I had a lot of fun today at Harlem EatUp 2016 a four-day food festival in Harlem. The kick-off provided the community with the opportunity to dine at local restaurants and enjoy meals prepared by the executive chef in concert with celebrity chefs. I wasn’t quick enough to nab a ticket to one of the many dinners – they went like hotcakes! But I didn’t let the disappointment consume me, I just waited patiently for the weekend, and took part in the all-day event on Sunday aptly named “The Sunday Stroll”
It was so good to hob nob with celebrity chefs and innovators in the food industry, and I am pleased to confirm that I met Cory Nieves of the famed Mr. Cory’s Cookies – check him out!
I was so looking forward to meeting Mr. Cory, he has achieved so much in such a short time, and continues to innovate as he builds. Unfortunately, I was only able to command his attention for as long as it took to snap this photo. Mr. Cory then moved swiftly on to converse with a group of very young men ranging in ages of maybe 5-8 on the secret to his success. Mr. Cory is serious about sharing his knowledge of entrepreneurship.
The organizers of Harlem EatUp 2016 set up a main stage where visitors could sit and watch cooking demonstrations provided by the executive chefs of some of our Harlem restaurants and celebrity chefs invited to the event. We watched, listened and learned, we tasted their food, and sat back in awe of their skills. The demonstrations were so much fun.
Harriette Cole, Dreamleapers | Lorenzo Boni, Barilla | Scott Conant, Food Network’s “Chopped”
Founders Chef Marcus Samuelsson, and event marketer, Herb Karlitz were very visible during the event and happy to spend time talking to those who came to enjoy their event.
Marcus Samuelsson and Herb Karlitz speaking with Mayor De Blasio’s wife, Chirlane McCray
Me enjoying some wine
I had a really nice time, and will definitely attend next year, but I will make sure to move more quickly so that I can also experience a fine dinner by a celebrity chef or two.
If you’re in New York at around this time next year, I suggest you do the same. Harlem EatUp 2016 was a great food festival.
