Harlem Restaurateur Melba Wilson
Melba Wilson, Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem
Chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and Harlem ambassador Melba Wilson stops by to share lessons learned over her 20+ years in the industry and one project that represents a full-circle moment in her career.
“Born, bred and buttered in Harlem,” Melba is the city’s true ambassador. With a career expanding more than 17 years in the industry, she is one of the most successful African American women in the restaurant and catering businesses. Her style, poise and love of entertaining have made Melba’s Restaurant a New York landmark frequented by music, TV and movie stars, New York City’s elite, locals and travelers from around the world.
In this episode, Melba shares more about her journey in the industry, including both successes and challenges as well as future opportunities.
As an ambassador of Black culture, on the podcast, she shares, “I have always believed in Harlem. I have also believed in us and the beauty of us. And that is why in 93, with my first trip to Africa, I came back and when I came back, that’s when my style of clothing changed. Because I think it’s important for us to know our history. So what I say about the recognition, it’s about time.”
She is currently a judge on OWN’s “The Great Soul Food Cook-Off “ and has been a guest on Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Savoring Harlem(which Melba narrated) and “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.”Melba is featured in the documentary “Love, Lust and Comfort Food” on the Sundance Channel and will be highlighted in the upcoming documentary “Turning Tables.”
Listen to hear more about her newest Melba’s restaurant at Wollman Rink in Central Park and why this location represents a full-circle moment in her career. Also, get a preview of the two upcoming cookbooks currently in the works.
For future updates, events and upcoming TV appearances, follow Melba and Melba’s on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Planning to stop by Melba’s? Make a reservation or check out the menu at Melba Restaurant.
