A Taste of Harlem and Passports With A Purpose

Today marks the first day for the Passports With A Purpose fundraiser. Four Seattle travel bloggers decided to rally the travel blogging community to raise money and awareness for Heifer International, which is a charity that combats hunger by teaching sustainable farming methods and donating livestock. I couldn't pass up a chance to help so thanks to a generous donation from A Taste of Harlem founder Jacqueline Orange, my raffle prize is two tickets to the Taste of Harlem Food and Cultural Tour. This three hour tour features six restaurants, tours of an art gallery, a historic bed and breakfast, shops and landmarks that reflect Harlem's storied history.

I grabbed a chance to experience this whirlwind excursion last year and it opened my eyes and taste buds to parts of New York history that I never knew. Nestled in the Manhattan borough, Harlem holds some cultural tidbits that might fascinate you. The neighborhood hosts a huge Dominican population, for instance. I sampled savory arroz amarillo (yellow rice) and rabo (oxtail stew) dishes pictured above at El Tina Dominican restaurant, as well as chicken and waffles (which were first joined together in Harlem, not LA) at Amy Ruth's. I heard Apollo Theater history from Mr. Apollo himself and cruised the legendary Sugar Hill area that was home to notables like Thurgood Marshall and Paul Robeson. Jackie is a lively and gracious guide who will make sure you have a memorable Harlem experience.

The tickets are good for the entire 2009 year so if you plan on visiting New York or already live there, please consider buying a raffle ticket for the tour. Raffle tickets are $10. That's a $190 value for two tour tickets. You can purchase raffle tickets at First Giving as well as view the list of all the great travel-related raffle prizes. For each ticket you purchase, you'll be entered into a raffle for the prize you select. Don't forget to enter the prize code in the donation form! You'll get a receipt from First Giving as well as good karma. The raffle will be open until December 29 so please remember Passports With A Purpose during all of the holiday hoopla. Winning tickets will be drawn on December 30 and winners will be contacted through e-mail.