Malcolm Lee & Alvin Clayton - Best Man Sequel: New Ro Renaissance Men

Cast for the BM2 Sequeal

The year was 1999. Opening night. I quickly nestled in my seat; 20 rows back dead center and prepared for the lights to dim. A few moments later, my eyes were treated to the delight of a multitude of brown hues on the screen. Two hours later, I left the theater with the sheer feeling of elation. Watching the complexities of "REAL" characters that I could  relate to made my heart smile. One of my BFF's at the time sported the same leather jacket worn by Harper (Taye Diggs) and I had more than my share of friends who were simply  too bougie for their own good like Shelby (Monica de Sousa). Now the wait is almost over. The Best Man  Sequel is being filmed In Toronto as I type. But, there is a New Rochelle connection that many of you may not  be aware of. 

Director Malcolm Lee- Best Man 1999 Poster

New Rochelle Resident Malcolm D. Lee's name may look familiar. This Georgetown University graduate has directed Undercover Brother, Roll Bounce and Scary Movie 3 just to name a few. As the cousin of Mr. Mars Blackmon A.K.A. Spike Lee, you can see that a keen cinematic eye runs in the family.  Now all he needs to do is make his next film in picturesque New Ro. Hint-Hint.

Painting by Alvin Clayton 

When the Best Man 2 hits the theaters, you may find some of the art captivating and incredibly familiar. If you have ever dined at Alvin & Friends, that's why. Several pieces of Artist/Restauranteur/Model Alvin Clayton's works will be featured in the sequeal!!!  I was at Alvin & Friend's new location last week on Memorial Hwy in New Rochelle, and the place is simply divine.The walls are adorned with Alvin's enthralling pieces and the plates are laden with delectable delicacies with a twist of Island flair. I suspect that Alvin & Co. will temporarily leave New Ro and land on the Moon when the film comes out.

Alvin & Friends - 14 Memorial Hwy  (New Location)

Best Man 2 (Holiday) on Location in Toronto

SPRINGing up in New Rochelle - Outdoors we go!

New Rochelle Marina

Spring has spurung in New Rochelle! What better time to dust the cobwebs off of your walking/running/boat shoes and get outside. New Rochelle is the perfect place to satisfy your taste for the outdoors. Simply decide what you want to do and New Rochelle is the place for you.

New Rochelle Marina - 22 Pelham Road New Rochelle 914.235.6930
This full service marina offers 350 boat slips, 150 moorings and kayak storage. Take your boat out and feel the breeze while you enter the Long Island Sound. You can even take a tour with your very own captain. With showers and marine supplies at your disposal you can't go wrong.

Metro Bicycle Store

Metro Bicycles - The Metro name should sound familiar to most New Yorkers. In business since 1969, this city staple came to New Rochelle not long after. Situated strategically between New Roc City and Monroe College at 396 Main Street, it is the perfect place to cop a two-wheeler. They offer bike specialists who can answer your queries faster than a Google search. Open 7 days a week- they simply can't be beat.

Davenport Park

Davenport Park - Located on Davenport Avenue, this 20 acre stretch overlooks the Long Island Sound. This is the perfect place for walking, running or lounging whilst reading a book or taking in Monet infused scenery. In the summer it serves as the most perfect place to work diligently on your tan. 

Library Green

Library Green -  This downtown urban oasis is located just steps from the New Ro Metro North Station. The verdant expanse is a great place to power-walk, stroll or simply people watch. Having witnessed a tyke or two become liberated from their training wheels on the paved orbital path: I liken it to the yellow brick road having magical powers.

*Stay tuned for my NewRo Parks series
 
Now let's get moving....summer is only 12 weeks away!