THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Cecil

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Cecil Restaurant Review:

There’s a party feeling at The Cecil in Harlem. Perhaps it’s the choice of art on the walls or the closeness of the tables. But it’s more likely the excitement that generates from the “African Diaspora” dishes that chef Alexander Smalls creates that reflect the African community and their Asian and American influences from around the world. The selection of small plates illustrates the inspirations from the Caribbean, the Deep South and Africa, seen in oxtail dumplings in a subtle green apple curry sauce, or a collard green salad with an intoxicating coconut dressing. But the real stars are the main courses. Fried guinea hen scented with cinnamon almost crosses the line from entrée to dessert. The Cecil’s version of gumbo is both spicy and smoky. Not-to-miss desserts include spiced nyangbo crema, a caramel sponge cake served with black cardamom ice cream, and pecan sticky buns topped with brown butter toffee. Wines are globally sourced, with many selections from the New York area as well.