Now that the entertaining season is in full swing, there are a few things you should know to help keep you on the A-list, especially if you are the host. The new etiquette requires that all cellphones are left at the door (whether deposited into a cute little basket or with an attendant). Turning off the volume is not enough, because a vibrating, pulsating beat in your pocket or bag creates just the kind of distraction that should be avoided. The idea is for people to mingle with all of their attention focused on who is in the room, not who is on the phone.
I have always been big on providing the proper lighting because that is so important. Bright lights can totally spoil the atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to create a mood. No one can relax when they feel as though they are being scrutinized under the bright lights. I recently attended a dinner party where the only lights were directed at the dinner table (after all, you do want to see what you are eating). It was so much fun because the indirect lighting made everyone look so intriguing.
Speaking of seating, couples are to be separated and not seated next to one another. They can whisper into each other’s ear once they get home. For entertaining outside of the home, the basics are an attractive room and a frequent waiter passing the classic hors d’oeurves, and nothing fancy or exotic, just down-home pigs-in-a-blanket with plenty of mustard. Also important is a well-stocked bar, with more than one bartender. Please, once you get your drink, step away from the bar and let someone else get in. Music should—no must—be low. If considering live music, either Joey Morant and the Lucky Chops Brass Band or Josh Crowley’s Trio is a good choice.
Deciding to forgo the muss and fuss of entertaining at home, you’ll find plenty of nightlife in Harlem. Start on the corner of 134th Street and 7th Avenue and just work your way down the block. Begin with Ramde Art Salon, featuring exotic art and a haircut, too. Rather innovative from your average chop shop, wouldn’t you say? For more information, check out Ramdeartsalon.com. The biggest surprise and hush-hush secrete is next door at Shrine.
Housed in what was formerly the Black United Fund, Shrine is a live-music venue and perfect date-night spot. Very intriguing because you can’t peer in from the outside. Step inside and you enter the Twilight Zone: mixed-colored lights, dark ceiling covered with old album covers depicting Gene Chandler, the Pointer Sisters, Isaac Hayes, Hot Buttered Soul, Billy Preston and others. It’s hard to take your eyes off of the ceiling, yet the eclectic mix of music, crowd and menu will have you totally in the groove. Featured on the menu, at decent prices I might add, are plantain, couscous, cappuccino, double espresso, exotic mixed drinks, wine and beer, and you will need a cold one after a few rounds on the dance floor, in front of the stage, which has you up close and personal with the musicians.
It is a nice space, good vibes, a fun night out for people letting loose and all good clean fun, a place you could take your mama to. As someone in the distance was heard saying, I’m so glad I came. Check Shinemusic.com world music venue for the music schedule.
Continuing to enjoy the atmosphere are those next door at Yatenga French Bistro, which is next door to African June Restaurant. And on the corner is the can’t do without West Indian and American Restaurant, specializing in oxtails, jerk chicken and curry goat.
After having your fill of 7th Avenue Saturday, head over to Lenox Avenue Sunday, where Barawine, located at 120th Street, presents Wine & Swing every Sunday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the Yael & Gabriel trio. Tuesday it’s Wine & Jazz with Chloe Perrier. Saturday and Sunday brunch features bottomless mimosas. Executive chef is Carlos Jimenez.
St. Phillips Episcopal Church rocked the house with a dinner dance held in the Croft section of the church, located on 134th Street, between 7th and 8th avenues. Beginning with the cocktail hour, the younger members of the church served guests and attended to every detail, while the DJ played all the songs we know and love. Members of the congregation and friends danced all night long as they congratulated the Rev. Patrick Williams and his wife on the birth of their daughter, Camille. After a full evening of delightful entertainment, the only thing I want to know is when is the next one?
Dance Theatre of Harlem delighted the Sunday matinee audience with a sold-out performance featuring the José Limón Dance Foundation, with guest artists Jamal Story and Darius Crenshaw, and the DTH company. With ticket prices so reasonable and the convenient location of West 152nd Street, who wouldn’t want to attend? The next performance is Dec. 12 and 13; tickets go on sale Nov. 3.
It seems as though Publicolor, the organization that uses design-based programs to empower high-risk students to succeed in college, career and life, just hosted an exciting yearly fundraiser when, poof, it was time to do it again. Michelle Smith of Milly hosted the evening entitled, “Fall Fashion and Fun” at her Madison Avenue boutique. Among the crowd trying on bubbles, bangles and beads were Sheinelle Jones, Shane Smith and Martha Chery. A percentage of the proceeds were donated, matched and went to benefit Publicolor.
Reaching out to show their love and support across the Atlantic Ocean were the American Friends of the Louvre, a support organization in the United States for the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The group’s mission is to help support the many worthy projects at the Louvre, including educational tools for English-speaking visitors, gallery restorations, conservation of works of art, exhibitions and related publications, acquisitions and contemporary art programs. Giggling all through the night, perhaps from the bubbles of the French champagne, were Nana Meriwether, Antoneil Lyne, Adam Franklin, Tiffany Fraser, Shad Mohammed, Lacary Sharpe and Thomas E. Moore III.
Want to get ahead in life? A word from the wise. Always put on a good face, look good and act courteously.
Until next week … kisses.