Category Archives: Bars

Settepani in Harlem confirms it will open Settepani Brick Oven

May 10, 2011 @ 15:42
By HarlemGal
Back in October 2010, we had heard that Harlem’s Settepani Italian Restaurant, located at 196 Lenox Avenue, was opening up a pizza place. We now have confirmation via DNAInfo that Settepani is in fact opening up Settepani Brick Oven a block away (West 119th and Lenox Ave) from their flagship restaurant. The article states the owners are opening up the pizza place as “an effort to continue the growth on Lenox Ave.” Leah Abraham states that Settepani Brick Oven will also bake breads and make their own gelato! Yummy! I could go for that!

If you recall the first Settepani offered baked goods prior to their renovation a few years ago, along with deserts. Looks like Settepani is returning back to its core product and ambiance. Good for them! Now let’s wait to hear when Settepani Brick Oven in Harlem opens. Should be soon given they confirmed they received their liquor license!

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Happy Cinco de Mayo Harlem

May 5, 2011 @ 7:51
By HarlemGal
It’s Cinco de Mayo! Happy Cinco de Mayo Harlemites! Where will you be celebrating the Mexican holiday for 2011?

I still hear East 116th Street in Spanish Harlem will have a party atmosphere even though their annual Cinco de Mayo Festival passed. Check out the review by The Village Voice.

Remember this part of the City is Harlem’s booming Mexican population. So if you want to be authentic with your celebration of May 5th, no need to go far. Head on over to Spanish Harlem to celebrate. You might just see this Latina celebrating there!

Harlem Tavern coming June 2011

Apr 17, 2011 @ 12:40
By Austin2Harlem
I was running errands today (April 17th) and look what I saw!!! I think this sign says it all! Let’s hope they really mean it regarding the June opening date! That would be a perfect time to open the place since temperatures should be just right! Stay tuned Harlemites!

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Lunch time at Harlem’s bier international and Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar

Apr 15, 2011 @ 10:30
By HarlemGal
We received friendly word from owners that it is now lunch time at bier international and Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar in Harlem. Both establishments, located on Frederick Douglass Blvd, started offering lunch this past week.

Bier international started serving lunch on April 12 that includes items such as, Moroccan Chicken Salad, Southwestern Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and Salad Nicoise.

Lunch at Lido is offered Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 4 PM. Their menu includes a wide variety of Italian dishes.

Finding a place to lunch in Harlem during the week should be no problem at all! We now have to more options to choose from.

Have a great weekend!

It’s $20.11 in Harlem

Apr 15, 2011 @ 7:15
By HarlemGal
Several Harlemites have $20.11 posted on their Facebook or WeHarlem pages and it’s not a reminder of the current year.  It’s locals reminding us through social networks that it is restaurant and retail month right here in Harlem. From April 15 to May 15, select local businesses are offering special deals. If you’re wondering who is participating, see the complete list below.

Last year, I went to Chez Lucienne and enjoyed the meal and deal very much. I wonder where I should dine this year for this occasion?

And a big thanks to Harlem Park to Park, who is once again leading this effort to promote all the wonderful retail businesses we have right here in Harlem.

RESTAURANTS
67 ORANGE STREET   2082 Eighth Avenue
BIER INTERNATIONAL  2099 Eighth Avenue
CHEZ LUCIENNE  308 Lenox Avenue
CHOCOLAT RESTAURANT  2223 Eighth Avenue
GRAN PIATTO D’ORO  1429 Fifth Avenue
LIDO HARLEM  2168 Eighth Avenue
MOCA LOUNGE  2210 Eighth Avenue
NATIVE RESTAURANT  101 W. 118th Street
NECTAR WINE BAR  2235 Eighth Avenue
RED ROOSTER HARLEM  310 Lenox Avenue
RISTORANTE SETTEPANI  196 Lenox Avenue
SOCIETY COFFEE  2104 Eighth Avenue
SYLVIA’S RESTAURANT  328 Lenox Avenue

RETAIL/SERVICES
BIKRAM YOGA EAST HARLEM  4 E. 116th Street
FRANZ JAMES FLORAL BOUTIQUE  2114 Eighth Avenue
HARLEM FLO ATELIER    2292 Eighth Avenue
HARLEM FLO BOUTIQUE  2276 Eighth Avenue
HARLEM VINTAGE  2235 Eighth Avenue
LEVAIN BAKERY  2167 Eighth Avenue
MODSQUAD CYCLES  2119 Eighth Avenue

Happy hour now available at Lido Restaurant Harlem, lunch to be offered starting April 14

Apr 8, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
I stopped by Lido at 2168 Frederick Douglass Blvd last night to grab a bite to eat and see what’s the latest with the Italian eatery. There are a few new things happening and coming up.

20110407-105831.jpgFirst, Lido started a happy hours recently. It runs from Tuesday-Friday, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. The special is half price beer and wine. My understanding is that you can partake in happy hour at the bar or at a table if you’re having an early dinner.

Next, Lido will be opening for lunch starting April 14th. Stay tune for the lunch menu. Their working on it now and hope to share it soon. A Spring menu for dinner will soon follow

And Lido has become a part of the Harlem Park to Park family. They will be participating in the upcoming retail and restaurant month featuring a $20.11 dinner menu. That starts April 15th – May 15th, Tuesday – Friday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.

So there you have it. Lots of options to check out Lido Restaurant on the corner of 117th and FDB!
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What should President Barack Obama order at Red Rooster Harlem?

Mar 29, 2011 @ 7:00
By HarlemGal
The barricades are up on Lenox Avenue and 125th Street, the $30k checks are in, and the articles have been written about how POTUS Barack Obama will be in Harlem this evening (March 29) at Red Rooster. I feel like I have all the information that’s out there about this visit with the exception of one thing! No one has covered the menu for this swanky fundraiser-that I am aware of. I wonder if there is a special menu for 30 grand. Let’s pretend there is not a special menu and that President Obama is using the everyday dinner menu for this expensive occasion. Under this scenario, shall we ask the question? What should President Obama order at Red Rooster?

First off, I think he should hang out at the bar for a while and throw back a few drinks, such as the Brownstoner or Rooster Punch. POTUS Obama needs to drink a lot so that he can move the Secret Service out-of-the-way in order to stand close to the window so some of us can see him from afar. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Then after a few cocktails, Obama should sit down with guests that should be asked to fork over another $30k for actually getting to eat at Red Rooster before most Harlemites get to and then discuss reelection strategy over cornbread, Pulled Pork; and Dirty Rice and Shrimp. Those food items seem appropriate for the conversation and asking for the additional funds…don’t ya think?

For the main course, I believe Obama should either have the Braised Oxtail or the Uptown Steak Frites. For $30,000 dollars a head, OBAMA PLEASE DON’T EAT CHICKEN or FRIED YARD BIRD. That is a no, no given the price guests are paying to dine with an awesome POTUS. Plus the Food Network police will never forgive you or Marcus if you eat chicken at such an expensive event!

As for desert, it is a toss up on what Obama should order. I like both the Sweet Potato Doughnuts or Spiced Bread Pudding. I have had them both and they are delicious!

After his fabulous meal at Red Rooster Harlem, I hope President Obama walks a long rope line near the popular restaurant and shakes plenty of Harlem hands. My guess is there will be a ton of people waiting and watching for him to arrive and depart. Given who President Obama is and what Harlem stands for, in my opinion it would be a perfect way to end the evening to what I am assuming will be a perfect meal.

‘Central Harlem has experienced a revival’

Mar 7, 2011 @ 11:00
By HarlemGal
These days one can’t swing a bat without hitting the words “Harlem and real estate” together! By that, I mean Harlem is constantly being covered by the main stream press. Searching through my clips this past weekend, I came across another flattering article about Harlem. The Wall Street Journal reports “Central Harlem has experienced a revival. New businesses have moved in, ranging from upscale restaurants and wine bars to cutting-edge boutiques. Dozens of condominiums have sprouted around the neighborhood…”

It’s great to see these articles about my Harlem from the traditional press. However, I am getting to the point when I see these write ups is shouting “tell me something I don’t know.” This article re-hashes what’s already been printed. Come on mainstream press! There are a ton of other positive angles to cover about Harlem. For example, I wish they would profile some of the people who decided to choose Harlem as their home, what was the rationale? Profile those that have new or existing businesses in Harlem. How has this revival impacted local businesses? How are schools affected now compared to years ago? What’s the ratio of families versus single people moving to Harlem? And of course, the money trail is always a good one to follow. A story always arises from the money and paper trail!

These ideas come to mind for me. I’m sure there are more. What other positive angles do you think the mainstream press should cover about Harlem? Tell us!

Zagat surveyors grant Lenox Lounge in Harlem high marks

Mar 1, 2011 @ 23:40
By HarlemGal
According to NY1,  Zagat surveyors, the experts on rating everything, have bestowed our historic and charming Lenox Lounge in Harlem with strong ratings, not necessarily for drinks and music, but for food, i.e. dining out. Sharron Cannon, general manager of Lenox Lounge, said their entire menu has been revamped where they now offer homemade made items.

In the NY1 video, the Lenox Lounge food dishes look divine and they must be because Zagat issued Lenox Lounge high marks. Located at 125th Street and Lenox Avenue, Lenox received a 23 for appeal, nineteen for decor, twenty-one for service and an E for expensive. What can one expect from a place where legends like Billie Holiday, BB King and Miles Davis use to hang.

Lenox Lounge
288 Lenox Avenue
212-427-0253
www.lenoxlounge.com

Harlem’s bier international applies for sidewalk cafe

Feb 25, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
I walked by bier international last night and I couldn’t help but notice there was a sizable sign taped to their window informing passersby of a public hearing on April 6, 2011. The subject line gives an address of 2099 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Hmmm, that’s confusing since bier is located at 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd. However, it is the words right next to APPLICATION that are key! Apparently, bier international has applied for sidewalk cafe status, which would include 16 tables and 34 seats. If you look back at the renderings of the Harlem hot spot, they have always planned for some degree of outdoor seating. This request should come as no surprise. The owners are simply following through on their vision for the place. Good for them.

The flyer gives a web address on where you can voice your opinion on this subject. Go there and share your thoughts on the matter or feel free to tell us right here on HCL what you think about bier international applying for and potentially receiving a sidewalk cafe!