Well…our COVID infection rate in New York is almost at 2%. The rise was expected with the colder weather, but remain vigilant and do all being asked of you to keep you and yours safe and healthy. Mask up, socially distance, avoid unnecessary travel and get tested.

Last week, some major life events occurred so I needed to take a beat. Both are great news. First, and most important, my mother came through a quadruple bypass heart surgery like a champion! The largest “thank you” to the doctors, surgeons, nurses and hospital staff of Mount Sinai Hospital. My family is so grateful. Blessings to all.

The second life event is my new full-time position as Food Editor for The Spruce Eats (www.thespruceeats.com). I am beyond excited to put my entire handprint on this opportunity with my unique ideas and passion for the business of food. I will forever be reppin’ my home of Harlem and the people who have helped me to this point. Cheers to you!

I will still be cooking for clients when I can and open to training the next generation of SCHOPerators to keep my vision alive. Additionally, I will still be here, on this page, writing about all the dope food happenings in Harlem and beyond. I have a bunch of fantastic cookbooks, some exceptional wines for the holidays and new food products to review plus our Harlem chefs and restaurants are stickin’ and movin’ in these streets.

Now, I am going to need some help here. I am putting up the #AmNewsFOOD bat-sign for current, latent, novice and aspiring food writers to join our team. I will be your editor helping you to develop your unique voice in addition to the always dynamic editors of the Amsterdam News.

Your goals for being a staff writer for #AmNewsFOOD should be:

• To succinctly and engagingly express your ideas about food in written form.

• To be inquisitive about and involved in the food community outside of this page.

• To participate in impactful and relevant content on this page and in social media, on deadline.

This opportunity is not about money. The magnitude of being published in the oldest African American newspaper in the country is not to be taken lightly. Today’s writers are moving the needle forward and #AmNewsFOOD will continue to move with it.

If you or someone you know are interested, please send an email to kysha@schopnyc.com with:

• Introduction to you and why you might be a good fit for the team.

• Resume and bio

• 400-word writing sample on a current and relevant topic in today’s food landscape.

Thank you to all of my supporters near and far who have helped me build my path to this point. You are appreciated.

Stay safe, wear a mask, eat well and thanks for reading!

Kysha Harris is a food writer and editor, culinary producer, consultant and owner of SCHOP!, a personalized food service in NYC for over 18 years. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram, @SCHOPnyc, on Facebook, /SCHOPnyc. Questions? Comments? Requests? Feedback?  Invitations!  Email AmNewsFOOD at AmNewsFOOD@SCHOPnyc.com. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @NYAmNewsFOOD and tag us with #SoAmNewsFOOD with your food finds!