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

Mangoville - A Jerk You Will Love!

www.mangovillesoul.com

We are in the midst of Spring Break and as I watch  my friends post pictures of their Caribbean vacations, I begin to crave sun, sand and that delicious Island  food that pleases the palate as well as the soul. If you are like me and don't have a trip to the Islands scheduled, then get your sunlamp, lawn chair and  umbrella laden drink; and fetch a delicious plate of island cuisine from Mangoville. Don't leave without trying the Jerk Chicken. It will make you want to shout Ya-Mon!

Since  2010, Mangoville has offered the best Caribbean cuisine in Westchester county. As a family-owned restaurant, they keep all dishes traditional just like back in the islands. So keep it IRIE and bring a little island spice to your dinner table tonight.

Located@ 134 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY (914) 365-1032

Get Modern for New Year's Eve!

Celebrate NYE at Modern Pizza 

Are you looking for something new and exciting to do on New Year's Eve? Well look no further- Visit Modern Pizza at their new location on Huguenot street in Downtown New Rochelle.  The fantastically renovated space which used to be a ballet studio has tons of space for you to twirl around.  So pirouette your way over on NYE and toast to the new location and a New Year.

Time: 7:30pm-1:30am - Open bar all night long - Midnight Champagne Toast
Hors d'oeuvres (Buttler Style)

• Crab Cakes 
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Meatballs
• Tuna Tartar

Dinner 

• Angus Steak 
• Stuffed Filet of Sole
• Chicken Scarpariello 
• Rigatoni with baby eggplant

Desert

• Chocolate Fountain w/ strawberries, bananas & pineapples
• Mini Pastries & Mixed Fruits
• Coffee, espresso & cappuccino  

For tickets call 203.889.7253
Advance $100 & 120 @ The Door
modernrestaurant310@gmail.com

Repeat Contenders - Perfect Patronage

Blackboard Pizza 

Beer ye Beer Ye!!!! There is something to beer about at Blackboard Pizza this week - they are now serving beer and wine! Mondays & Tuesdays you can ingest a bottle of vino for the meager sum of $15. For hump day, come out for Sangria night and make your choice of red or white. The fun continues on Thursday night with Happy hour specials and 1/2 price drinks starting at 8pm for ladies only. Girls, this is the only time that going dutch won't cost you much.

                                                

Posto 22

Having dinner @ Posto 22 on Thursday nights is like dining with David Copperfield. Allan J. Sherer, a lifelong magician has preformed for the likes of Robin Williams and Debbie Reynolds. His sleight of hand is something to see, but you won't believe your eyes. My pasta disappeared in record time, this however was my magic act.

               

The Curtain Shop

The Curtain Shop's owner Louis Vaccaro is excited about this weeks forecast for his annual sidewalk sale extravaganza. Last year was quite successful and  he is loading up the pedestrian pathways with super sales for the savvy shopper. This is a can't miss sale where you can't just walk on "buy". 

La Cienega - Escape to Espana

In October of 2011 La Cienega opened its doors in New Rochelle to purveyors of upscale Latin cuisine.  Pedro Munoz and Vivian Torres the duo responsible for Luz in Fort Greene Brooklyn, decided to inject the aesthetic of cool up north.  La Cienega feels like the perfect first date restaurant. The walls are textured, tables varnished and lighting flattering to all complexions.

And just like a first date, some things just don't fit. While the food is good, the menu is an assortment of many Latin countries, with influences from Brazil, Columbia, Peru and Cuba. I cannot help but think that this good restaurant could be great if it focused on cuisine from one region. On Thursday evenings they have a live band which includes a Greek, Latino & African American keeping with the theme of harmonious melange. La Cienega is like passing through 4 countries on a quick trip to Espana: exciting, appetizing and a bit dizzying. 

Must: Any of the 4 Ceviches 

Bust: The restaurant is situated in dealership row

                                     www.cienegarestaurant.com

Posto 22 - Italy comes to Division Street

Strategically placed in the center of Division street is Posto 22. On this unseasonably warm April evening the doors were open to create the illusion of a sidewalk eatery while exposing  smells from within. Hungry commuters jockeyed for position at the bar to watch the Knicks game and feast on complimentary rolls. The room is sparsely decorated and has an airy quality. There is an outdoor patio in the rear of the restaurant as well as a dinging room that could be used for private events. 

The scene is family friendly and  portions are ample.Tuesdays are 1/2 off bottles and glasses of wine and the selection consists of Italian favorites.If you go, try the margherita pizza and the cheese ravioli. carbs are not your enemy at Posto.

Must: Tuesday 1/2 off bottles
Bust: The room gets crowded and loud.

                                                          

                                                                    www.posto22.com

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