Category Archives: 125th Street

Casting Call: Food Network Star and Chef Bobby Flay is looking for Food Entrepreneurs

Listen up Harlem! This is a casting call blog post! And it is about an exciting opportunity. Bobby Flay’s Rock Shrimp Productions is  currently developing a new show for the Food Network.  The title of the show is still unnamed. However, it is going to center around Food Entrepreneurs.

Rock Shrimp Productions defines Food Entrepreneurs as individuals who left their day job and are currently in the process of opening a food store or restaurant before mid December with…no culinary experience and are taking a risk to pursue their passion of launching their own food business.  These individuals must be planning to open a brick-and-mortar space (restaurant or singular food ideas welcome) before the end of 2011.

In addition,  the Food Entrepreneurs should preferably in, but not limited to, the greater New York City area (NY, NJ, CT). Those chosen will receive culinary business coaching from a major celebrity chef and restaurateur, as well as nationwide publicity.

So if you are a Food Entrepreneur and want to rub elbows with Bobby Flay, the celebrity chef who did a Throw Down with Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem, contact Heather Briggs at hrb@embassyrow.com or learn more about the project on Facebook.

Super, super cool photos of Lady Gaga in Harlem

There has been a boat load of news coverage about Lady Gaga filming her latest music video called Marry the Night in Harlem. However, UK-based The Daily Mail has published the best pictures by far of Lady Gaga in Harlem-once on Friday, October 14 and today, October 16. Check them out! Aren’t they super cool?

Meet the woman behind 125th Street Business Improvement District in Harlem

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There are plenty of exciting things happening throughout the Village of Harlem and numerous people are behind it. However, what I personally find fascinating-and what I am learning from blogging about Harlem-is that some of those individuals who are making things happen in Harlem are…women. Yup, that’s right…women! There is a boat load of women power in Harlem that are doing great things for our community. I will blog more about that later.

My immediate point is we have an opportunity to meet one of those women I am talking about tomorrow, October 6. In Mount Morris Talks, a speaker series hosted by the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association, Barbara Askins will be the guest speaker! Barbara Askins is the President and CEO of the 125th Street Business Improvement District (BID) in our neighborhood. Askins created BID in 1993 and is first and only one of its kind in the Harlem Community.

If you would like to meet this woman executive, who is making things happen in Harlem now, not later, check out Mount Morris Talks! Details are below!

Who: Mount Morris Talks to Barbara Askins!
When: Thursday, October 6, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Where: At the Harlem Branch Library Community Room, 3rd floor
9 West 124 Street, between Fifth Ave & Mount Morris Park West

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The family behind Harlem’s Sylvia’s Restaurant serves up education through annual fundraiser


The family behind Harlem’s famous Sylvia’s Restaurant are very well-known for serving up delicious fried chicken or mac and cheese, however did you know they are known for something entirely different and it’s not on the menu? It’s called education. In 2001, the family behind Sylvia’s Restaurant started the Sylvia & Herbert Woods Endowment Scholarship Fundraiser and to date, it has sent more than 60 students from the area to college. The Woods created this Fundraiser in 2001 and are having it on October 28th at the City College of New York City.

If you would like to participate or attend the Fundraiser, contact Crizette Woods at cwoods@sylviasrestaurant.com. The rate sheet for the Fundraiser is also shown below.

You’re invited to ‘Cultural Unity through Arts’ in Harlem


There isn’t a moment that goes by where there isn’t something fun and interesting to do with the art community in Harlem. They are always creating events that are aimed at bringing the community together in Harlem. Here is one example. H&M Art Gallery and Framing is holding a reception this Friday, Sept. 23 in celebration of their exhibition called Cultural Unity through Arts. For a little more than a week in Harlem, there are several activities planned for this exhibition at the 17 East 125th location that will feature several visual and performing artists.

All are invited to attend and from what I can tell…it is free! If you would like to attend, check out the calendar of events below!

Uptowners and downtowners turn out in Harlem to support the Horn of Africa




Marcus Samuelsson and is wife Maya opened their home in Harlem this past weekend to guests familiar and unknown-all to help the Horn of Africa. The turn out for the event was packed! And the hosts were as gracious and hospitable as…Harlemites would be. See for yourself in HarlemGal’s latest photo stream!

See the play SEED and in turn receive special discounts at select Harlem establishments


Harlem Park to Park  has partnered with The Classical Theater of Harlem and Hip Hop Theater Festival to give locals a wonderful night out uptown. Purchase a ticket to SEED, a play by Radha Blank and bring your receipt or ticket stub from SEED to participating Harlem Park to Park restaurants listed in the picture for brunch or dinner (or select retailers for services) and receive special discounts and free offers starting today, September 16 through October 9.To purchase tickets for SEED, visit www.seedtheplay.com.

Harlem business owners helping to feed others here and abroad


There are three Harlem business owners that are actively trying to make a difference by helping to feed others here and in Africa. And they are inviting us to come along and help with their efforts.

Land Yoga and Soham Wellness have partnered together to raise $5,000 for the Food Bank of New York City by the end of September. The Food Bank had a 50 percent cut in their budget and they need our help. To donate to the Food Bank, click here.

Marcus Samuelsson, along with his wife Maya and several other notable organizations, have organized “Brunch for the Horn of Africa” on September 18th at Marcus and Maya’s apartment in Harlem. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for $50 bucks, the Samuelsson’s will be serving traditional American brunch items as well as a few Ethiopian dishes for “Brunch for the Horn of Africa.” Go to this link to make your reservation. Once you RSVP, you will be sent a confirmation email with all the specific details.

In addition to the suggested $50 per person donation, a raffle of various items will take place throughout the event, offering guests a chance to contribute further and win some fun prizes from Marcus’ celebrity pals. “Brunch for the Horn of Africa” will help feed the famine victims in East Africa.

Bono and wife Ali Hewson visit Red Rooster Harlem

Bono didn’t come to Harlem to sing Angel of Harlem. He came for fashion and to visit the hottest restaurant in the City, Red Rooster. Bono and his wife Ali Hewson celebrated her Edun’s spring women’s show and the launch of a men’s marketing campaign with a dinner at Harlem’s Red Rooster restaurant this past Sunday. Women’s Wear Daily has the photo and the scoop of the power couple in Harlem. Click here to read about their involvement in fashion.

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HarlemGal Inc’s latest photo stream on Harlem Restaurants

Atomic WingsCedric HarlemHarlem TavernThe KioskLido HarlemAtomic Wings
67 OrangeCedric French Bistro and BarHarlem TavernHarlem TavernAmbassades BuffetNectar Harlem
AmbassadesRed Rooster HarlemLido HarlemWXYZ BarLevain BakeryRed Rooster Harlem
Sylvia'sLenox LoungeSettepaniHarlem restaurantsMacy's Food Truck Staff, Harlem Week 2011Harlem Week 2011

Last photo stream was on Harlem Week. Now photos of Harlem’s eating establishments are up! If you have a photo of your favorite Harlem place, send to me by email, Twitter or Facebook!