HARLEM EATUP!
CHALLENGE
The mission of Harlem EatUp! is to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the food, culture and spirit of Harlem, while paying homage to its roots and supporting local businesses.
IDEA
In 2015, Herb Karlitz and celebrated chef Marcus Samuelsson launched the Harlem EatUp! festival. The week-long festival included celebrity chef “mashup” (collaborative) dinners throughout Harlem as well as the signature “Harlem Stroll” in Morningside Park, where 10,000+ guests enjoyed signature menu items from local restaurants, cooking demos with celebrity chefs, sponsor beverages, live performances and a spontaneous dance party! Since 2020, the team has pivoted in various ways to continue to spotlight and support the neighborhood.
IMPACT
Named “Breakout Festival of the Year” by Event Marketer Magazine, Harlem EatUp! quickly became one of the most beloved cultural and culinary events in Harlem. From 2020-2024, in lieu of an in-person festival, Karlitz & Company produced the two-time NY Emmy-nominated ‘Harlem EatUp! NYC’ TV special highlighting local restaurateurs. Harlem EatUp! continued with its popular Celebrity Chef Mash-up Dinners and the 2024 Luminary Awards dinner, honoring Emmy-award winner Tamron Hall, and the legendary DJ artist D-Nice.