Now that the snow has passed and you’re able to get out and about, why not add a little Mojo to your life? You won’t go home disappointed.

Mojo is a Harlem eatery located on the corner of 119th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Occupying a corner unit of one of the area’s condo edifices, Mojo greets its patrons as a jeweled glass structure reflecting the rich colors of purple and red within out onto the street and the night air.

Don’t be surprised when you enter the tight confines of the restaurant. Real estate is at a premium in this area and Mojo’s floor plan is no different than any of its siblings in the area (despite appearing quite spacious in NBC’s American Express commercial that features the establishment).

The proximity issues that Mojo presents has its pros and cons. The cons being, if you’re uncomfortable sitting and eating next to strangers then this isn’t the place for you. On the flipside, if you don’t have these qualms, it’s easy to make friends (most who are area locals) while breaking bread.

The bread at Mojo, dubbed “New Harlem Cuisine” is a fusion of Mediterranean/Southern flavor and represents the diversity of Harlem. Impressive sounding and tasting menu items from the creative kitchen of Executive Chef Julio Sanchez’ include Buckwheat Fried Oysters, Harlem Fried Chicken Sliders, Moroccan Grilled Baby Lamb Chops, and Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri. The restaurant’s website touts their Sexy Grits as being the crowd favorite. I won’t say why they’re so sexy. You’ll have to find out on your own if the dish lives up to its claims. And if you’re the type who does desert, you can finish off a meal that pops with flavor with a tasty delight for your sweet tooth. How does Strawberry Tiramisu and Chocolate Mousse sound?

Owner, Mounir Jabrane’s grew up in both Belgium and Morocco before settling down and setting up shop in Harlem. One only needs to take a glance at the interior or peruse the menu to see the influences of these two countries. Mr. Jabrane, an affable restaurateur who takes the time to meet and greet his patrons, considers himself a throwback to the explosively creative times of the Harlem Renaissance. He’s doing his part to continue the tradition by featuring live music by unknowns and local favorites alike. You can call or check the website for performance dates and times. But what you can’t do is make a reservation unless your party is six or more. And on heavy nights, service can be spotty. Despite these minor inconveniences this writer’s humble opinion is that it is better to experience Mojo than not to.

Mojo
mojo-harlem.com
185 Saint Nicholas Avenue (at the corner of 119th Street)
New York, NY 10026-1200
(212) 280-1924

Photo courtesy of Mojo

A night out on the town is so special to me, such a relief from my often busy, often kid-filled life, that when it comes around I want to make sure it is great.  And if watching a movie is in the plans, I want to make that a special experience as well. Though a visit to a major mega theater can be fun, I often prefer spending these rare movie nights out at The Angelika Film Center.  The last time I was there I saw Slumdog Millionaire.  And my experience was amazing.  Not only was the movie great, but I got to watch it while sipping on a cappuccino and eating a chocolate cheesecake from the film center’s Café.  

The Café is famous for its pastries and gourmet foods. It is also known for its java drinks. I have been known to show up much earlier than my movie is scheduled to start just so I can sit in the cafe and enjoy my treats. The atmosphere is great to hang out at with friends.  The theater space is theater space is intimate and welcoming, and the seats are super comfortable.

The movie selections are wonderful, especially if you enjoy independent films. The selections here are great for anyone who thoroughly enjoys thought provoking, quality cinematography.

The film center is located in one of the most fab neighborhoods of Manhattan, NOHO, where the selection of good restaurants and bars seem endless.

The list of current films, as well as the list of upcoming films, are enough to make me want to run and schedule my sitter for a few nights.

One such film, for example, is The Boys Are Back.  I recently had the privilege to pre-screen this film and loved it. Based on a true story, and starring Clive Owen (introducing 6 year old actor Nicholas Mcanulty and teen actor George Macay), the movie tells the tale of a father who suddenly finds himself as a single dad, trying to navigate through the emotions brought forth by the fragility of life, and parenthood. I think it’s one of many must sees at the Angelika.

The Angelika is wheelchair accessible and easily accessible by public transportation as well.  Check here for info on the nearest parking garages nearby.

So try out the Angelika, catch one of the great movies there…and don’t forget the java!

Photo credit: Carol Cain

As a single mom, I don’t get out much.  Well, let me restate that.  As a single mom, I don’t get out much to grown-up events.  I have an extremely full social life, except that it mostly revolves around kiddie concerts, toddler play dates and trips to the playground at the end of my block.  Don’t get me wrong; I love being a mother.  Taking my son out on the town in the Big Apple always means he will be exposed to the kinds of sights and sounds that will ensure a sophistication rarely seen in most two year olds elsewhere.  Why, just today we were regaled with the sounds of African drums beating out the exciting rhythms of Brazilian Samba at the Brazilian Festival in Midtown Manhattan.  Just two days ago we got to see a troupe of German street jugglers, and last week we just happened to run into a puppet show in front of a church. This city never leaves you with a shortage of wondrous experiences – and experiencing them with a child brings to them a new sense of wonder and appreciation.    I love showing my beloved city to my son.

Going out with an adult every now and then, however, would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve decided that I will no longer allow myself to be a Mom-hermit.  You know what I mean – you go out to tons of events for the little ones but as soon as someone invites you to an adult function you begin to mentally weigh the effort of getting into a dress that actually fits against the pleasure of vegging on the couch with a pint of ice cream and a good book (that doesn’t rhyme or have pictures in it), and the couch starts to win every time.  Does that sound like you?  Welcome; you are now a Mom-hermit.

Well, no more.  Uh-uh.  Not me.  And not you either!  We must rejoin society and reclaim the last bit of individuality we have left.  Come on, you know you want to somewhere really deep inside.  So to that end, I am going to put together a “Save the Mom-hermit Campaign”.  This campaign involves getting my friends with more of a life than I have (i.e. all of them), to go out on the town with me to the most non-mom places in the city.  My first stop?  Buddakan.  This restaurant not only has some of the swankiest décor in Manhattan, it has that fun, hip, Sex and the City feel that every woman-about-town wants once they’ve been given an evening pass by their warden…I mean, secured a babysitter for their darling children.  For you married Moms, leave the hubby at home, grab the girls, and head over to Buddakan for some fabulous drinks, delicious food, and the absolute most important thing: fresh-out-of-GQ Magazine eye candy.   Who cares if they probably won’t even notice that you’ve walked into the room – they are there to serve you.  Well, at least they are in your fantasy when you get back home later on that night. 

After leaving Buddakan, stroll on over a few blocks to the Gansevoort Hotel’s rooftop bar, Plunge.  The drinks are yummy and the view of the New York City skyline is breath-taking.  Exposed to all of this fabulousness, by the time you get home you will have most certainly kissed the Mom-hermit blues away.  Even a month’s worth of Dora and Diego won’t be able to take away that heady feeling.

So, stay tuned, Ladies.  The “Save a Mom-hermit Campaign” will be going to other New York City hot-spots – feel free to join us at the actual locations, or via my articles from the safety of your couch (it’s okay, I won’t tell).

Photo by EsperAgi / Stock Xchng