Category Archives: the cecil
One of NYC’s Most Exciting Chefs Just Surprise-Opened His New Restaurant
After departing Harlem’s the Cecil and Minton’s, the James Beard–nominated chef J.J. Johnson was left without a professional kitchen to call his own. He nevertheless published a cookbook, Between Harlem and Heaven, and began actively laying the groundwork for his … Continue reading
Why the Cecil — One of New York’s Most Celebrated Restaurants — Will Close
Chef Johnson will shift his attention to nearby Minton’s.Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Harlem EatUp! In 1974, a fire burned down the Hotel Cecil in Harlem — home to legendary jazz club Minton’s Playhouse. Thirty-nine years later, in 2013, businessman … Continue reading
A Guide to Harlem’s New Wave of African Restaurants
Take the A train to Africa. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine Harlem’s African-restaurant scene has been fairly insular, mainly attracting immigrants homesick for their native dishes. And as upper Manhattan continues to gentrify, beloved neighborhood spots clustered around 116th Street’s … Continue reading