Harlem

I think that pretty much says it all about Dinosaur BBQ.Our first venture to Harlem was interesting. We mapped it and figured what train lines were the most efficient, and we were correct! We were incorrect in taking the most efficient walk from the train to the restaurant--north then west. Instead of looking at a map, we used our minds (not good), and walked hand in hand through projects and projects and alleys and empty ghost town streets until we got there. Now, it was daytime, and I really didn't feel at risk while we were walking, but we WERE the minority walking through there and we WERE stared at. After the delicious meal with no wait (thanks to the wise MR. who made a reservation--there was a 2 hour wait when we got there) I told Lyle we were NOT going the way we came.

Our family photo.

After we enjoyed a look at the Hudson River at dusk we walked the south route to the train and lo and behold it was SO CLOSE! We couldn't believe it. We had taken the longest route possible. Now we know.

We were lured to Dinosaur BBQ because of the Madison Square Park BBQ Festival previously posted here. We had sampled their Pulled Pork Sandwich and it just melted in your mouth! We couldn't wait any longer and decided to make the trek, which is a solid hour door to door. Once we ordered we tried to sample as much as possible. Out of the ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken, we concluded the Pulled Pork was simple amazing and the others were mediocre. Now the Dry Ribs are not our favorite, but if you prefer Dry Ribs over falling of the bone ribs (like we do), then these just might be for you because they were meaty and...well dry. I cannot leave out my favorite side which was a surprise to me, their boiled potatoes. I'm not a potatoes gal, but these were mouth watering! We ended the meal with their blackberry peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. This put us over the top and we could eat no more. It was delicious, but huge. Dinosaur BBQ was worth the trip, but we may only head back there once a year. It is pretty far, and their menu across the board wasn't life changing, but we do recommend you try it too! Just make sure you go west from the train, NOT NORTH.
Scho Stars: 4****

As we were about to hit the train home, we saw the lights of the Apollo Theater.
I am pop culture dumb and did not realize Apollo Theater was in New York, I thought it was in Los Angeles, so I especially was surprised to see it here. We went over to pay our respects to Michael Jackson and see what the crowds were about.
The Apollo Theater is the place where the Jackson 5 first made their mark. They won an amateur night competition on July 23, 1968 here in this theater. They and Michael Jackson had been back on his own several times after that win. The last time he appeared at the Apollo was in 2002.

There were child performers...trying to earn a buck impersonnating Jackson.

I must say, some of them did quite a good job.

There was a tribute wall you could write on to say goodbye to Michael Jackson. It was full!
There were tables and tables of posters, buttons, cds, dvds, and t-shirts remembering Michael Jackson. Those New Yorkers sure know how to make a buck in any kind of crisis or tragedy.
All in all it was a good way to see some history of where Michael Jackson had been and what the Apollo theater was about. I mourned a little for Jackson that night...seeing what kind of a kid he was and what he became. He was and will always be a music icon, no matter what kind of life he led. Growing up with his music (as it was enforced in the home) will always remind me of my childhood.