Remembering B. Smith

"The purpose of life is to discover your gift; the work of life is to develop it; and the meaning of life is to give it away."

On the 3rd anniversary of the transition of the legendary and much-loved model, author, restaurateur, lifestyle maven and hospitality guru, Barbara "B" Smith from this earth, I'd like to pay tribute to her for Black History Month. B Smith innovated the NYC and American dining scene by fusing soul food and southern comfort with global cuisine in world-class surroundings. Both her NYC Theater District restaurant and her Sag Harbor yacht-lined marina restaurant were destinations for many years, attracting people from all walks of life and all over the world. There seemed to be an intentional design to her establishments, both of which had expansive bar areas that encouraged conviviality, cocktails and conversation, along with generous seated dining for families and larger groups. Sophisticated, but not stuffy, is the way I would describe her restaurants, just as I would describe "B" who was always warm, graceful and gracious. One of her mottos was, "Whatever you do, do it in style." Honestly, I think people came to the restaurants to see and be greeted by her as much as, perhaps even more than they came for the food. ??

This photo was taken at a brunch I hosted in my backyard the summer of 2014, along with several friends and the cast of the Sag Harbor Show that premiered on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in January 2015. Toby Oppenheimer and Nancy Roth via Ish Entertainment were the lead producers of the show. We were all very honored to have B. Smith and her husband Dan Gasby in attendance that day.

Pictured here from left to right are: Cynthia Jones , Larry Morse , Judia Black , Eric Harrield, Ed.D-ABD , John "Slim" Pickens and Barbara "B" Smith.

Rest in Poise and Grace, "B!" We'll never forget your kind and nurturing spirit!

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