Category Archives: business

It’s the Harlem re-shuffle says UK-based The Independent

Posted on August 25, 2011 | Leave a comment

Our beloved Harlem is featured bright and big again in the media, but this time in the UK’s travel section of The Independent. According to the article the reporter/ photographer visited Harlem recently and took direction from Thelma Golden, the Director of Studio Museum Harlem, on what to see in Harlem.

Per Golden’s instructions, Chris Coplans stayed at The Aloft Harlem and he raves about it in the article. He also went to the Apollo Theater, El Museo del Barrio, Studio Museum Harlem, and more. Golden encouraged the reporter to visit the Duke Ellington sculpture and to try Senegalese food at Les Ambassades.

What’s interesting about this article is the reporter covered a lot of Harlem ground-from East to West. He also gives Lenox Avenue big props by saying, “If 125th St is the traditional Harlem, then Lenox Avenue between 125th and 126th is very much the emerging “New Harlem”, with an arty vibe and “Village” sidewalk culture.”

To read the full article, click here. To see additional photos on Harlem from the reporter, go here.

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Posted in 125th Street, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., art and culture, Bars, business, commercial real estate, Community, drinks, education, entertainment, fashion, food, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Free!, Harlem, history, jazz, Lenox Avenue, music, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, Red Rooster Harlem, restaurants, shopping, spending, The Apollo Theater

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Harlem vintage newspaper stand ‘For Rent’ at 112th and Frederick Douglass Blvd

Posted on August 24, 2011 | 1 comment

A reader asked last night and sent photos, “did you notice the old abandoned newspaper shed on 112th St and Frederick Douglass Blvd-on east side-has a ‘For Rent’ sign on it? HarlemGal did not notice, but thanks for the heads up. I wonder if the Bodega next door is the one leasing the space? Remember this is the bodega Austin2Harlem blogged about not too long ago?

I think a new newspaper stand there would be ideal and magazines too- but not for anyone to live in. Does anyone know how much the space is renting for and by whom? Tell us!

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Posted in business, Community, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, real estate, spending

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Harlem’s Tonnie’s Minis to hold First Annual Customer Appreciation Day

Posted on August 23, 2011 | Leave a comment


Tonnie’s Minis, Harlem’s delicious cup cake shop at 264 Lenox Avenue, is dedicating a day to say “Thanks” to their customers.  They are holding their First Annual Customer Appreciation Day and it’s happening this coming Saturday, August 27. The event starts at noon and goes to 9:00 p.m. Check out details on their facebook page.

Should be a fun event. I saw where someone said they can’t wait to try the cupcake shots. Yummy! If that’s the kind of shots they will be having at this event, I am so there. See you at Tonnie’s Minis in Harlem this Saturday!

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Posted in baking, business, Community, Events, food, Free!, Harlem, Lenox Avenue, New York, New York City, NYC

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Ron Perelman raises a cool million for Harlem’s Apollo Theater

Posted on August 23, 2011 | Leave a comment

It is showtime at The Apollo Theater, but in the Hamptons…to raise money! Ron Perelman, who joined the Apollo Theater board last year, has been throwing quite the fundraising shin-dig at his Hampton’s estate and packed with celebrity power.

Last year, Jon Bon Jovi came out for the first fundraiser and he attended again this year, along with Jaime Fox and Alicia Keys. Apparently, the event that happened this past weekend in the Hamptons raised more than $1 million for Harlem’s famous music venue versus last year where the event did not even reach a million dollars. And guess who donated food to the event? Yup, you guessed it! Marcus Samuelsson.

If this fundraiser happens again and keeps charging guests $2500 a ticket, Ron Perelman will probably reach $2 million dollars next year. Must be nice. And good for the Apollo Theater that their board works for them. The more dinero for our beautiful venue, the better! Ron go for two next year!

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Posted in 125th Street, art and culture, business, entertainment, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, Red Rooster Harlem, spending, The Apollo Theater

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What have you eaten at Cedric French Bistro and Bar in Harlem?

Posted on August 22, 2011 | 11 comments

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Cedric French Bistro and Bar in Harlem turns one week old today and so far the feedback has been positive – at least online from what I have seen. Have you been to Cedric Bistro located at 119th Street and St. Nicholas Ave? If so, tell us what you had for dinner or lunch!

I went with four women this past Thursday and we had a nice time. We ordered a bottle of red wine and started with the Thai mussels with ginger and lemon grass. For our main course, we had grilled salmon, organic roasted chicken, pan seared duck breast, another order of mussels and had plenty of bread and fries to nimble on. We did not have dessert because we were actually full from the main dishes. All these dishes were very good and recommended, service met and, at times exceeded, our expectation and the ambiance was classy.

After we were finished with dinner, we talked about the state of Cedric Bistro among other fabulous dining places in Harlem, such as Red Rooster, Lido Harlem, Settepani, 5 and Diamond, etc., and we all mutually agreed Cedric Bistro deserves a thumbs up. It will do well in Harlem and from our experience on dining there on day four of opening-Cedric French Bistro and Bar is here to stay! Go and experience the place for yourself and tell us what you think!

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Posted in Bars, business, Cedric French Bistro and Bar Harlem, drinks, food, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, Lenox Avenue, New York, New York City, NYC, Red Rooster Harlem, restaurant row, restaurants

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Happy Hour begins at Harlem Tavern

Posted on August 21, 2011 | 3 comments


For those of you who have wondered whether Harlem Tavern will participate in a happy hour because all you really want to do is drink there and not necessarily dine, the answer is now a yes! Harlem Tavern announced Sunday evening that they will now have a happy hour. It starts tomorrow, Monday, August 22 from 4-7 p.m. Their happy hour specials include $5 well drinks, Bud Light, Shock Top, Yuengling, Red Sangria, delicious Moscato and red wine. Harlem Tavern happy hour is from Monday-Friday.

This is a nice addition to the other establishments that provide happy hour specials as well.

Drink up Harlem! To read prior blog coverage on Harlem Tavern, click here or go to the category tags on the right hand side of the screen!

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Posted in Bars, business, drinks, food, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, Harlem Tavern, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurant row, restaurants

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Inside Cedric French Bistro and Bar, opening day August 15 for lunch and dinner in Harlem

Posted on August 14, 2011 | 6 comments

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When you walk into the new Cedric French Bistro and Bar, located in Harlem at 185 St. Nicholas Ave, there is art work straight ahead that says “Remain Calm.” I think Harlemites are going to do the opposite, be ecstatic and extremely pleased when they walk in and get a load of Harlem’s newest restaurant. Cedric Bistro is red-hot with hot red all over. They chose a red color scheme similar to other Harlem establishments. And as for their menu, it looks very good! More on the menu later. Let’s take a look inside Cedric French Bistro and Bar.

20110814-061328.jpgThey have kept the L-shape bar where it previously was prior to the change. There is plenty of seating, around 40 seats. The brick wall is exposed with banquette seating and wood tables are strategically placed with chairs that have hot red seat cushions. The place looks nice or shall I say “very Upper Eastside.”

I will be checking out this new restaurant soon. How about you?

Cedric Bistro in Harlem opens tomorrow, August 15, for lunch and dinner, plus weekend brunch.

Cedric French Bistro and Bar
185 St. Nicholas Ave
212-866-7766

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Posted in Bars, business, Cedric French Bistro and Bar Harlem, commercial real estate, food, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurant row, restaurants

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Experience a massage at EG Bodywork in Harlem

Posted on August 12, 2011 | 3 comments


I want you to meet my new best friend in the area of massage, but shhh…he doesn’t know it! Meet Edwin, founder of EG Bodywork located inside Land Yoga at 2110 Frederick Douglass Blvd!

Edwin, who specializes in stress reduction  and message therapy services, is now offering his services right here in Harlem on Tuesday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  I recently experienced his Swedish and Deep Tissue massage…and let me tell you, it was out of this world wonderful!

I went to Edwin because like most of us, I was feeling stressed all over. I felt tight in my shoulders, my right ankle was bothering me, my stomach was acting up and just felt restlessness-need I say more. When I went to see Edwin, all of those bothersome items went away. I felt relief in my stomach and ankle; and just plain good all over from a Swedish and Deep Tissue massage.

I felt even better after Edwin explained the benefits of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage. According to Edwin, he says through the use of kneading, stroking, friction, tapping, and vibration, this type of massage provides relief from stiffness, numbness, pain, constipation, and other health problems. The goal in Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Other benefits include stimulation of circulation, deeper breathing, relaxation, and increase in muscle tone.

As for Deep Tissue, it is aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. According to Edwin, Deep Tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage working to release chronic muscle tension or knots, also known as “adhesions.”

I hope this blog post explains why I call Edwin my new best friend. He listens about what’s on your mind in terms of aches and pain. He works to help find some relief and then explains the benefits. Isn’t that what best friends are for?

If you want to have a similar experience (and a new bf for massages), learn more by visiting egbodywork.com.

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Posted in business, education, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, health and wellness

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New Middle Eastern Restaurant opening August 15 in East Harlem

Posted on August 12, 2011 | Leave a comment


There is a new restaurant opening up in East Harlem this coming Monday and the owners are shouting it out on twitter. Habibis, a quick-serve Middle Eastern restaurant, is opening its doors at 52 East 125th Street in Harlem and will be offering a menu of halal food, such as grilled meats, gyro, and falafel, as well as sandwiches, salads and desserts. Vegetarian meals will be offered as well, with options such as falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, and a variety of salads.

Habibis’ menu is available online. Click here to check it out.

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Posted in 125th Street, business, commercial real estate, food, Harlem, restaurants, spending

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Harlem happy hours happening everywhere: Chocolat, Lido Harlem & Milk Burger

Posted on August 10, 2011 | 1 comment

It is hump day and you’re not sure where to go for happy hour in Harlem. Here are a few choices for your consideration and recommended in order!

Those of you who know me on Facebook are a witness to my many execursions to Lido Harlem. I am always there and have more reasons to be there now given their happy hour specials. I recently learned from Susannah that from 5:30 – 7:30 every day, seven days a week, Lido Harlem is offering 1/2 price beer & wine, $5 well drinks and $5 Lido specialty cocktails. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights Lido is now offering a late night happy hour starting at 10 p.m. to close. I believe they are offering a late night menu as well! If Lido’s happy hour is anything like their food, it will be consistently good.

Chocolat has the best schedule for happy hour in my view. It starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. If you can’t make a happy hour that ends at 7:30 rush on over to Chocolat on Frederick Douglass Blvd and 120th. They offer a selection of flavored martinis for $5 and small plates ranging from $5 to $8. I have had all the small plates and they were all quite good.

And last, the much talked about burger joint in East Harlem has a happy hour. If you want to be one of the first to check out Milk Burger’s happy hour, head on over soon and early or on your day off. They start at 3 p.m. Yuck. Clearly, they want people to drink early. I hope they change that time. It’s hard enough to make it to happy hour at 5 p.m. I recommend this place (see details below) because it is on the rise and experience it now while it is still relatively a new place in East Harlem.

Have a great time at happy hour. See you around in Harlem!

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Posted in Bars, business, Community, entertainment, Events, food, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurants, spending

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