Category Archives: business

Levain Bakery to donate gross sales to support the people of Japan

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Mar 20, 2011 @ 11:16
By HarlemGal,
Levain Bakery, which recently opened up a store in Harlem, announced on their Facebook page that this coming Wednesday, March 23rd, they will donate 25 percent of their gross sales from their Upper Westside and Harlem shops to the Red Cross for Japan. They are asking friends/supporters to spread the word.

In support of Levain Bakery and the Japanese people, HCL is encouraging all of its readers to stop by Levain Bakery on Frederick Douglass Blvd and 116th Street on Wednesday for treats and let’s help out those in dire need! See you there!

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Posted in baking, business, Community, Events, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, shopping

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‘Central Harlem has experienced a revival’

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

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!

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Posted in art and culture, Bars, business, Community, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, restaurant row, restaurants

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Jet Income Tax opens in Harlem, next door to Franz James Floral Boutique

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Mar 7, 2011 @ 9:00

By HarlemGal
The tax deadline for filing 2010 income taxes is about six weeks away! Have you completed filing your taxes? If not, there is a new business in the area that can assist!

The good folks over at Jet Income Tax have contacted us saying they are open for business at 2112 Frederick Douglass Blvd. and are available to assist with your tax preparation needs! During tax season, they’re open from Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 8 PM. According to Marisa Louis, the owner, Jet offers an array of services for the Harlem community, such as bookkeeping for small businesses, financial advice, tax audits, and state sales tax and payroll tax preparation.

So if you’re looking for help in dealing with the tax man, here is one resource in Harlem to consider!

Jet Income Tax
2112 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
New York NY 10026
Office: 212-932-3200
Fax: 212-932-3290

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Posted in business, Community, Harlem, real estate

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Colossal cookies invade Harlem, Levain Bakery opens

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Mar 2, 2011 @ 10:30

By HarlemGal
The wait is finally over. Harlem has a new cookie store! I stopped by Levain Bakery, located on Frederick Douglass Blvd between 116th and 117th Street, yesterday to try out the goods. I purchased four $4 cookies: chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and dark chocolate peanut butter chip. I have never tasted a Levain Bakery treat before so I went nuts and asked for one of each flavor. Little did I know.

Before I discuss my favorites, let me state: I am going to be eating cookies until the end of March. I had no idea Levain cookies were so…ahh…huge. I have labeled them big a– cookies, big mac cookies or colossal cookies! These cookies are so big and fat, they look like biscuits. Next time I see my friends who reside on the Upper Westside, I am going to ask “why didn’t you tell me how big these cookies were?” Do I sound like a person who is complaining because I am on the verge of inheriting a new sweet tooth addiction? Simple answer. Yes!

Last night, I bit into each of the four cookies I purchased and do they each pack a punch of flavor. If you love chocolate, try the dark chocolate chocolate chip. It was too much for me and I’d rather eat chocolate cake, but for chocolate cookie lovers it will not disappoint. I also did not care for the chocolate peanut butter chip cookie. If you like peanut butter, this cookie is your friend. Where I am going to become a Levain cookie addict is with the chocolate chip/walnut cookie and the raisin oatmeal cookie. I have come to the conclusion I love traditional, simple ingredient cookies. They remind me of the treats I received when I was a kid. However, these cookies have been injected with 10 times the amount of cookie dough.

Levain Bakery definitely delivers the sweet stuff as some of their fans had already conveyed. Next time, I will only buy one cookie or try something else so that I can now manage my new found sweet tooth addiction.

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Posted in baking, business, Harlem

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Harlem’s bier international applies for sidewalk cafe

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 3 comments

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!

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Posted in Bars, business, Community, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurant row, restaurants

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Opening of Levain Bakery Harlem store delayed

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Feb 22, 2011 @ 15:49
By HarlemGal
A follower on Twitter informed me today that Levain Bakery is delaying their opening of their Harlem store by one week. I think this photo says it all. I guess the cookie dough is not ready yet!

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Posted in baking, business, Community, Harlem, restaurants, shopping

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Free coffee in honor of Best Yet Market in Harlem turning one

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Feb 17, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
The good folks over at Best Yet Market in Harlem notified us yesterday that they are giving away a free small cup of cappuccino or a latte on Thursday (February 17) and Friday (February 18) to shoppers  in honor of the store turning one-year old. The grocery store opened up February 4, 2010 at West 118th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. in Harlem.

So how does one get the free cup of coffee? Show this ad pictured above on your smart phone to the cashier in the bakery section and this person will give you your free cup of java. Also , you can find the ad on their Twitter or Facebook page as well.

Best Yet Market said they were offering this special “to extend their gratitude to Harlem, New York for welcoming them to this exceptional neighborhood.” Well said!

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Posted in business, Community, Events, Free!, Harlem, shopping

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Franz James Floral Boutique in Harlem to open today, Lido Restaurant as well

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Feb 12, 2011 @ 9:44

By HarlemGal
February 12 is one busy day for some new local businesses opening up in Harlem. As I told you, Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar was scheduled to open before Valentine’s Day and they are now open. Go check them out and tell us what you think of the new digs.

Last night on my way home, I saw folks working inside Franz James Floral Boutique, located at 2114 Frederick Douglass Blvd. I walked in to see what was up. While there, I met the owners, Franz and James (hence the name of the business), and they told me they were opening today, February 12. They will be offering full flower art services, such as arrangements/center pieces for any occasion, and they will be selling loose flowers as well.

By the way, James of Franz James  told me he is from Harlem and continues to live here. So this new business is partially owned and operated by a Harlemite. The same is partially true for Lido. Susannah, co-proprietor, lives in Harlem as well. It’s great to know this. However, we all know a solid product has to be offered.

So if you want to check out these new businesses on Frederick Douglass Blvd. They’re open…starting today!

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Posted in art and culture, business, Harlem, real estate, restaurants, shopping

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New York Magazine acknowledges, Harlem is hot

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Feb 8, 2011 @ 10:30
By HarlemGal
What a difference a year makes?  Let’s reflect! April 11, 2010 Harlem is poorly ranked by Nate Silver for New York Magazine’s Neighborhood Issue. Does anyone remember this article? I certainly do. That article inspired me to write Top ten reason why Harlem is one of the best neighborhoods to live in. Let’s fast forward to today. Harlem and several local establishments are currently featured bright and big this week in a series of articles under the banner The Everything Guide to Harlem in NY Mag. It’s a creme-de-la-creme of articles featuring restaurants, markets, shops and bars in Harlem. My favorite article is The New New Harlem, which is sort of a “Whose In and Whose Out.” In my view, featuring several establishments in this type of format demonstrates the caliber and variety of places located in Harlem. Plus in order to pit two businesses against each other, there has to be plenty of selection. Clearly, Harlem has reached that point.

In closing, I will use soccer terms to describe this Harlem milestone. This article is another G-O-A-L for Harlem. Remember, we won Curbed Cup 2010 too. More importantly, it recognizes (again) what most of us have known all along, and now NY Mag too, Harlem is hot! Adelante!

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Posted in art and culture, baking, Bars, business, Community, entertainment, fashion, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, restaurant row, restaurants, shopping

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Harlem businesses come together to ‘Kiss and Tell’

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Feb 8, 2011 @ 7:30
By HarlemGal
Tonight, several Harlem businesses, such as Harlem Flo, The Winery, Make My Cake, Tonnie’s Minis, Aloft Hotel and Yatenga, are gathering together to “Kiss & Tell.” Well, not exactly that, but sort of! These Harlem businesses will be on hand Tuesday evening, starting at 6 p.m., to offer gift advice for Valentine’s Day. According to Harlem Flo’s Facebook site, the February 8th event will “feature unique and creative gifts items that you can purchase for your loved ones for V-day and there after.”

So if you need something for your cupid or yourself, head on over to Harlem Flo, second location at 2276 Frederick Douglass Blvd., at West 122nd Street.

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Posted in business, Community, Events, fashion, Free!, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurants

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