Dinner & a Movie

In the 1970s, an infamous drug lord, Frank Lucas, was the metaphorical monarch of Harlem, earning what he said was at least $1 million a day while smuggling heroin in the coffins of American soldiers, whose remains were being transported from Vietnam back home. Lucas's life is the subject of Ridley Scott's latest movie, "American Gangster," which is being released this weekend. Bruce Bennett's review of the film is on page 15.

While the movie takes a look at Harlem from a rough perspective, it's worth noting that the neighborhood has taken a major turn for the better during the past 30 years, with tremendous advances in arts and culture in particular. Dinner and a Movie takes a look at Harlem and East Harlem — checking out eateries there, as well as an art exhibit now on view.

DINNER

From the outside, Floridita Restaurant looks like any neighborhood diner or coffee shop. But the eatery is one of only a very few places in New York where lovers of Cuban food can relish quality, authentic cuisine. It might be a faux pas to order a cubano sandwich at any Cuban restaurant, but at Floridita, the sandwich is treated like gold: A baguette is piled with an inch of sliced ham and roast pork, relish, and Swiss cheese, and placed in a foil-wrapped sandwich press. During its toasting, the sandwich receives a flourish of butter. The end result can be easily split into two meals, given its richness. Floridita also serves Dominican fare, including a platter of mangu. Its base is composed of mashed plantains, olive oil, and vinegar; sausage, beef, fruit and cheese, eggs, and ham can all be added. The dish is delicious, perfect for breakfast or any meal. (3219 Broadway at 125th Street, 212-662-0090)

A Senegalese eatery, Africa Kine, features Moroccan- and French-inspired dishes, such as "brochette" beef, fish, and crevettes, or shrimp — all grilled and served with either vermicelli noodles or salad. But the restaurant also has a way with meat: A dish called thiebou yapp includes marinated lamb with garlic, olives, onions, and mustard. And on Friday nights, a special dish of mechoui is offered. Made famous by chef Anthony Bourdain in his book "A Cook's Tour," mechoui is made from a whole lamb — or in Africa Kine's case, a leg of lamb — roasted until crispy in an oven and served with couscous. (256 W. 116th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues, 212-666-9400)

ART

El Museo del Barrio was founded in 1969 by a group of Puerto Rican activists and artists who felt a growing need for an artistic and educational institution that served New York's Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American communities. More than 30 years later, the museum is still flourishing, giving a major spotlight to some undersung domestic and international artists. El Museo is currently mounting "El Museo's Bienal: The S) Files 007," a group show of art chosen from unsolicited submissions that the museum received from 51 artists over the past two years. Painting, sculpture, textiles, and drawings are all on view, and featured artists include Sandra Valenzuela, Melissa Calderón, Lisette Morel, and Tamara Kostianovsky. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave. at 104th Street, 212-831-7272, $6 general, $4 students and seniors, free for children and members)