Category Archives: business

The 5 and Diamond Harlem kicks off Fall Supper Club with Bergdorf Goodman’s executive chef

Have you ever wondered how the food tastes at Bergdorf Goodman’s BG Restaurant? Well, wonder no more. There is an opportunity to taste it right here in Harlem. Their executive chef Darryl Burnette will be the guest chef at Harlem’s 5 and Diamond Restaurant this coming Sunday, September 18 at 7 p.m. Burnett will be treating guests to a menu of “Southern Classics with a Modern Vision.”*

Chef Burnette is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. After graduation from the CIA, Burnett had the privilege of working under such talented chefs as Charlie Palmer, Jean Georges Vongerichten, and Andy D’ Amico. Burnette has even trailed Marcus Samuelsson.

The menu for the evening will include:
PETIT AMUSÉ: Mini Country Ham Biscuit with Peach Basil Habañero Jam;
APPETIZERS: Mac & Cheese Spring Rolls and Shrimp & Grits;
FISH: Rainbow Trout with Black Eyed Pea Succotash; INTERMEZZO; Mint Julep Sorbet
MEAT: Meatloaf Wellington with Truffle Mashed Potatoes and DESSERT, Red Velvet Trifle.

In addition to the food prepared by Chef Burnett, the evening will also have soprano Gail Blache-Gill as part of the program. Blache-Gill has been touring internationally in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, singing the roles of Clara, Lily and Serena with the New York based Living Arts Inc. She takes time out of her schedule to sing Sunday night at 5 And Diamond Harlem.

If you would like to attend the first Supper Club of the season at 5 and Diamond Harlem, the menu is available for $65 if booked in advance, $75 at the door. 5 and Diamond also offers a flight of wines selected by sommelier John Soler to accompany each course, at an additional $25 per person.

To make reservations for this event, call 646 684 4662.

*Also, please note that this event is not affiliated with the department store, Bergdorf Goodman.

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.

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!

Groupon deals for Harlem, Tonnie’s Minis, Amor Cubano, and Atomic Wings

A follower on our twitter tweeted: did you see Tonnie’s Minis on Groupon? They are offering 50 percent off on a dozen cupcakes! It’s a buy now offer until tonight.

There is also deals for Amor Cubano at 2018 3rd Avenue in East Harlem. I have dined there and its good place for Cuban food. They are offering half off on your dining experience, liquor not included.

And Atomic Wings, located at the corner of 113th and Frederick Douglass Blvd., which we reviewed on this site, is offering $6 for any combo meal.

These Groupon deals are only for today so go to their site if you’re interested.

And a big thanks to the twitter follower who gave us the heads up. Much appreciated!

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Bier international in Harlem is turning one, a look back in photos

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Bier International is turning one and they are celebrating this milestone on September 12.

Its been an exciting year for Harlem’s first beer garden located on Frederick Douglass Blvd near 113th Street. They have received a ton of press coverage, positive reviews about their food and beer, and I can attest that this place has been a hit since day one. There hasn’t been one day where I have walked by and seen bier international empty. It has been busy from day one.

Congrats to the owners and entire team at bier international for reaching this milestone! In celebration of bier international turning one, let’s look back in photos and raise our beer glass to bier international. May they celebrate many more years to come in Harlem! Salude!

Coco is the name of the upcoming nail salon on Frederick Douglass Blvd in Harlem

The new nail salon that is opening on Frederick Douglass Blvd between 113th and 114th Street on the eastside of the street has a name! The place will be called Coco! Interesting. Maybe it’s named after that reality show on E!?

Apparently, the owners that are opening up this salon in Harlem are seasoned professionals. This will be their third nail salon in Manhattan. Plans to open Coco Nail Salon are slated for mid-September! So stay tuned.

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The redevelopment of Victoria Theater in Harlem is back on track says The New York Times


Harlem’s 125th Street is back in the news again. Back in July the City announced the redevelopment of two major, vacant sites on Harlem’s 125th Street. Today, we are hearing from The New York Times that the redevelopment of Victoria Theater “is back on track and will break ground in the second half of next year.” The delay was due to the financial crisis back in 2008.

The entire project, which is being designed by the same architect firm that built the Livmor Condos on Frederick Douglass Blvd., will include two towers above the theater: a rental building in one tower and hotel in the other tower. The first floor will become the new home of the Classical Theater of Harlem, Jazzmobile, the Harlem Arts Alliance and the Apollo Theater Foundation.

If you’re wondering if all this good news that’s been announced about 125th Street is a coincidence, it’s not. According to the Times article, all these changes being announced is due to the city rezoning the street replacing buildings along 125th with “office towers, residential high-rises and cultural institutions. The rezoning was approved just as the real estate market collapsed, and many of the developments did not get off the ground. Several are starting up again.”

This is great news. Who cares about the timing. We will take it! To read the entire article by the Times, click here.

Where to buy inexpensive flowers in Central Harlem?

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There is another place in Harlem that is selling inexpensive flowers-aside from the place in Spanish Harlem I told you about last October. Fine Fare 20110829-112631.jpgSupermarket, located at 136 Lenox Avenue between 111th and 112th, sells a variety of flowers and plants for an inexpensive price. At this Fine Fare, roses are selling for $6 a dozen or two dozen for $10. Not bad. I purchased $20 dollars worth. My little casita is filled with flowers.

Check it out the Fine Fare near Central Park North if you interested in inexpensive roses. If you live in East Harlem, I buy flowers at the NW corner of 116th and Lexington Avenue. They are reasonable there as well.

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Changing Face of Harlem Director looking for photos of Harlem artist from the 1930s or 1940s


The Changing Face of Harlem documentary, which is capturing Harlem’s rebirth of the last decade needs our help. The director of Changing Face of Harlem is looking to use photos-and maybe film footage-of an artist/performer who performed in Harlem during the 1930s or 1940s. If you know of someone who has photos of a Harlem artist from that time period, please go to the Changing Face of Harlem Facebook page or contact the director at shawn@changingfaceofharlem.com. Another option is to email harlemgalinc@gmail.com with your suggestions and HarlemGal Inc. will make sure it get’s passed on to the director.

The second option is to find the family of a Harlem artist/musician/dancer/singer etc. Maybe this amazing person who performed in Harlem back in the day continued their personal legacy through family? If you know of someone who had a mother or father that performed in Harlem the 30s or 40s, the director is looking to use those photos and film footage for her documentary. Again, if you know of someone, use the contact information above.

And last, if you’re wondering why the Changing Face of Harlem director is looking for these photos and film footage, she is working on strengthening the history section of Harlem in her film.

Hope we can help! Have a wonderful day Harlem!

What’s open in Harlem, post Hurricane Irene?


If you are wondering what is open today in terms of dining, post Hurricane Irene, we have received word that Slyvia’s Restaurant is open for lunch, Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar is open for dinner and Les Ambassades on Frederick Douglass Bvld is open as well. Also, Harlem Tavern is opening at 3 p.m. today. Chez Lucienne is open now.

Slyvia’s is located at 328 Lenox Avenue aka Malcolm X Blvd., New York, NY 10027.

Lido Harlem is located at 2168 8th Avenue aka Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026.

Les Ambassades is located at 2200 FDB.

Harlem Tavern is located on the northwest corner of 116th Street and FDB.

Chez Lucienne is located at 308 Lenox Ave.

Regarding yoga, Bikram Yoga East Harlem, located at 4 East 116th Street is open for 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. classed today. Also, Book Culture bookstore sent email saying they’re open today. It’s located at 536 West 112th Street and 2915 Broadway.

As more information becomes available, HarlemGal Inc. will pass the information along. And of course, if you know of places that are open today, August 28, please share the information here for other locals to learn about.

Have a great day in Harlem.

UPDATE: The owners of Kidberry and Land Yoga say they will be open tomorrow, August 29!