It’s hard to believe Harlem is in Manhattan, yet there’s something about Harlem that I love. It is so raw. Gritty. And real. Maybe it reminds me more of home… Or maybe it was the collard greens I bought off the street this afternoon.
I was walking across 139th street today and came across this family BBQ’ing ribs on a street corner and selling it to people in the neighborhood. It was surreal. They were BBQ’ing under NYC scaffolding! Under scaffolding! On the street! In Manhattan!!!
At anyrate, I quickly started a conversation and made a b-line to the collards. It ended up the cook was from Hollywood, SC. I know folks from down there, so we started exchanging family names and seeing if I knew any of their kin. I didn’t, although I’m sure I know someone if we talked long enough. It was a nice (and short) moment. Two people having two very different NYC experiences sharing stories and commonalities all because of food. It all goes with my theory that the most beautiful thing about food is not the flavor or taste, but the ability it has to bring people together. Good food has no borders. Good food doesn’t care if you are black or white. It doesn’t care if you are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Buddist, Hindu or agnostic. It doesn’t care if you are gay or straight. It doesn’t judge. It is just there to make you feel good. Give you strength. And bring people together. I love that, and I am pretty sure we could all learn from that as well.
As for the food… I’m definitely planning on going back. The collards were good, but they are also super authentic aka “fat back” seasoning. While I am authentically southern, I tend to prefer no fat in my collards. Next time I am having the ribs, and mac-n-cheese. When I do, I’ll try to sneak a pic. I didn’t feel comfortable taking pics today. I wanted them to know I took the food, and our moments we shared seriously. I didn’t want them thinking I saw them as a tourist attraction.
Cheers and bon appetit!
Ryan
