Category Archives: business

Three adjacent lots on Harlem’s Frederick Douglass Blvd for sale

Jun 2, 2011 @ 23:57
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By HarlemGal
Ever wonder what three adjacent lots on Frederick Douglass Blvd will cost? The answer is…$4 million dollars! That’s what 2126 FDB at the corner of West 115th Street is going for, according to Tungsten Property. They apparently have come uptown to grace this building with their sign and phone number-obviously at the owners request. Whomever owns these lots is clearly ready to part with it and for a nice chunk of change. I guess this explains why the sidewalk out front has never been fixed for years. It is all beat up and creates a little pond every time it rains or a miniature ice skating rink develops when it snows. The owner probably thought why bother to fix it when I can get $4 million dollars and leave it for someone else to handle. Right?

My only hope is that whomever takes over this property does a gut renovation and leaves the shell. The shell looks like it can be restored. This part of Harlem does not need a new building from the ground up in my view. It needs investors/new developers who will come in and want to keep and maintain Harlem’s charm through its original structures. What do you think should happen to this space?

The upside to seeing this lot up for sale is FDB is clearly a happening place when it comes to commercial and residential real estate. So much has changed along this boulevard since early 2000. Maybe that’s why this blog called it “Harlem’s gold coast?”

If you want to learn all the details about how Tungsten Property is marketing this commercial space, check out their website. They outline all the specs!

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The evolution of a Harlem bodega

May 31, 2011 @ 7:00
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By Austin2Harlem
Since the beginning of April, one of my favorite Harlem bodegas has been going through a major transformation. It’s the bodega on the corner of West 112th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd.

I spoke with the owner recently and asked “why all the changes?” He said it was time for a different look and he wanted to keep up with the changing neighborhood. From these photos, which were taken in April and May, you can see the evolution of this Harlem Bodega. One day it was boarded up and then the next thing you see is a big red sign. I like the new appearance and I’m ready for the bodega to reopen.

In addition, the owner said they plan to open in about another week with 24 hour store hours. So if you need an item after hours, this place at 2070 Frederick Douglass Blvd plans to be open!
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Morningside Park Farmers Market returns May 28

May 27, 2011 @ 10:00
By HarlemGal
It seems just like yesterday I was buying organic honey, nuts, and bread outdoors from Morningside Park Farmers Market. Where did the year go? Now I have to get my grocery list ready because shopping at Morningside Park begins this Saturday, May 28th. I’m so ready! How about you?

Morningside Park Farmers Market
Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM
110th and Manhattan Avenue

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Harlem Tavern is hiring

May 25, 2011 @ 23:17
By HarlemGal
Listen up Harlemites! Looking for work in Harlem. Maybe Harlem Tavern250722_209781672395818_142572732450046_610117_5377153_s is the place? They are having an open call this coming Friday, May 27th from 1:00 to 4 PM. They are hiring all front and back of house positions.
On their site it says they are looking to open doors the second weekend of June and they need staff members to join the team. Yeah! That’s wonderful news to hear! They are moving ahead!

If you want a job, bring your resume to Harlem Tavern at 2153 Frederick Douglas Blvd at West 116th Street!

Harlem’s 125th Street featured in Gothamist’s Lunch Quadrant

May 25, 2011 @ 11:43

By HarlemGal
Have you ever heard of the Lunch Quadrant by Gothamist? Harlem’s 125th Street is featured this week! For the Lunch Quadrant, they checked out the lunch options at Island Salad, Fishers of Men at 121 West 125th Street, Mobay at 17 West 125th Street, and Red Rooster. Apparently, they go out in the city and find four lunch options (two standing, two sitting) by a given subway stop every week! Pretty cool…huh?

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Petition signing for Lido Harlem sidewalk seating

May 24, 2011 @ 8:57
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By HarlemGal
We were at Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar a few days ago enjoying their Happy Hour along with some crostino. While there we were approached about signing a petition for Lido Harlem on Frederick Douglass Blvd to receive approval from Community Board 10 on sidewalk seating. Apparently during the last community board meeting Lido’s request for sidewalk seating did not make the agenda in time so they were not able to participate in the discussion or get approval. That’s the lowdown we heard. If anyone has any other information, please chime in.

Either way, we signed the petition. Our thoughts were why not have one more place with outdoor/sidewalk seating on Frederick Douglass Blvd.

If you’re interested in signing the petition, go by Lido located at 2168 Frederick Douglass Blvd. Also, while you’re there don’t hesitate to try their Happy Hour along with crostino. Try Salt Cod, Potato, Lemon or Rock Shrimp and Sea Salt. It’s delicious. Plus wine and beer are half off and Happy Hour lasts until 7:30 pm! Sign, eat and drink away!

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Help kickstart the ‘Changing Face of Harlem’

May 23, 2011 @ 7:30

By HarlemGal
A few years ago a good friend of mine, who is a documentary filmmaker in New York City, wanted me to meet fellow filmmaker Shawn Batey. My good friend knew I was interested in all things positive about Harlem so she said to me “come see a film rough cut about Harlem. There is this filmmaker I want you to meet, who is literally documenting the changes of Harlem. I think you should come.” And so I did. I’m excited to tell you about this documentary about Harlem!

Trailer- Changing Face of Harlem

The rough cut I saw was titled the Changing Face of Harlem. It’s been in the works for more than ten years. The Changing Face of Harlem is a film told from the voices of longtime residents, business owners, politicians, developers, and clergy about the dreams and struggles of a neighborhood. This film explains Harlem’s intricate history and how Harlem is undergoing a huge rebirth and revival just like many other urban communities of color. Changing Face of Harlem takes a critical look at how Harlem has undergone its present transformation.

When a filmmaker sets out to create a documentary especially about Harlem, it takes a lot of hard work-to say the least. That hard work leads to hundreds of hours of footage that needs to be edited. Shawn, the women behind the Changing Face of Harlem, is ready to go into the editing booth to complete her documentary on Harlem. You and I can help her get into the editing booth soon to complete her film. How? By going to Kickstarter.com. Go to Kickstarter to make a donation at various levels. It can be $15 or $1500. Shawn’s goal is to raise $5k this summer so that she can hire an editor.

I made a donation to help Shawn get into the editing booth. I hope you will join me in helping to kickstart and complete the documentary titled the Changing Face of Harlem.

To learn more about the film, go to www.changingfaceofharlem.com

Ambassades Buffet is open on Lenox Avenue in Harlem

May 22, 2011 @ 12:56

By HarlemGal
We stopped by yesterday (May 21) to check out the new and second location for Les Ambassades at 341 Lenox Avenue. The place is nice and spacious. It is much bigger than their first location in Harlem.

When you enter there is the take out counter to the right, which features crepes, smoothies, milkshakes, select hot food, pastries and breads, soft drinks and ice cream-all to go! If you want to sit down and eat, walk further in. There you will find a complete buffet of West African cuisine. The menu is included in the slideshow, which like their Frederick Douglass Blvd location is moderately priced. The different ideas we found on the menu are the crepes, smoothies and milkshakes. Most of the other items on the menu appeared identical to its FDB menu.

Unfortunately, we were not able to sample the food yesterday. I had a terrible cold and had to get downtown for a meet up. We were totally bummed that we did not get to eat. However, we have every intention of getting back to Ambassades Buffet on Lenox Ave to chow down on the African food. We are going for the crepes and the milkshakes! Take a look at the menu and tell us what do you from the menu?

To visit Ambassades Buffet at 341 Lenox Ave, take the 2/3 subway train to 125th! See you there!

Registration open for Land Yoga adult classes in Harlem

May 20, 2011 @ 11:45
By HarlemGal
Our fellow yogi Lara Land gave us the heads up that Land Yoga, located at 2116 Frederick Douglass Blvd., is now open for registration for adult ashtanga classes. If you’re interested like I am, you can register at Land Yoga Shop before June 16th for the early bird special.

Not sure what yoga classes to sign up for? No worries. There is a partial schedule listed here. There you can find what classes will be offered to start!

And want to meet Lara Land, head on over to Nectar Wine Bar today (May 20). She is participating in Parents and Pinot from 4 PM-7 PM at 2235 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

For more information on Land Yoga, check out their Facebook page. Om, shanti, shanti, om. Namaste!

Win free flowers from Katrina Parris Flowers in Harlem

May 20, 2011 @ 10:00
By HarlemGal
For St. Patrick’s Day I ordered flowers from Katrina Parris Flowers, located at 191 Lenox Avenue, for my favorite Irish mum in Queens and I was pleased as pie, as well as the recipient. Now I hear I could receive flowers for me and my friends from Katrina Parris in Harlem for FREE! Yes, that’s right….for free! Here is the chisme, chicas or chicos!

Harlem’s Katrina Parris Flowers has launched “Your Feelings, Our Flowers” program. What does that mean? It means free flowers for three months or two months or one month. All you have to do is join this program on Facebook.

According to Mark from Katrina Flowers, the idea is very simple. They want to say thank you to Harlem for supporting their business and hope to make this an annual event.

To win free flowers from Katrina Parris Flowers in Harlem, go to their Facebook page and enter to win! The program ends May 31, 2011. Good luck!