Restaurant Of The Week: CHOCOLAT, Harlem

I’ve never been one to follow trends, I set them… While there may be other Harlem restaurants everyone else is flocking to for the downtown elegance and appeal, I personally find Chocolat, located at 120th and Frederick Doulgass Blvd. to be everything I want in a glamorous Harlem Restaurant for the sophisticated, hip, chic uptown crowd.

Walking into Chocolat is like walking into a scene from the iconic hip hop film Belly.  Hip Hoppers, businessmen, fashionistas and well-coifed elderly couples co-exist among dimly colored lighting, contemporary ambiance, and stylish furniture, rounding out the dining room set.

The short ribs and calamari are amazing.  The spring rolls were a tad bit too greasy, but the turkey burgers and fries made up for it. The menu also boasts shrimp and grits, salmon, salads, and more.  It makes for a great neighborhood spot or a sexy dinner date.

The service is the one element that could use improvement.  I like service that is attentive without being annoying, knowledgable without being arrogant… The service at Chocolat meets neither dichotomy… It’s luke warm at best, but Chocolat is not about the service… It’s about good food in a fabulous environment, in Harlem… Take it or leave it.

So, if you’re in Harlem, check out this staple… If you’re not, Chocolat is totally worth the trek uptown!  Check it out ASAP!

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