Description: I finally made it to Harlem for gospel brunch at Red Rooster. Please note that Sunday brunch is open seating, so arrive early (NLT 12P), put your name on the list and prep for a 45-60 min. wait at the bar.
First of all, Red Rooster has a really cool ambiance which was only enhanced by a wonderful gospel singer. The crowd was a diverse mix reflective of the new, hip Harlem (BTW, check out the article entitled "The New New Harlem" in the February 6 issues of New York Magazine). Our group of seven was prepared for a long wait so we settled in at the bar for some killer Bloody Marys, a basket of breakfast breads and an additional basket of cornbread. I’m not a huge cornbread fan, but my friends said it was the bomb.
After our group was seated, we went straight to the mains. Some of us had the fried chicken nuggets and French toast, two of us got the Shrimp and Red Grits and the remainder had the fried catfish sandwich. I wasn’t blown away by the Fried Chicken, but I think that’s because they were nuggets. I’ve heard that the dinner entrée Fried Yardbird with Gravy is very good. However, I did lean over to snag a taste of my friend’s Shrimp and Red Grits and they were wonderful…would definitely order next time. The other members of the groups seemed very pleased with the fried catfish.
My final point is that the servers and bartenders could not have been nicer or more attentive. Plus, we got to meet Chef Marcus Samuelsson who was holding court and greeting the guests (always a nice touch) In summary—food=3.5, drinks=4, service and music=4 equals a solid 4 for the Sunday Brunch experience.
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Update 03/30/11: Celebrity sighting at Red Rooster!! Last night, President Obama hosted a swanky fundraiser at this popular new hangout. If you haven't been, definitely put Red Rooster on your list.
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