Chef Marcus Samuelsson posted on his website that he was "thrilled" to announce the "Harlem EatUp! Festival" which is scheduled to debut in May of next year. It will be a three-day food festival and cultural event in Harlem, which is a popular spot among notable figures and celebrities including former President Bill Clinton, who will be partnering with Samuelsson as his way of giving back. The former president, whose personal office and foundation is located in Harlem, is an Honorary Chair of the festival, which will be celebrated with many other famous personalities.

The festival is expected to include events focusing on music, literature and sports. There will also be cooking classes, tastings and concerts. Spearheading the food department alongside Chef Samuelsson will be his fellow chefs Daniel Boulud, Aaron Sanchez and Jonathan Waxman. They were also present at the press conference pledging their support. Beyond a celebration of food and culture, it is also supposed to represent Harlem's renewed spirit. Chef Samuelsson affectionately described his experience in Harlem as magical and hospitable, which he aims for the festival to convey to its attendees and spectators alike. He hopes for the festival to be vibrant, inspirational, and of course, celebratory.

Tickets will be available for booking online, and are expected to be subsidized by corporate sponsors. Proceeds from sales will be used for the rehabilitation of Harlem Park to Park as well as the Citymeals-on-Wheels, according to Samuelsson. City Mayor Bill de Blasio also gives his full support in the event, fondly reminiscing the times he worked together with his former boss Bill Clinton. The two Bills will again be working together this time along with the rest of Harlem in the spirit of neighborhood.

The festival is expected to offer a one-of-a-kind experience, with Harlem's unique flavor, culture, music, and poetry. "Harlem EatUp!" Festival will take place on May 15-17, 2015.