Harlem

Is there life after Sylvia's? I'm going to the Schomburg tomorrow, and I've eaten at Sylvia's too often. Any good alternatives? Do you know anything about Charles Southern Style Kitchen on Eighth Avenue?

"Do you know anything about Charles Southern Style Kitchen on Eighth Avenue?"

Do you mean the Charles Southern Kitchen Eric Asimov reviewed in the Times? The one he reported being tipped to by a trombone playing food writer?

yes, Susan...I AM that trombone playing food writer.

: )

Charles is a genius. Screamingly great food. Forget Sylvia's. Syvlia's Shmylvia's. Go to Charles, 2841 8 ave between 151 & 152, 926-4313. Actually, that street number is approximate...he just moved a door down.

ciao

Charles sounds great--I really got psyched, called to check that they're open (I'm one of those compulsive types sometimes) and find out they're NOT open for lunch: hours are 4 to 3....So that's out for tomorrow's lunch, but definitely I'll go soon. In the meantime, is there another Harlem place you can recommend that might be open at lunchtime? (This is a wonderful website!)

"is there another Harlem place you can recommend that
might be open for lunch?"

susan, Charles is such a category-killer that it pains
me to think of other places. Sylvia's is overpriced
and overrated (though she's ready for a revisionist
look from serious chowhounds who wrote her off when
the big tour buses of Japanese tourists started
pulling up...all the food ISN'T garbage, though the
prices are ridiculous), Copeland's is too inconsistent
(it had it's moment of greatness....when Charles was
cooking there), Singleton's is downhill, Pam Pam is
fun but not great, Wilson's Bakery likewise, La
Detente is pretty good, there are good African and
West Indian possibilities, but I don't think that's
what you're looking for.

Know what? If Charles is closed, just go to Soul
Fixin's on 34th and 9th (10th?). it's pretty darned
good, price is right, and more convenient in you live
or work downtown.

Now, if you want to go to Brooklyn or Jamaica, that's
another story...there's treasure out there...

ciao

>

Ooh, Jim, you're such a tease!

Please, please - I've already ordered my box of Quisp -
I'm hanging on your every word, Master. Tell us of the
treasure in Brooklyn and Jamaica - and if necessary,
direct us to the appropriate section of this fine
website, of course.

Ok, soulfood rundown coming up. Keep your eye on
the main page (upper right hand corner, where I
plug new stuff)

JIM

Too bad about Charles, I was planning on going for lunch today, too!

Here are a couple of worthy alternatives:

Majester's (378 Malcolm X Drive, 860-9875) is an old-style Harlem seafood joint. The steamed crabs are magnificent and cheap (bring your own nutcracker and tweezers), as is the fish and chips. Skip the shrimp.

M & G Diner (383 West 125th St, 864-7326) is an old standby serving the standard soul food menu. Check out the salmon croquettes on the breakfast--its the best meal here, although the fried chicken is usually superb, or anything stewed, like oxtails.