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

Holiday Shopping In New Rochelle

 

The Curtain Shop

With exactly 7 days before Christmas, the desperation gift shopping is about commence. Don't get caught scrounging the Malls for nicely decorated junk. Why not do your shopping in the Tony Community of New Rochelle?  Here are my picks for best places to shop for quality holiday goods in New Rochelle:

The Curtain Shop-
Located on 541 Main Street, this shop du jour has the perfect gifts for the home at great prices. Stop in and trust me the service and selection are unbeatable. Make sure to go upstairs and investigate what I call a homeowners haven.

Just Funki-
For the woman/man who is into adorning their body in precious stones, Just Funki is the place to be. Each handmade piece is a work of art. If you are looking for something unique look no further. As a bonus, the girts are wrapped free of charge in the most decorative box with a satin ribbon.

Just Funki 37 Division Street 

Alvin Clayton Artiste - 
As the owner of Alvin & Friends, Alvin Clayton holds court in his richly decorated restaurant on Lawton avenue. The food is spectacular and the art adorning the walls is featured in several galleries and you can take a piece home with our after you dine- for a fee of course.

Alvin Clayton 

Sweet Preserves-
Why pay 5th Avenue prices if you don't have to? Sweet Preserves everything you need for that high end hunger. Furs, handbags, jewelery and designer goods. All of the items are in the best condition and the prices can't be beat!

Valentino Cuff - Sweet Preserves 

Essential Pictures- Cinematic Cheers

The fabulous folks of New Rochelle looked picture perfect during the Life Essentials Trailer preview at Alvin & Friends on Monday evening.  Muta' Ali Ruby's grandson (above) provided commentary to News 12 Westchester.

                               Alvin Clayton - Owner of Alvin & Friends

              Kara O'Neill                      
      

 

Michael D. Armstrong w/ Host's Terry and Alvin Bowles 

 

  Ruby's grandson Guy Davis 

                              Ruby's granddaughter Ihsanna Muhammad
All photography by Brahm Rhodes

Alvin & Friends - Where everybody knows your name

A taste of the Islands in New Rochelle. Enter this Southern/Caribbean escape and the smells will intoxicate you.  Sit back and relax in this  upscale restaurant/ gallery where the walls are adorned with artwork by none other than the proprietor Alvin Clayton. When you go, order the fried chicken and save room for his take on pineapple upside down cake made with rum and toffee. The room is intimate and the host affable. On the night I visited there were many self-described regulars in the elegant dining room. As I got up to leave Alvin thanked me for coming and addressed me by name. I could not help but think of the Cheers theme song. The only thing missing was Sam and Diane. 

Must: The fried chicken
Bust: In contrast It would be nice to have lighter/calorie conscious  fare on the menu

                                  www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com