"It was a revelation, we did finally get it, we understand how many really wonderful places there are and they are things you can't find anywhere," he said.
Now you'll find them in the first ever Zagat Guide focusing specifically on Harlem, a collaboration with the Clinton Foundation.
There are more than 300 listings, all rated by people living there.
Harlem Vintage snagged the highest score. The cozy enclave showcases unique wines and specialty liquors.
"Our entire mission was not just to sell wine but provide a place where people could come in and comfortably learn about wine, taste it and ask questions," said Jai Jai Greenfield, of Harlem Vintage.
At Nectar, which sits right next door to the wine shop, costumers are treated to an endless menu featuring an eclectic assortment of meats and cheeses.
"You have a wide variety of people who live in harlem is what we try to do is make sure we cater to all those people in an all encompassing way," Nectar's Eric Woods said.
At Katrina Parris Flowers, the sky is the limit. No event is to big or to small for the team, whose members try to match arrangements to customers' personalities.
You may find one of the arrangements on the tables at Miss Mamie's, where regulars enjoy affordable comfort food, yet another reason to head uptown.
"People used to go to Chinatown, Little Italy now come to Harlem, have diverse cuisine, I think it's a wonderful thing," said Norma Jean Darden.
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