if you want to fit in, call kool-aid flavors by the color unless its grape because purple is something else

aaannnd.....the Kool-Aid mascot is a big glass pitcher who says "Ohhhh Yeahh!" and crashes into a wall. Very interesting. This will all make sense, if you decide to peruse this poignant post.

The whole death of Michael Jackson has probably died down in other areas of the country, but here in Harlem, you can still hear the cacophony of "Candy Girl," "Beat it" and "Thriller" mixed with cars honking and the sounds of busses purring to a stop. If you didn't pick up an MJ memorial shirt, button, poster or hat you can still get a variety at any of the tables lining 125th.

Speaking of iconic figures, if you love Bob Marley, you can get his paraphernalia (shirts, flags, posters, incense and probably ganja) next to the Uptown Juice Bar on 125th. The Uptown Juice Bar is the epicenter of Rastafarians. They always set up shop outside morning till night in authentic Jamaican clothing. It is also one of the only vegetarian/vegan restaurants in Harlem. If you say no to eating animals, have fun trying to find a place besides UJB that will satisfy your needs. Luckily, I'm okay with eating animals, so a week ago I chowed down at Amy Ruth's with a couple friends. Amy Ruth's is notorious for fried chicken and waffles. YES. TOGETHER. So, my friend, Nicole, and my roommate, Renee, and I ordered the "Reverend Al Sharpton" plate. We decided to go all out and order the Kool-Aid flavor of the day--Grape, a side of collard greens (amazing!) and mac and cheese. Delicious cornbread came out beforehand and shortly after the last bite was swallowed, we started pouring maple syrup all over our waffle and fried chicken. "Hey why not pour it on the chicken, too?" I said. This is a Harlem experience and we should do it like it's supposed to be done. Everything was delicious. Maple syrup and all. The Kool-Aid, which I jokingly nick-named "purple drank" was wayyy too sugary. I swear a half cup of sugar was in my cup alone and I could only drink half. Someone must have spiked the Kool-Aid because I started getting the giggles (side note: Don't worry. I didn't see Jim Jones or Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters hanging around Amy Ruth's). I had a slice of sweet potato pie in mind for dessert, but we couldn't possibly manage because, by that point, we all had food babies.

Anyhoo, when I get tired of fried chicken, or I just need to give my body a break from the Soul, (and I must postulate that Harlem-ites must need a change from fried meat--giving that UJB is extremely popular) I can just turn the corner and get some vegan food or some Bob Marley bling.