A taste of the stars

Black Enterprise, July, 1998 by Marcelle Williams Fowler

Black-owned celebrity restaurants are opening in cities nationwide

A growing number of African American celebrities, working closely with restaurant industry veterans, are adding "restaurateur" to their credentials and creating some of the hottest dining spots for business travelers, tourists, local residents and fellow celebrities nationwide. Whether you're in the mood for down-home soul food, classic Cajun or nouvelle international cuisine, a star-powered dining experience is just minutes away. In New York City alone, six celebrity-owned restaurants have opened up since January 1997.

Development in major cities and the creation of national chains are on the horizon for some celebrity ventures hoping to cash in on the lucrative black market. "Restaurateurs and celebrities are looking at the success of restaurants that target the middle-and upper-middle-class African American demographic," says Scott Mills, senior vice president of business development for BET Holdings, the parent company of Black Entertainment Television.

While some celebrities prefer to be silent partners or to simply lend their famous names, others are fulfilling lifelong ambitions. "Celebrities are finding that restaurants enable them to synergize many aspects of their lifestyle, from entertaining large numbers of people and enjoying fine dining to conducting important business meetings and making substantial financial investments," says Allen West, general manager of Justin's in New York City and former restaurant industry consultant.

Wherever you plan to go on business, chances are that you won't be far from one of these pallet-pleasing establishments. Take a few moments to pinpoint the following eateries, listed below, on your summer itinerary.

NEW YORK CITY

Justin's. Take one look at the baby grand piano and extensive wine list, and you'll sense the alter ego of Bad Boy Entertainment CEO Puffy Combs at Justin's (31 W. 21st St.; 212-352-0599). Specializing in a lighter, more health-conscious approach to Southern and Caribbean foods, Justin's offers delicacies such as lobster pan roast and down-home faves like smothered pork chops, catfish and grits, and red velvet cake covered with raspberry sauce. Prices for main courses range from $16 to $25.

Little Jezebel Plantation. The little sister to Jezebel s, the longest-surviving black-owned upscale restaurant in midtown Manhattan, this Upper West Side spot boasts Wesley Snipes, Denzel Washington and Julius "Dr. J" Irving among its backers. Little Jezebel Plantation (529 Columbus Ave.; 212-579-4952), a New Orleans-style restaurant, features Cajun and Creole main dishes including seafood Creole and smothered chicken priced from $12 to $18.

Soul Cafe Actor Malik Yoba and partners recreate the supper clubs of the Harlem Renaissance in the heart of New York's theater district. Soul Cafe (444 W. 42nd St.; 212-244-7685) offers Afrocentric specialties reminiscent of the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and the American South--from the chef's signature jerk duck with red currant and merlot sauce to crusted red snapper with tropical orange and herb sauce. While dining on main courses ($13-$24), you can enjoy live music three days a week.

Sugar Bar. Owners Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, of the singing/ producing duo Ashford & Simpson, lend their personal collection of artifacts to create the harmony of an African village. At Sugar Bar (254 W. 72nd St.; 212-579-0222), feast on Mediterranean cuisine with Asian and African influences, including spicy braised lamb shank, pepper-crusted tuna with mango salsa and phyllo-wrapped warm chocolate cake with caramelized raspberries. Prices for main courses range from $17 to $23.

CHICAGO

The Original Michael Jordan's, The restaurant. Hearty appetite? Try the authentic "MJ's Pre-game Meal"--a 23-ounce New York Strip Steak and an Idaho baked potato--or enjoy other classic American favorites ranging from $7 to $36 at The Original Michael Jordan's, The Restaurant (500 N. LaSalle St., 312-644-DUNK). On the first floor, MJ's Fast Break Bar & Grill features a 20-by-6-ft. video wall and a three-tier "skybox" for prime viewing. Michael Jordan's, The Steakhouse (212-655-2300), a new eatery opening in New York City's Grand Central Terminal, will debut in July.

Walter Payton's Roundhouse. Built in 1856, this historic railroad repair station is now a 72,000-sq.-ft. dining and entertainment complex, partly owned by the former Chicago Bears running back. Walter Payton's Roundhouse (205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL; 630-264-BREW) includes America's Brewpub, a 7,000-barrel microbrewery and American cuisine restaurant with dinner entrees ranging from $9 to $27; the Cognac Cigar Bar, an assortment of spirits and cigars; and The Walter Payton Museum. Located 25 miles west of Chicago.

LOS ANGELES

Georgia. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Debbie Allen, Eddie Murphy, Norm Nixon and Denzel Washington are all part-owners of Georgia (7250 Melrose Ave.; 213-933-8420). The restaurant evokes images of a Jamaican plantation--from the rich mahogany bar and floors to the palm-filled patio--while offering delectables from traditional Southern fried chicken to pecancrusted striped bass with herb-baked potatoes. Prices for entrees range from $12 to $24.