TAKING ... HOME

The menu had mostly BBQ items — I know it is a Rib Bar. I also noticed on the menu a Kid's Meal Selection. We were informed that there was no kid's meal available for that night. They did have cold and hot heroes though. After noticing my sister's — and others' — large portions I decided to make one order for my son and me. To be honest I am not really a BBQ lover, but my son is, so I ordered a combo meal of chicken and ribs with two sides for my son and me to share.

My son loved the chicken. My son and I both tasted some of our Ribs, and we were stunned at how great they tasted. Not too much sauce, but with a nicely seasoned falling off the bones tender quality to them. We could not finish our food, and so I asked for containers to place our food in to bring home with us. I also ordered an extra order of French Fries — which were great — and a sandwich called The Elmore — my family's name so I had to buy it — to take home with us.

TIME TO LEAVE

Around 10:00 PM I decided I should head home with my son who was playing the Game-Boy game I bought with us. No kids his age was there so he got bored. I gathered our things together, and then I called a car service around 10:15 PM. The whole time my son was engrossed in the video game he was playing.

Even when we were outside waiting for the car service my son really did not question why we were outside. He was playing. It was when the cab finally arrived — around 10:50 PM — that my son suddenly became alert and began talking to me — as we both walked towards our transportation — about his uncle's restaurant and not wanting to leave .... I just nicely told him, "It's time to leave babes. We will come back again soon. Okay?"

"Okay mommy."

I opened the car's door so my son could get in first, and as he moved to the far left on the back seat he asked, "We coming back soon mommy?"

"Yes we are babes."

The Rib Bar & Grill Is Out Of Business Now.

Please Scroll Down And Leave A Comment.

Thank You