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Movie Set Travel

Movie Set Travel: American Gangster

November 2, 2007 at 8:45 AM | 0 Comments

We just love how practically every serious drug smuggling movie is set in the 1970s. Guess times were just way grittier then and the city sets were more believable. (Or the cops were just busier doing other stuff.) Anyways, today's pick, American Gangster, takes place in Harlem and revolves around a heroin kingpin (surprisingly Denzel Washington!) who is smuggling smack into the U.S. in the coffins of soldiers returning from Vietnam. Whoa there.

Thankfully there is a great detective on his case--that would be Russell Crowe--who senses a shift in the NYC drug scene and steps up.

This was actually shot in parts of New York, from the Bronx to today's neighborhood pick: Harlem, an up-and-comer that's got great history:

Where To Stay: 102 Brownstone Check into this cozy boutique brownstone hotel West 118th Street and pretend it's your own place. There are six tastefully themed suites for the choosing, from "Zen" to "Chalet" and all offer wireless, fully equipped kitchens and huge bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. It's a great neighborhood secret spot so keep it on the DL please.

Where To Eat: Sylvia's Let's get this straight, you do not go to Harlem and skip Sylvia's. It's a family-owned institution and offers the best of soul food in the neighborhood. Black-eyed peas, veggies and other treats make this a popular tourist stop, but it's worth it to fill up.

Where To Listen: Lenox Lounge Opened in the 1930s, this is the spot for jazz in NYC. Lenox Lounge has played host to folks like Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and even (supposedly) Malcolm X. It was restored in 1999 to its original furnishings and features up to three shows a night.

Related Stories:
· Movie Set Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· New York coverage [Jaunted]
· New York Hotels [HotelChatter]

[Photo: Ace land]