Harlem is a great place for dining. Going well beyond traditional soul food places like Londel’s, Sylvia’s, or Amy Ruth’s, the neighborhood now tempts with a variety of eating establishments that compete on many levels with their downtown counterparts. The Harlem EatUp! Festival invites you to travel uptown to try some of these fine establishments, with dinners sponsored by many organizations and often in conjunction with guest chefs from around the country. Organized by Marcus Samuelsson of Red Rooster fame, the first annual Harlem EatUp! Festival takes place May 14-17.
While many of the dining events are sold out (they booked out in a flash!), there are still seven to choose from for May 15. Take a look at these one-time, special-menu events, and jump online before it’s too late. Book your tickets at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/harlem-eatup-tickets-15321833015?aff=Website
VINATERÍA
VINATERÍA
I love this wine-centric restaurant, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the evening’s international menu by Owner Yvette Leeper-Bueno, Chef Gustavo Lopez, Guest Chef Linton Hopkins and Co-Host Ted Allen, May 15, 6pm $85, 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
The Cecil
Afro-Asian specialties are served in this cool space at 210 W 118th St. The dinner features the pairing of Chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson and Guest Chef Nick Anderer, May 15, 7pm, $125. Minton’s Jazz Club is just around the corner.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Who doesn’t like the BBQ at this mammoth Harlem institution? On May 15 Chef John Stage joins Guest Chef Ludo Lefebvre at 7pm for a rollicking feast. $85, 700 W 125th St.
Jin Ramen
There was no way Harlem could escape the Ramen craze. Jin Ramen’s third restaurant is located at 3183 Broadway. The evening features Owner Richard Kashida, Chef Mark Viloria together with Guest Chef Preston Clark, May 15, 6pm, $85
Madiba Harlem
Madiba Harlem
The May 15 dinner at this South African restaurant is hosted by South African Tourism, with a special meal by Chef Mark Henegan and Guest Chef Ken Oringer, 7pm, $85, 46 W 116th St.
Settepani
Although desserts are the specialty, the cuisine here is Mediterranean and Italian in focus. The evening showcases the trio of Chef Antonino Settepani, Guest Chef Angelo Sosa, and Mixologist Karl Franz Williams of 67 Orange Street. May 15, 6pm, $85, 196 Malcolm X Blvd.
Bier International
You can keep it casual at Bier International, a beer hall with a menu of brats, beers from around the world and other German bites. The special evening pairs Partners Chris Pollok and Ousmane Keita with Guest Chef Amanda Freitag, 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd. May 15, 6pm, $125
The 5 and Diamond
Now five years old, The 5 and Diamond serves New American food in Lower Harlem. The May 15 evening features Chef Joseph Hayes III and Guest Chef Marvin Woods. 6pm and 8:30pm seatings are available. $85. 2072 Frederick Do
The 5 and Diamond