April 13, 2015 | Short Order
Join me at Harlem EatUp!

Harlem EatUp! Sponsor Citi asked to recreate with chefs Art Kane’s 1958 50-year-old photo of jazz musicians called “A Great Day in Harlem.

          I’ve been following the restaurant explosion north of Central Park. If you read my BITE you would have been among the first to learn about The Cecil. And granted I wasn’t first with news about BLVD Bistro but I wasn’t the last.

          Partly it’s the taxi challenge. It’s easier for me to get to 125th Street, east or west, than it is to cab or subway it down to Alphabet city. Certain of my dining out pals especially love exploring Harlem. But it’s also about keeping up with the action since Citymeals-on-Wheels has been chosen as one of two beneficiaries of the ambitious Harlem EatUp! Festival in May.


The mayor, Manhattan Borough president Gale Brewer and Bill Clinton join festival producers Herb Karlitz and Marcus Samuelsson with Tren’Ness Woods Block at the launch announcement.

          Organized by co-producers Herb Karlitz, Marcus Samuelsson and Tren’Ness Black Woods, it launched with fanfare from the Mayor, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Harlem’s first citizen, Bill Clinton. I feel you could trace most of the new commercial rush to Harlem from Clinton choosing to open his New York City office there. But I am not an expert on that. I’m just eating.


Festival Players: Alvin Ailey dancer Hope Boykin, Daniel Boulud, Alexander Smalls of The Cecil and Mintons.

          But I’ll also be talking. On Saturday May 16 from noon to 1:15 pm at the Studio Museum, I will join Daniel Boulud (co-president of Citymeals), Alexander Smalls, the creative mind behind The Cecil and Mintons, and rising star chef Paul Qui talking about The Masters: Then and Now. Ted Allen will moderate. You can order $35 tickets now by going to www.HarlemEatUp.com


Michael White will be cooking at Sylvia's Restaurant, granddaughter Tren'Ness Woods Black on right.

          The festival -- a “celebration of food, culture and spirit”-- as it’s advertised, runs from Thursday May 14 though Sunday May 17th with downtown chefs at uptown restaurants collaborating on dinners paired with performing artists and wines from Bordeaux. There will be free admission to "The Avenue" on Saturday -- with specialty foods for sale and chef demonstrations.          

          "The Experience", also on Saturday, features four tents influenced by the art, the music, the style and the dance of Harlem. And there are special events for children on Sunday. Click here for all the details.

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