Our Harlem: Seven Days of Cooking, Music and Soul at the Red Rooster

by Marcus Samuelsson, Marcus Samuelsson (Narrator)

Make an audio pilgrimage to Harlem with Ethiopian and Swedish chef, TV personality. and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson, and get to know the food, history, music, and. . .most importantly . . .the people of an iconic neighborhood that Marcus knows as his home and the home of his Red Rooster restaurant.

Special guests join Marcus each day of the week to cook, sip cocktails and make their Harlem our Harlem including Melba Wilson, Jelani Cobb, Bevy Smith, Kievin Young, for starters.

For Wednesday, with writer Jenani Cobb, Marcus will recreate the short ribs he made for President Obama's fundraiser at the Red Rooster and discuss the significance of the first African American President. With food historian Jessica Harris, Marcus will discover the African and Southern roots of his ingredients. He'll make fried chicken with Harlem's very own Charles Gabriel and visit La Marqueta with Harlem native, Aurora Flores.

You'll learn about Harlem's amazing history, diversity, and current vibrant life and the institutions that are the pillars of the neighborhood. . .the Apollo theater, the Studio Museum and the Schomburg Center. Writers Isabel Wilkerson and Nicholas Lehmann explain the Great Migration from the South that brought mac and greens, new voters and amazing creative talent to Harlem. And Dapper Dan talks about Harlem style.

And like Red Rooster itself, music provides a foundation for each day. . .from El Barrio Night's Latin rhythms to Sunday's Teenage Gospel Choir.

As an added bonus for Audible listeners, with purchase you'll receive recipes from 'The Red Rooster Cookbook that are featured in Our Harlem.

©2019 Marcus Samuelsson Group LLC (P)2019

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Food, History, Cooking, Memoir, New York

6 pages, Audible Audio

First published June 27, 2019

About the author

Marcus Samuelsson is the acclaimed chef behind Red Rooster Harlem, Ginny’s Supper Club, Streetbird Rotisserie, and American Table Cafe and Bar by Marcus Samuelsson; a committed philanthropist; and a New York Times-bestselling author. The youngest person to ever receive a three-star review from The New York Times, Samuelsson has won multiple James Beard Foundation Awards including Best Chef: New York City, and was tasked with planning and executing the Obama Administration’s first State dinner. Samuelsson was also crowned champion of television shows Top Chef Masters and Chopped.

His newest book is The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem. Other cookbooks include Aquavit and the New Scandinavian Cuisine, The Soul of a New Cuisine, New American Table, and Marcus Off Duty: The Recipes I Cook Off Duty. His acclaimed memoir, Yes, Chef, has also a young adult edition entitled Make It Messy.

Reviews

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW!

That's what it's all about. Hangin' out in the kitchen, cookin', talkin' smack, learning from the elders, gettin' that education and history. Damn, I so miss those times. This book was just what was needed. We are blessed to have so many cultures sharing their foods and history with the world. Never heard of this dude. But I thank him for Our Harlem: Seven Days of Cooking, Music and Soul at the Red Rooster! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Beth Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an audio book but its really more like a podcast with interviews and general conversation. I just dove right in with out knowing much about it because I am interested in Marcus Samuelsson, The Red Rooster Restaurant, Ginny's Supper Club, southern cooking and its origins, the great migration, and stories of Harlem and its evolution. If you are interested in any of the same then you will love this book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was an Audible Freebie. First, Marcus Samuelsson is one of my favorite famous chef personalities. He is always positive and kind. So I loved that here. I also enjoyed the history of Harlem that he presented. He brought in many different people, each with their own passion for the place, to cover the history and even the present day Harlem. And of course, I appreciated his passion for food and what that means to him. This was enjoyable....so 4 stars.

[Soo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes:

Currently on Audible +

This was great. It's actually too short. I enjoyed all of the segments and wanted to listen to more about the different memories & thoughts shared. Who doesn't love good food & music? =)

[lauraღ · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, almost podcast-y experience. A deep dive into the history, music, fashion and food of Harlem. Samuelsson had a lot of unique perspective as an immigrant, and I liked all the interviews and different voices and perspectives he brought in. Inevitably and unfortunately, I found myself just wanting more of everything, especially the historical aspects of the Great Migration, and the ways in which they were discussed didn't satisfy me. But at least it's inspired me to go looking for more information. The recipes all sounded great (and I loved the easy banter and camaraderie he had with all his co-hosts) and I miiiiight see myself trying a couple. 

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (liked a lot)

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring 2020 (Feb);

I love, love, loved this read. I expected so little of what ended up happening, and was drug out with current entirely. The focus on food, politics, race, class, poverty, culture is so broad and so gorgeous. I was really sad this book started ending when it did. It's left me with so much to think on.

[BookWormBen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Audible Original was fun, informative, and inspiring. Highly recommended if you are an Audible member.

I had a great experience listening to this, too because it is "seven days at the Red Rooster" so I started listening to it on Monday of this week and finished it on Saturday! Each "chapter" is a day of the week starting on Monday so that helped to enhance my listening experience.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it was interesting to learn more about Harlem and the Red Rooster, I did not enjoy the format. There was too much going on in the background, and it was mostly made up of dialogue, with people talking over one another and interrupting constantly; it made it difficult to follow.

[Libraryscat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fascinating trip through Harlem. The listening experience with the music and the different and diverse guests really added to the story. In my mind I visited all these places with Britt, who would be a most excellent guide! Great!

[Cassandra Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting history of Harlem. I learned a lot and can’t wait to try a few recipes and drinks!

[Bernice Izzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I know who Marcus Samuelson was from Food Network but his explanation of Harlem was wonderful.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the historical info and stories. Thank goodness I listened while exercising or would’ve eaten the entire house.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I learned so much....about the culture of America, the great migration, and Harlem...and cooking. I will definitely visit the "Red Rooster."

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good. I liked hearing the stories about the history of Harlem. It made me hungry-- if there wasn't a pandemic I would drive the 3 hours and visit the Red Rooster.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Available as audio book only.

I downloaded this as an Audible Original. I greatly enjoy Marcus's "No Passport Required", so I thought why not? He so eloquently explores other cities, regions and cultures through food, that a seven day "journey" through his experiences as a chef at the Red Rooster and a member of the community in Harlem could only be enlightening.

And it was. I thoroughly enjoyed this dive into the history, culture, and potential future of Harlem. I think I learned more about African-American culture, their influence upon music, food, and culture, than I did in any so-called history class. As one well spoken interviewee noted, it's "his-story". And now I got to hear it from those who lived it, who were there or growing up during key turning points. I also appreciated how Marcus included the other cultures that influenced the ebb and flow of Harlem. Their voices need to be heard as well and it made for a more inclusive story.

I will confess, initially I wasn't certain about the format. This is NOT a book being read to the listener, but it's also not a pod-cast. It's more of a live interview, a live action format, tailored to an unseen audience. It's almost as I was sitting at the next table, the next bar stool down, listening in on another groups discussion. But it's okay to listen in, they want to engage a wider group. This style might not be for everyone, but once I got used to it, it works. The downside of this is sometimes it's hard to hear or hard to listen to because there is definitely background noise.

Overall, this was fun, enlightening, and engaging. The daily "theme" of culture, history, food and drink made me want to go to Harlem, to see the Apollo, to walk the streets, to eat the food. If you have foodie tendencies and don't mind an unconventional "read", I would recommend Our Harlem.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique offering from Audible with fantastic production as I've come to expect from their Originals. With all the different people involved, it felt like listening to an extensive interview format podcast vs. an audiobook.

I didn't learn much about Marcus Samuelsson the chef, but I did learn quite a bit about Harlem history and culture, both past and present, including his restaurant Red Rooster. There were quite a few interesting characters involved over this week's time of interviews, cooking, and casual fun.

[L Y N N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely ever listen to audiobooks but this is only available as an audiobook on Audible, so I just had to give it a go! I am so very impressed with this man. This book is so informative, educational, and yet personal! I'm so grateful Samuelsson shares himself with the world!

I think I'm in love... 😊

[Victoria Araiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! You get 7 days of food and history! From people's experiences to history about how Harlem became what it is today. All the narrators are so funny and make you wanna meet them and become friends in real life. I'm so curious about the Red Rooster now it seems like a community made to help the people living in Harlem.

[Anneka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely felt like a podcast; interesting with “bookish” elements brought in. If it wasn��t part of a challenge I probably wouldn’t have finished it. They all seemed to have lots of fun and had lots of knowledge and history to share.

[Sara Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a Red Rooster cookbook, and now I need to try some of the recipes. Listening to the cooking going on, hearing all the guests' stories about Harlem, and enjoying the occasional music combined to make for a very enjoyable, informative audiobook.

[Sundria (Sundi) McCormick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure how this would translate to audible, but it did very well and now I just need to go to The Red Rooster!!!

[Rikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I enjoyed a lot of the content, especially the primary accounts of Harlem history, to call this a book is generous. As this is only available as an audiobook, I knew it would have added ambient sounds and possibly people voicing their own interviews; however calling this a “book” is generous - this is essentially a podcast (and an unscripted one at that!)

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting book that ranged from historically, ethnically and iconically irreverent in factual manipulation to describe a reverential love of Harlem through the eyes of a cook that originated from Ethiopia and his friends from different areas. He managed to describe the plight of Harlem from the Irish and Jewish founding to the Great Migration of southern blacks while cooking up food and fabricated stories of urban history of soul food. He gave credit for many different foods to the African culture like rice which originated in China. It was hard to muddle through all the fabrication that was inferred in this book. It managed to be a good look into the mindset of the typical attitude of a urbanite from Harlem displaying their pride in their cultural differences from the European cultures that founded Harlem. The Red Roster sounded like an interesting place that routinely exhibits the cultural flavor of food from Harlem. Some of the stories were very intriguing such as his stories surrounding the Apollo and President Obama visit to the Red Roster for dinner. Cultural ethical stories about rent parties was an interest look into the Great Migration and added flavor to the recipes that he covered in the book. Overall, it was just short of three stars in my opinion. I would definitely not refer to it as a must read or even suggested read. But the book does leave you with a curiosity of what a visit to Harlem would provide outside of one’s comfort zone. It would definitely be an interest place to visit at least once.

[Thomas Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a great easy listen with a little bit of music and culture and food and a large pinch of Harlem history — really well done!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this on Audible because I loved "Yes Chef," and I was not disappointed! This is a feast for the heart, soul, and intellect. So may layers of culture and history go into every segment--and every
part is told with obvious love for the the neighborhood. My takeaways after listening:

1) I really want short ribs
2) Someday I must sit in on a show at the Apollo
3) Marcus Samuelsson has the best friends and is living his best life. (Is there any person who so joyfully embraces so many people?)

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook, which is both serious and light-hearted, is probably of most interest to those with a special interest in Harlem and its rich history, culture, including, of course, food. It's inspiring to "meet" lots of leaders -- some well-known beyond Harlem, and some not -- from this community. Sometimes it felt to me as if Marcus Samuelsson is a bit too rah-rah, "aren't we all having a great time!" But if so, it's for a good cause.

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

The content was fine but didn't work well in an audio format.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was magnificent. It’s basically an aural travelogue led by chef Marcus Samuelsson through his beloved Harlem, using his famed Red Rooster restaurant as a home base.

Each day, he meets with people in the community who speak about its past, present, and future from diverse vantage points. He chats with musicians, artists, academics, politicians, historians, bartenders, chefs, community organizers, fashion icons, and street vendors. Each provides fascinating insight into this part of New York. I learned a lot about the Great Migration, hip-hop, cuisine, the history of crops, fashion, the emergence of black political power, the Puerto Rican community, housing practices, and so much more. It felt a lot like how group press trips feel – you go from place to place meeting these people and learning about the place they live through their stories. I loved it.

I especially loved how joyful and celebratory it was. Samuelsson’s love for Harlem is well-documented – he even used a poem about it as an epigraph in his first memoir, Yes, Chef, which I loved (scroll) – but it was invigorating to listen to everyone else he spoke with overflow with pride and gratitude for their community. A lot of black leaders I follow emphasize that people need to see and elevate black joy as well as the more obvious terrible issues. This audiobook/experience really does that. They don’t minimize the truth or the pain at all. They just celebrate the good so well here, and I treasured the peeks into that happiness and community pride.

[Neeraja Sankaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook was a very interesting mix of cookbook, history and travel-writing with a bit of personal memoir thrown in as well. I learned some interesting things about Harlem, its history, its restaurants and also the writer/narrator whom I'd only seen as a judge on "Chopped" before, and about whom all knew was that he was black (African and specifically, as I only learned here, Ethiopian) brought up in Sweden. My main grouse with it/him was his completely (to my ears) inauthentic speech when talking to Harlemite African Americans. It's one thing to change accents and even use the occasional turn-of-phrase when you are speaking with others. Usually though, that's a reversion. But to suddenly be speaking what is not another language but more like a dialect felt a bit phony to my ears (and years) like the man was trying to hard. When someone brought up in Sweden or any part of Europe says things like "You was brought up" instead of the grammatically correct "you were" it just did not feel authentic. He made much about the musicality or the importance of sound in food, probably the oft-ignored sense dimension over taste(duh!) smell and sight and even texture. He was right --the hiss sizzles crackles and pops of food cooking are marvellous indeed. But it's precisely because of that--and all beautiful misc he brought into play that made me that much madder. Nevertheless a fun listen.