HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) — Are you in the mood for food? From soul food to Mexican specialties to Caribbean cuisine, EatUp! NYC takes you on a culinary adventure that will no doubt tempt your taste buds.

The two-time Emmy nominated television special is returning for its fifth appearance on abc7NY this Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.

In this hour-long program, world-class celebrity chef and restauranteur Marcus Samuelsson sits down with local shop owners and dives deep into the rich roots and inspiring journeys of some of New York City’s most beloved culinary establishments.

The special picks up from the Harlem EatUp! Festival, a multi-cultural food festival that sought to shine a light on a couple of the neighborhood’s most legendary Black-owned businesses.

Covering mom-and-pop shops that have endured through generations to emerging, fresh restaurants that have just opened their doors, the program celebrates heritage and culture all at once.

In an interview with abc7NY, Eyewitness News This Morning anchor Shirleen Allicot, Samuelsson shared his joy for the event.

“We need positive stories that remind ourselves (that) we are doing great,” Samuelsson said. “People come from all types of backgrounds, but we love where we are here and we’re proud of ourselves.”

Samuelsson and event producer Herb Kalitz co-founded the premier food festival in 2015 to honor the monumental impact small businesses have made around the Tri-State area.

Since its first airing on abc7NY in 2021, EatUp! NYC has been an iconic storytelling segment that has remained a favorite among audiences.

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