Bronx restaurants thank Ocasio-Cortez for her endorsements

Four Bronx restaurants thanked Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) after her recommendation on social media led to an uptick in visitors, according to The Guardian.

Asked last week for her recommendations for restaurants in the borough by Arizona Democratic Party Vice Chairwoman Brianna Westbrook, Ocasio-Cortez endorsed four: MangiPasta, Taqueria Tlaxcalli, Neerob and Louie & Ernie’s.

– MangiPasta on Arthur Ave! SUPER fresh, handmade Italian, family owned.

– Taqueria Tlaxcalli & Neerob on Bangla Bazaar/McGraw Ave are both incredible.

– Louie & Ernie’s : top NYC pizza spot (& in my district!) https://t.co/HHG5MLP9C7

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) June 16, 2019 

{mosads}After the tweet, MangiPasta chef Aurora Cerrato told the newspaper the restaurant saw an immediate spike in traffic.

“They were like ‘you know why I’m here?’ I’m like ‘no’. Even take out, they’re like ‘I want to try your food because Ocasio-Cortez mentioned you, said you have quality food,’” she told The Guardian.

Neerob owner Mohammed Khokon similarly said he appreciated what he described as Ocasio-Cortez’s advocacy for the community, telling the newspaper that “she’s fighting for us.”

Louie & Ernie’s owner John Tiso said he did not necessarily agree with Ocasio-Cortez’s politics but was also complimentary about her level of engagement with the community, comparing her favorably to former Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), the 10-term incumbent she defeated in the 2018 primary.

“I’m glad that she’s doing a lot of stuff for the community. I know that she’s trying to help all areas, all aspects that the other gentleman didn’t do. I don’t agree on all her stances, but you know I think she’s doing the right thing … for now,” he told the newspaper.