It’s been a long time since I’ve been back on these pages waxing poetic about my life in food. There have been lots of trips, events, and happenings still to report. However, the most meaningful part of this time are the people I have met and with whom I have become friends. To be in community with like-minded people and nerd out over food literally feeds my soul.
One of these food souls is Dominek Tubbs, better known to most as Dom ‘N The City on social media. By day, Dominek is a senior operations specialist at Squarespace. By night (plus weekends and days off), she is out in these streets finding all the cool things to eat, drink, and do in NYC with an emphasis on Black-owned businesses, and reporting back to her followers in that warm, easy vibe I admire.
Dom and I met a couple of years back at a new restaurant tasting. We had a lovely time and exchanged Instagram handles. Since then, her followers have grown, she has made appearances on national television, and has been awarded for her content. Fellow Harlem residents, Dom and I move in some similar circles and have bumped into each other at events all over the city. We’ve sat on a panel, served on an awards committee for New York State, and made other appearances together.
Kysha Harris photo
I asked Dom to get together for a quick drink to catch up so I could put a plan in motion. She quickly recommended Chef Cisse’s (Ponty Bistro, Renaissance Harlem, Harlem Café) newest Harlem addition PB Brasserie Steakhouse on 125th street. Perfect.
As I arrived at the restaurant, Dom was already in conversation with Chef Cisse, cocktail in hand. Since it was the beginning of service, chef generously and proudly walked us around the space from the cocktail lounge, past the large bar and dining room to the private dining room and ample kitchen. It’s beautiful. Congratulations chef!
Dom and I grabbed a couple of tufted chairs at the bar and caught up over cocktails and calamari. She was headed out of town on a Black content creators’ trip down the west coast to visit Black-owned businesses, including Black vintners. Have no fear: I have already asked her to cover this for us. We discussed her philosophy on creating relevant content for her audience and the importance of community. “I am into people that care about Harlem and community-centered businesses” she said. I dig it.
As I return to my 17th year writing for the Amsterdam News with renewed vision, Dominek takes me back to the early days of my hustle and “anything is possible” vigor. I realized I need this voice on this page at this moment. So, please welcome Dominek Tubbs, Dom ‘N The City, as the newest contributor to the AmNewsFOOD team!
Happy eating and thanks for reading!
Kysha Harris is a chef, food writer and editor, culinary producer, consultant and owner of
SCHOP!, a personalized food service in NYC for over 22 years. Follow her on Instagram,
@SCHOPnyc and on Facebook, @SCHOPnyc.
Questions, comments, requests, feedback, invitations! Email us at AmNewsFOOD@SCHOPnyc.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @NYAmNewsFOOD.