And why?
For one it's a lot quieter than the rest of the city. And safe. The subways are close by. People here sing out loud, all the time. Last night a guy in our street was singing Peter, Paul and Mary. Guys I walk past on Malcolm X Boulevard on my way to get coffee in the morning rap. Even when they speak to each other, they sound so lyrical.
And despite being two of the whitest people treading God's earth - which makes us the minority here - we are politely ignored and mostly anonymous.
Probably the best reason for loving Harlem is the food. The other night we experienced soul food at Amy Ruth's for the first time, and tonight we went back.
Cornbread before every meal. I love this stuff and I'm going to make it when I go home. And collard greens - how delicious you are!
This meal - The Ludacris - was a true test for someone who doesn't usually eat chicken and no longer has a gallbladder to process all that deep fried badness. But it was lovely and homely ( although not as stunning as the jerked shrimp I had the other night) and while I didn't eat it all I did feel very loved through the food.
I hope you are not sitting on the stoop
ReplyDeleteI'm loving reading about your trip - and needless to say, especially about my favourite city. I was hoping you'd post something about Harlem and you have! Maybe I can see more photos when you come home?
ReplyDeletePS Don't you think it's a bit strange that they call the main course entree? Some things I just don't get. Entree - it's supposed to be the *first* part of the meal. No matter what it's called, it looks fabulous!
mmmm corn bread!
ReplyDeleteLoving the photos - it looks like you're having an AMAZING time!
Oh, what a lovely, lovely description of a part of New York I have never really visited - apart from the one time when I got lost on a run in Central Park and emerged in Harlem!
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