Larry Addeo's grandfather founded Addeo Bakery in East Harlem in 1928. That neighborhood was once home to a large number of Italian immigrants, including Gennaro and Vincenza. The two moved the bakery up to the Belmont area of the Bronx as the Italian community started moving to the northern borough.
Larry's father Laurence took over the business with his brother Salvatore and have been in the same Bronx bakery since 1944. Larry and his cousin Thomas are the current owners and are keeping the traditions alive. Regulars from the neighborhood flock in here to chat with Larry and pick up their breadsticks, pizza dough, or phenomenal loaves.
The What:
Addeo has a second retail location right on Arthur Avenue. But on our Arthur Avenue food tour, we visit the original bakery which is a block off the main commercial district and has a lot of old world picturesque charm. This is where the bread is baked fresh every day and where our guests often get to meet Larry, a trained chef, who when not baking is often making lunch for his hard working staff.
Samples of their breadsticks are usually on the counter and you'd be remiss not to try one of their olive loaves. Or if you're lucky enough to visit on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays, you could get a taste of the decadent and delicious cheegola bread. Cheegola is lard bread that is baked with large hunks of meat and black pepper scattered throughout. It's dangerously addicting!
The Why:
The bakers at this 80 year old business have obviously honed their baking skills. These are expertly crafted breads at a fair price. No wonder many of the local shops (like Casa della Mozzarella) use the bread from Addeo to make their sandwiches. It's that kind of collaboration and sense of community that make this neighborhood and the family-run businesses like Addeo so special. Don't miss it!
The Where:
Addeo Bakery
2372 Hughes Avenue
Bronx, NY 10458