Marcus Samuelsson‘s Red Rooster remains an iconic place to dine and dish at in Harlem. It’s one of those spots you must visit during your time in Manhattan as they will provide you with an experience you won’t forget.
Red Rooster’s longevity, from my point of view, is divided up into many parts. One, its good to have someone with a big name like Marcus behind it. I’ve been addicted to the Food Network show Chopped for years where he has been a constant mainstay alongside other famed NYC chefs like Chris Santos and Alex Guarnaschelli (I’ve dined at their Big Apple locations and they are fabulous).
Two, it’s in a fantastic part of our city. I still to this day feel like Harlem’s food scene doesn’t get enough love in the overall culinary universe that makes up Manhattan. It’s easy to get to on the 1 or A/C lines and is on a street that has such a wonderful life and spirit to it especially during the summer time.
And three, most importantly, the food is amazing. The menu options are the two big D’s: diverse and delicious, as it highlights American cuisine with its neighborhoods culinary traditions. It’s a place you want to come to as hungry as possible as they deliver in every single dish they present from appetizer to entree all the way to their yummy dessert.
I’m highlighting their stellar brunch menu today which me and a friend experienced a couple weeks back. First, the outdoor dining set up that they have put together is beautiful, colorful and will keep you warm. Indoor dining will resume at 25 percent occupancy in two weeks according to a new announcement from Governor Cuomo today but I would still recommend sitting outside if need be as it really is fab.
There’s only three dishes available and guess what? They are all THAT GOOD. I thoroughly enjoyed their Breakfast Pasta which came with heirloom tomatoes, carrots, pomodoro sauce poached egg. Again, this is comfort food done right as it filled me up while the bites kept entering my mouth.
Speaking of eggs, their Cheddar Cheese Omelette with heirloom tomatoes and a house salad is beyond perfect. And finally, for those who really want to be decadent AF, their Cornbread & Gravy with chorizo and a fried egg is stellar. S T E L L A R!
More information on Red Rooster can be found here.