Last week I made reservations at Harlem,NY hot spot “Red Rooster”. Lately I have been more into fine dining lunch than late evening dinner. It was the personality of renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson that made my visit a must. I have seen Mr. Samuelsson on tv and read magazine interviews of his passion for food. That and one look at the menu makes riding into Manhattan not far at all for a nice lunch.
Our reservation was for 12 noon. I recommend making reservations. We arrived maybe 5 minutes early,(which is late to me) and were seated immediately. There is indoor, outdoor & bar seating. Some tables are shared seating with other small parties. We sat next to a very nice woman from Arkansas and her mom. This was their first time here as well. Very nice people and atmosphere. Sharing a table was not a problem.
The menu boasts comfort food & classic American Cuisine. Fried chicken, greens,fish & more than you might expect, but prepared not just cooked. We enjoyed the corn bread for starters. Soft,buttery, toasted edges with a seasoned tomato sauce was just great. The blackened catfish with black eyed peas was fresh and blackened not burned spicy and called cajun. The black eyed peas were actually yellow and my woman who doesn’t eat black eyed peas loved them. I had the Fried Yard Bird. This was a large portion chicken breast & leg fried with some of the best seasoned skin I’ve ever tasted. The menu says it is dark meat, but it was white and not dry. There was a side of hot sauce which was really more thick paste instead of watery like red hot and better. Both meals came with collard greens. The Mac & Greens is listed as a meal by itself, but can be shared as we did. The mac & cheese was made with my favorite cheese, gouda, so I especially loved this.
She enjoyed cabernet while I had 2 glasses of a great beer new to me. Keegans Mothers Milk is an ale described as charred wood, vanilla & cocoa. I sipped this ale and wanted to light up a cigar right there in the restaurant. I need this ale it is a must have. For dessert we tried the Whiskey Fudge with macadamia nuts. Yes I tried this just because it said whiskey. These were three bite sized but very rich portions. Good dessert portions for lunch. I would have eaten two more if on the table. Overall the food and service was excellent.
Our experience here surpassed just eating. The Chef, owner & creator of the menu Marcus Samuelsson greated us and just about all guests. With his apron on in between duties(yes he was working) he made sure we were ok and that I shared the mac & greens. The First Lady Michelle Obama also stopped by for lunch with friends. She sat a few tables away & I was honored to be in here presence. Red Rooster Harlem is a must visit right in the heart of Harlem.
Red Rooster Harlem
310 Lenox Avenue
New York,NY 10027
http://redroosterharlem.com
Tags: dessert, dining, food, harlem, lunch, marcus samuelsson, michelle obama, ney york, restaurant
