This will be short.

I am up to my ears in boxes and packing tape as I prepare to move out of Harlem. I have lived in the district for 3 years – 3 beautiful years. Harlem’s got something special. And I had a piece of that something. I was inspired to be still and get going all at the same time. My time residing in this place of history, this renaissance town has afforded me walks with old Harlem natives, cups of tea with new friends, little pieces of a town that I contributed to in some small way. The beauty of Astor Row still moves me and Amy Ruth’s Smothered Turkey Wings still cause me to salivate. I will even miss the unbearable noise of the 3PM Harlem-bound city bus and the misspelled signs at our Laundromat. The smells, the sounds, all of it has captivated me and I am reminded at once why I decided to leave California and settle here.

Rooftops:

Fast times:

Community:

Eats:

A new chapter begins in one week. Until next time, Harlem.

Lauren’s Harlem:

Pascal’s Eatery
La Perle Noire Cafe & Bakery
Amy Ruth’s
Make My Cake
Native
St. Nick’s Jazz Pub