Why I love living in Harlem

Got an email from Black Atlas about Marcus Samuellson's new restaurant in Harlem called Red Rooster.   I was already excited about his new spot being on me and my roomie's block, and this video only added to my joy.

The red door next to the Maysles Cinema at :55 is our building. Luckily the Fried Chicken spot has closed and we are getting a new African/French bistro downstairs!

As you can see in this video, Harlem includes the diversity of our heritage and history as people of color. From high brow art to low hanging pants, it's all us.

Some of my favorite spots are featured including the Studio Museum (free on Sundays!) and 67 Orange. I'm glad Marcus is using his celebrity to spotlight our part of town. I happily shared with him a few weeks back that I had one of the t-shirts he designed for Target and he grinned right back.

Moving on up, uptown,

I gotta Love Jones . . .

 After going to the Jones Magazine meet and greet at their office, I liked the brand even more as fan the show on Centric.

So I pitched the EIC Tracey a column called Love Jones to combine style and strong couples. It kicked off on the website this week!

The Kudjoes continue to take Hollywood over while looking fabulous. Not even Nicole's chocolate boots can still the spotlight in this family portrait, with their children Nicolas and Sophie.

“Boris makes me feel like the best thing ever and I appreciate him and love him for that,” Nicole said.

Love is definitely fashion's best accessory.

Check out the full piece here: http://jonesmag.com/fashion/love-jones-nicole-ari-parker-and-boris-kodjoe/ 

I'll Drink to That

It was happy hour. He was sitting at the bar with a little time to kill. So he sent a few text messages to friends just checking in. Then that feeling of somebody watching him came over.

She was sitting at the bar multitasking. Texting, and watching him out of the corner of her eye.

She waited just long enough to break eye contact to let him know she was interested, but only if he was of course.

The softness of her glance let him know she was hoping he made a move.

So he ordered another of whatever she was drinking.

She looked confused as the bartender brought the drink over, until he explained it was from the gentleman across the room.

She smiled and mouthed thanks. He gave a thumbs up, rounded the bar  . . . and walked to the door.

Just before exiting, he felt a tap on his shoulder. She thanked him again. Then asked what she came over to say. “You’re leaving?”

He gave a sheepish smile and a “Yes,” and jetted down the stairs.

He rounded the corner, and met me for dinner. Over a creamy dessert, he told me that story. And I fell a little more in love.