https://www.essence.com/culture/harlem-eatup-kicked-tribute-two-harlem-awards-bevy-smith-dapper-dan

Harlem EatUp! is back and bigger and better for its fourth year of recognizing the diversity in arts, culture and food in Harlem, and we had a front row seat to the lustrous Luminary Award Dinner!

Hosted by Harlem EatUp! co-founder and Red Rooster Executive Chef Marcus Samuelsson, the highly anticipated soiree took place on the restaurant’s basement level at Ginny’s Supper Club and hosted a slew of important guests to pay homage to two of Harlem’s finest: legend couturier Dapper Dan and multi-faceted media personality Bevy Smith.

Imagine driving down Lenox Avenue, steps away from Dapper Dan x Gucci Atelier, and arriving at Red Rooster and witnessing Marcus running around talking to people in the neighborhood, snapping pics with luminaries like style icon Lana Turner, Chopped judge and The Kitchen co-host Geoffrey Zakarian, Make My Cake’s Aliyyah Baylor, style maverick Robert Verdi and of course the distinguished honorees before hurriedly ushering everyone inside for the main event.

Once inside you were greeted with a glass of artisanal wine and a variety of cheeses as well as live entertainment and performances. The exclusive, invitation-only evening included presentations, a well-curated sit-down dinner, acknowledgments, a Red Rooster-style Second line and lots of dancing. Guests were also treated to a fierce vogue moment from Fashion Queens alum and Star actor Miss Lawrence.

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It was a fabulous kick-off to Harlem EatUp!’s festival weekend, which highlights and celebrates the food, entrepreneurship, and art of a revered and spirited community all while giving back to non-profits in the area. The week-long festival allows food enthusiasts and novices to experience the free Marketplace, Dine-In Harlem Dinner Series, celebrity chef demos and sample local artisanal and international wines.

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To get in on the fun in Harlem this weekend, view the full festival schedule at harlemeatup.com. Ticket sales benefit Harlem Park to Park, Citymeals on Wheels and Historic Harlem Parks.