Community News March 18, 2007

Police Shooting Not Connected to Cafe 22

Last week, there was an incident that occurred in front of Cafe 22.  A man was reported to have a firearm by a member of the community.  Plainclothes officers reported to the scene and followed the suspect into the vestibule of Cafe 22.  The suspect in question was frisked and in a struggle with police he pulled an unlicensed .45 caliber semi-automatic and shot one of the officers.  The Sergeant on duty with the officer in turn fired 10 shots mortally wounding the suspect.

We all hate to hear about any degree of violence in the community.  We would like to however make it clear that the incident was not connected to Cafe 22 or owner Vernon Jackson aka "Boobie Smooth the Politician".

In the past, violence in restaurants has killed our local businesses.  Please see this as an isolated incident and give Cafe 22 a visit.  Keep the good food alive in Harlem.

Harlem Grill Burns

Harlem Grill has been shut recently due to the high cost of rent.  That is trully unfortunate, because "The Grill" was well managed and the food and service was excellent.  We hope that the temporary closing of Harlem Grill is indeed temporary.  Many bar restaurants have closed due to the high cost of rent and expenses in ratio to profit.  We hope we have not seen the last of "The Grill".

Perk's Gaining Ground

As a former manager at Perk's in the 1990's and bartender and tenant of the building, not to mention friend of the family, I remember Perk's being the only game in town.  Other places had the crowds and mystique, but no food or celebrity guests.  I remember Perk's being backed up with three lines of people waiting for drinks while everyone from Anthony Mason, to Keith Sweat, Charles Dutton, Roy Ayers to Gil Noble were regular guests.  I put myself through grad school on my tips and partied hard in the process.  that was the 1990's.

Recently with a partial sale or change of management or some kind of deal only Mr. Henry Perkins could concoct, Perks has been under new owners.  Once Perk was not manning the head of the bar sipping champagne on a nightly basis and working the crowd, business dropped off.  Perk had a way with people and even when he got on your last nerve, he had the personality to sell it. He made you look like you were somebody in the presence of others.  He lambasted arrogant celebs and hob knobbed with the locals.  His sense of humor, personality and presence was missed.  I was hired and fired by Perk 8 times.

On Saturday March 17, Tracy Saunders a local party promoter and mix and mingle socialite is having a birthday party at Perks.  In 1998 I remember serving her her first drink in Perks.  She has been instrumental in the resurgence of Perks along with others who are part of the "old days" and the new blood of Perks.  The return of the kitchen has made Perks a Harlem haunt again. 

Check out Perk's Fine Cuisine for drinks, dining and mixing and mingling.

The Return of Minton's Playhouse

For years, one of Harlem's most historic places for Jazz has been dormant under a tenement on 118th Street between Adam Clayton Powell and St. Nicholas.  With a rich history and a jazz following, many wondered when or if Harlem's lead Jazz restaurant would ever resurface.  People in the know heard the rumors...Melba Woods taking on the project, Robert Deniro getting involved, even Russell Simmons, but to no avail.

Quietly and recently, Minton's Playhouse has opened back with live jazz on a nightly basis.  Check them out.  Drink minimum and no cover on most nights.