Like a late blooming tree in spring, just like that, it is time once again for the fourth annual Harlem EatUp! festival taking place this Monday, May 14, through Sunday, May 20, here in our community. From the Dine In series, now expanded to a three-night event with The Harlem Stroll Saturday and Sunday in Morningside Park, there are morsels, bites and a lot of love to be had.
Though some of the Dine Ins are sold out, there are a few left that might pique your interest. Our perennial favorite, LoLo’s Seafood Shack, is paired with LES restaurant, Root & Bone, owners Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis. This evening promises to be a Southern-Caribbean somethin’ special and irie with a musical performance by Azeem & The Chosen Ones.
Other great calls for the Dine Ins are Solomon & Kuff Rum Hall, Harlem Shake and Clay. Separately and respectively, they welcome Detroit chef Maxcel Hardy, chef Josh Capon of Bowery Meat Company and Leah Cohen of Pig & Khao. Any way you cut it, a night in Harlem with great food paired with wines of Bordeaux plus unique entertainment will be a night
to remember.
Stay in Friday night and get prepared for The Harlem Stroll Saturday and Sunday. We are talking a free admission good time in The Marketplace with music, cooking demonstrations and performances at the Main Stage, puppet show, children’s baking classes, arts and crafts, athletics and more at the Kids Zone plus the wine and beer garden, free samples and a la carte food for purchase by local Harlem restaurants and vendors. Phew!
Then there is the infamous Ultimate Grand Tasting ($85 per person) happening not more than two steps away from the Marketplace. Here, you leave your cares, diet and frowns at the door. Just walk around and sample little bites from more than 20 Harlem eateries while enjoying music and a plethora of libations from wines to spirts to beers. You need only put your plate down when the flash mob dance party breaks out!
All proceeds of the festival benefit Historic Harlem Parks, Citymeals on Wheels, Harlem Park to Park and the Harlem EatUp! Foundation. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.harlemeatup.com. See you there!
Happy eating 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 more than 15 years. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram, @SCHOPgirl, on Facebook, /SCHOPnyc, and her blog, www.talkingSCHOP.wordpress.com. 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!