Restaurant Chronicles

Gospel Uptown

2110 Seventh Avenue @125th Street

New York, New York

(212) 280-2110 www.gospeluptown.com

“Two of the most extraordinary dining experiences in Harlem.” - Allyne Spinner

Diners may remember Chef Kenneth Collins from his own restaurant, Ida Mae’s, the swanky soul food restaurant in midtown Manhattan. He has now partnered with developer/entrepreneur Joe Holland for what seems to be a winning combination. They haven’t quite mastered the sound system, but the food, ambiance and service more than make up for that.

Overall, Gospel Uptown received our highest rating. It’s not a typical soul food restaurant. The food is lighter and flavorful – some of the most genius combinations I’ve had. I’ve been there on several occasions and each time the food has been consistently magnificent. The restaurant has a modern elegant décor, mostly black furniture with candlelight. Although the space is quite large, the lighting makes it feel intimate, especially suitable for the live entertainment they have there. I have dined there with and without live performances. The background music is played at a pleasant volume level – loud enough to hear, yet not so loud as to drown out the conversation at your table. But as for the live performances, the sound is a bit loud.

All the dishes we ordered were excellent and creatively presented. I ordered the sea bass with Asian Thai rice. It was moist, tender and delicious. My dining partners had the salmon and barbeque chicken entrees. They were both impressed. One said that the collard greens were the best they’ve had. The chef, Kenneth Collins is classically trained and multitalented. He has trained and worked with legendary Lyon, France chef, Paul Bocuse. He calls his cuisine multi ethnic nouvelle or healthful soul fusion, but I like to call it gourmet soul or Southern food with and Asian and French twist.

The service was excellent and attentive. Moderately priced, the menu has appetizers ranging from $7 to $12; entrees are $20 to $24 and desserts in the $7 range. If you’re strapped for cash, you may check before your dining experience. There is sometimes a cover charge besides a table minimum. Gospel Uptown is a great place for events. Congratulations to the chef!

Price: Appetizers, $7 to $12; main courses, $20 to $24; desserts, $7 to $8.

Details: Open: Brunch 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday; Lunch 11:30 to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; Dinner 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6:00 p.m. to Midnight Friday and Saturday. Full bar.

Rating: 5

Allyne Spinner, pictured left, started her career as a social worker in Harlem at the State Office Building. Thirty-something years later she returned in a restaurant partnership. Everything is important to Allyne when it comes to food. She must know the chef, all about their background and specialties. And the wait-staff better be on their P's and Q's, as well. Dining with Allyne is never dull. A natural connoisseur, well-traveled and exposed to a wide array of cultures, she knows what tastes good.

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THE RESTAURANT CHRONICLES WITH ALLYNE SPINNER

Chez Lucienne

308 Lenox Avenue @125th Street

New York, New York

(212)289-5555 www.chezlucienne.com

Chez Lucienne is one of the best restaurants I’ve experienced in Harlem or anywhere in New York City, and I’ve experienced more than my fair share of fine dining. The restaurant is decorated elegantly in traditional French bistro style. The service from attentive, smartly attired French staff was splendid - dashing young stewards of expertise and remarkable charm. The owner, Jerome Bougherdani, charming himself, is very accessible. He told us he is of Algerian and French descent, born in Paris; he came to the United States fifteen years ago. You expect excellence from someone who has worked with famous restaurateur and chef, Daniel Boulud and he did not disappoint. The chef is from Leon France and boy can he cook!

On my first trip to Chez Lucienne, (I have been more than a few times) I shared a fabulous appetizer, Caviar a la Russe and had a chicken dish. My dining companion had the scallops, “Sauté de Saint Jacques a L’Orange.” My chicken dish was good, but the scallops were excellent. In fact, I had to go back a second time just for the scallops and they melted in my mouth. The flavor will make you crave for more.

Each time, I have tried something different, and each time they were consistently excellent – lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. For Sunday brunch I had Oeufs Benedictines ala Maryland, which is Eggs Benedict over a crab cake. The crab cake was cooked to perfection, crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. Poached eggs with hollandaise sauce topped it off. My dining partners all loved what they had, especially the French toast and Oeufs a la Russe and herb scrambled eggs in puff pastry.

The restaurant is always packed when I go. Clientele is diverse and sophisticated, reflective of the trendy Harlem. Moderately priced, dinner is a slight bit higher than lunch and brunch. Appetizers range from $5 to $24; entrees are $10 to $20 and desserts are in the $8 range. Dinner for two can run anywhere between $60 to $100 depending on wine and cocktails. They have a good wine selection.

As for the dessert selection there are apple, pecan, pear and blueberry tarts to chocolate passion fruit layer cake, chocolate ganache and crème brulee. All desserts were especially good. I highly recommend this restaurant. On a rating scale of 1-5, 5 being the best, Chez Lucienne is definitely a 5.

Price: Appetizers, $5 to $24; main courses, $10 to $20; desserts, $7 to $8.

Details: Open: Brunch 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday; Lunch 11:30 to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; Dinner 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:00 p.m. to Midnight Friday and Saturday. Full bar.

Rating: 5

© 2010 Harlem Torch Magazine, LLC