#cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

#cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

Marie and Rosetta, the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe (Kecia Lewis) who was a huge influence on Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash, as well as a legend in her time, bringing fierce guitar-playing and swing to gospel music. Tharpe was the queen of ‘race records’ in the 30’s and 40’s, a woman who played guitar as passionately as Clapton, who performed mornings at churches and evenings at the Cotton Club, who was a big enough star to fill a baseball stadium for her third wedding, but ended up buried in an unmarked grave in Philadelphia. Marie and Rosetta chronicles Sister Rosetta’s first rehearsal with a young protégée, Marie Knight (Rebecca Jones), as they prepare to embark on a tour that would establish them as one of the great duet teams in musical history. #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

#cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

—By Angela Bronner Helm. Harlemworld forever. Follow her food and drink exploits on IG at @atthehelmmedia When owner Adriane Ferguson opened the original Billie’s Black in 2006, it was unapologetically black in its soul food menu (the catfish was called “crackfish”) and clientele, often hosting rousing karaoke nights that included Broadway stars belting out soul hits. There were some issues, though, and so Billie’s temporarily closed ove the summer and re-opened in September as B2. That being said, the only thing that B2 and Billie’s have in common is the address. The new space, designed by HGTV regular Mikel Welch, is richly appointed in rich shades of gray with chic lighting fixtures and quirky table and chair settings, giving off a sophisticated but not too stuffy vibe. The stage is no longer there, and the bathroom has been moved, leaving a more modern, open, sexy room. B2’s menu is seasonal, so were just able to get Chef John Creger’s stuffed zucchini blossoms with manchego, farro, corn & parmesan fondue, before it was gone. As a nod to its roots, there was fried catfish as a starter, and the hot sauce was served in the most adorable medicine dropper. It’s attention to details like this that make the B2 really special. The sea-centric menu boasts signature dishes such as a Seafood Tower and Squid Ink Pasta with King Crab as entrees. We had the Pan Seared Sea Bass with corn & farro/ragout, black garlic aioli, green garlic “onion ring.” We also sampled the chicken under a brick with with soft cheddar polenta, pickled red onion & chimichurri (yes, there are other options besides seafood). The food was good, but the cocktails were incredible. We each had two drinks – my whisky-connoisseur pal had the Smoke & Mirrors, served with one of those big ice cubes that was actually branded with a big B (again, details). It had shaved chocolate, served on a sizzling platter of smoke. I first went fruity with Westside Stories, a festive cocktail that packed a nice punch. Next, we went classic and my pal had an Old Fashioned and I opted for a margarita. Yet, there were always upscale touches, even on classic drinks such as cherries with the Old Fashioned and dried orange in the margarita. We happened to be there when the city Inspection team came by, and B2 got a A. Though not on the periodic table, that letter sounds about right for the food, drinks and décor. B2 271 W 119th St (b/t FDB & Manhattan Ave) 212.280.2248 #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

#cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

#cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

On October 3, 2016, a category five hurricane by the name of Matthew swept through the southwestern part of Haiti leaving behind massive destruction and casualties. About 1.4 million people are in need of immediate assistance. We want to do our part in the relief efforts, by focusing on a region of Haiti very dear to us. We have ask some of our friends in the New York City community to assist us with this effort. Please join us in support of Baraderes, Haiti. Donation: $20 in advance ($25 at the door) Wednesday October 26, 2016 7 East 36th St, NYC CLICK HERE For more info or to RSVP #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

#cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

We LOVE fall.  Falling leaves, crisp night air, sweaters, boots and equally important fall cocktails.  We’re shifting away from summer’s light fruity libations to rum, whiskey and tequila (oh my).  Following is a round up of some our favorite Harlem fall sips.  Follow us on Instagram @experienceharlem to see what else we’re sipping throughout the season. The Kid Creole This cocktail blends juice from the popular Yam or Sweet Potato – popular in both the African American South and in the Caribbean with a demerrara heavy Rum to create a delicious fall cocktail.  Spice is added with Aromatic bitters to create a robust sipper perfect for the season. Solomon & Kuff’s Rum Hall‪ 2331 12th Ave at 133rd St Blacksheep Maker’s Mark with muddle blackberry, mint and fresh lemon. Silvana 300 W 116th St (b/t FDB & Manhattan Ave) Ginger Mango Margarita A classic margarita with a ginger-mango purée with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Yatenga French Bistro & Bar 2269 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr Blvd (b/t 133rd & 134th Sts) Smoke & Mirrors Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum, Dolin Rouge, Lucano Amaro, Grand Marnier, Aphrodite bitters topped with shaved chocolate. B2 271 W 119th St (b/t FDB & Manhattan Ave) #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

#cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

#cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY