Angel Of Harlem: A Taste Of The Tropicals Opens In Harlem

Harlem is quickly becoming the latest culinary center of the city. Make your way uptown to the newly opened Angel of Harlem and enjoy Caribbean and Latin cuisine, cocktails, and entertainment. By Carly Petrone.

The minute you walk into the newly opened Angel of Harlem, you feel transported to a tropical island. This Caribbean and Latin inspired bar and restaurant is festive, stylish, and most of all fun. Co-Owner Anahi Angelone created the space along with Eimear Conway, of The Galway Pub. Angelone definitely kept her Argentinian roots in mind when it came to curating the menu and design of the space. "I was born and raised in Argentina and some of my dearest, closest friends are from the Caribbean. I've been living in Harlem for six years and I felt there was a no real trendy, stylish, Latin/Caribbean establishment," says Angelone.

For now, the restaurant is opening with a preview menu that includes delicious items like Hot Pepper Prawns with Coconut Rice and Mango Pineapple Relish and Oxtail in Brown Gravy that has been braised for seven hours. Angelone is also the owner of Harlem hot spot Corner Social, located on Lenox and W. 126th Street. She was able to bring their executive chef, Banks White, over to Angel of Harlem to oversee their menu. One of his standout dishes is the White Grape and Almond Gazpacho with sofrito, crispy capers, and Spanish olives. It's the perfect summer starter. The Queso Fundido Con Chorizo with smoked Gouda chorizo cheese dip, avocado, and corn tortillas is also a great choice for a large group.

It wouldn't be a party without some cocktails. The bartenders behind the concrete center bar know how to have a good time with fun concoctions like the Sorrel Mojito, which is made with Hennessey, sorrel, simple syrup and club soda with muddled mint and lime. Angelone's favorite drink is the Caribbean Queen – a fun take on a Rum Punch, mixing Jamaican Rum Wray and Nephew. If you're waiting for your date to show up, how about calming your nerves with a Flirtini? This vodka-based drink is both colorful and tasty thanks to the blend of watermelon, mango puree, lime, and basil (think a refreshing adult slushy). There's even a cocktail called "What Happens In Harlem…" We'll let the adventurous drinker try this one out at his/her own risk.

The space itself -- designed by Silvia Zofio of SZPROJECTS -- is bold, lively, and mixed with industrial and urban elements. You'll immediately notice the reclaimed wood paneling lining the walls and it's hard to miss the heart of the restaurant: the center-island bar! It's aligned with 24 brightly-colored bar stools while the DJ booth in the corner isn't just for looks. Guests are encouraged to get up and dance during live DJ sets happening Thursday through Sunday night. The restaurant feels more like a nightclub when singer and performer Farrah Burns stops by during special hip-hop & bossa nova nights called "Welcome to Faradise."

Angel of Harlem is also busy serving up a festive Sunday brunch that's anything but your typical bacon and eggs platter. From the Angel Omelette with Chorizo and Shrimp Monay Sauce to the Caribbean Short Rib with Root Vegetable Potato Hash, Poached Egg, and Tangerine Hollandaise, you'll want to try every creative dish on the menu. Angelone's favorite brunch item is the Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish, and we can see why. It's served with steamed dumplings and smothered in guava and scotch bonnet sauce. Who doesn't want to try that? Plus, you can pair any of these plates with a variety of champagne cocktails.

Overall, Angel of Harlem is a refreshing new addition to Harlem's "restaurant row." If you're looking for a fun night out with friends, a new date spot, or a place to sit down and watch the game, make this your next stop.

"I want customers to enjoy the vibe! It's about the overall experience...the overall energy in the room. From the service, to the music, to the drinks, to the food and other customers around," adds Angelone.

Warning: you may feel like booking a trip to a tropical island after eating here and it can get a bit loud inside, but isn't that all part of the fun?

Angel of Harlem
2272 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
212-316-0450
Angelofharlemnyc.com

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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.