Bronx’s Cooking Fair Sizzles in Morrisania

Morrisania steamed last night with the Bronx’s Cooking Fair, spicing NYC’s spring at a 169th Street hall. Chef Jay Patel grilled ribs as 300 chowed, a $10 ticket fest of flavors. It’s borough bites—pure BX vibe, stoves hot. A kid nabbed a wing; a pro slurped sauce. ‘Bronx cooks—this is it,’ Patel says, flipping pans. The floor turned kitchen.

The fair’s fresh—March 24’s start, it tripled since RSVPs, packing booths by noon. Patel’s a Fordham cook; last night’s crowd hit max—aromas flew. A latecomer nabbed a plate; lines snaked—NYC grit glowed. Runs one day—food ruled. #BronxCookingFair trended; Queens wants a fork.

Some griped—’Too hot,’ sniped a newbie, dodging heat. Trash piled—swept quick; grub held. A rival’s pitching a Soundview fry, splitting grills. Still, 400 stayed—tastes reigned. Morrisania’s never sizzled so bold.

Patel’s teasing a monthly run, maybe a market if spring bites. ‘NYC’s plate—this fills it,’ he says, packing knives. The fair’s a Bronx win—grit meets zest. It’s a food rush; catch the next. Bring a napkin—spices call.