Category Archives: business

Red Lobster coming to Harlem’s 125th Street, hiring for positions underway

According to the 125th Street Business Improvement District, the Red Lobster that is coming to 125th Street next to the Apollo Theater is now hiring. Interested participants should go to www.redlobster.com/employment to seek out employment.

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Indulge in African teas at Serengeti Teas & Spices in Harlem, now open on Frederick Douglass Blvd

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At the recommendation of a longtime reader of HarlemGal Inc., I stopped by Serengeti Teas & Spices in Harlem yesterday, which opened a week ago at 2292 Frederick Douglass Blvd at 123rd Street. A big thanks for the recommendation. My visit to Serengeti in Harlem did not disappoint. And as one Facebook friend said, “it’s a must stop on FDB! The attention to details and explanations are great!” I couldn’t agree more.

Serengeti in Harlem offers all the tea imaginable, loose or bagged, strong or light, from the continent of Africa. And the staff is willing and ready to provide any guest a tutorial on the variety of teas offered. Plus Serengeti offers samples to taste if one is not sure what to purchase. I owned up to being tea illiterate and the staff person who assisted me (and by the way I did not disclose I was a local blogger) was extremely helpful and knowledgeable in all the teas offered. This staff person walked me through every inch of the products available. Overall, my experience at Serengeti in Harlem was completely delightful! I ended up purchasing two canisters of tea, the Bassa Blood Orange Organic Tea for $12 and Berry Rooibo’s 20 Tea Bags for $10.

If you’re walking along Harlem’s restaurant row, aka FDB, HarlemGal Inc recommends a quick stop by Serengeti Teas & Spices in Harlem at 123rd and FDB. They offer pastries and coffee as well. Serengeti in Harlem is open from 10 am to 9 pm. A website will be available at a later date.

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Village Voice names 10 Best Fried Chickens in NYC, two Harlem restaurants make list

Who makes the best fried chicken in New York City? According to the Village Voice, Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken at 2839-2841 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem is ranked first out of all the five boroughs! The Voice says “Charles Gabriel seasons his chicken three separate times before it gets to the warming tray at this renowned Harlem buffet.”

Next up, is Amy Ruth’s at 113 West 116th Street in Harlem. Amy Ruth’s is ranked fifth in the City. The Voice says “this Harlem fried chicken hotspot in a neighborhood teeming with quality birds gets it right on many levels, including a closing time of 5:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.”

To read the full article on The 10 Best Fried Chickens in NYC, go here.

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Attend artist reception at Chocolat in Harlem September 24th

Next Tuesday, September 24th from 6-9 pm, Chocolat Restaurant in Harlem will be hosting an intimate reception for two exhibiting artists, Anton and Bai. Some of Anton and Bai’s paintings and mixed-media work has already been on view at Chocolat this past summer. At the Sept. 24th artist reception, guests can meet and socialize with the artists and see more of their creative works.

To learn more about the art at Chocolat go here. Or stop by Chocolat in Harlem at 2217-23 Frederick Douglass Blvd. at the corner of 120th St. or call at (212) 222-4545.
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Harlem Haberdashery turns one, chosen as must see and shop for men by New York Magazine

Reading my latest edition of New York Magazine, I noticed Harlem Haberdashery received a nod by our City publication. Harlem Haberdashery, which recently turned one, was chosen as a “must-see and shop for any stylish man” in the NY Mag September 9th edition. The Harlem men’s shop is located on Lenox Avenue between 122nd and 123rd Street and open seven days a week.

Sharene and Guy Woods are the “parents” of Harlem Haberdashery and 5001 FLAVORS. Louis Johnson, Jr. is also a partner and general manager.

Check out the New York Magazine article below. And congrats to the team by Harlem Haberdashery on their NY Mag mention and turning one!
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Say goodbye to summer at The Corner Social in Harlem

This coming Saturday, September 14, The Corner Social in Harlem is saying “adios” to summer. Yes, it’s that time of year where another summer will pass, however, let’s send it off in style by celebrating at The Corner Social on 126th Street and Lenox Ave.

The Corner Social in Harlem is offering a $25 Prix Fixe Brunch, Complimentary Belvedere Cocktails & Music by DJ GETLIVE as part of their send off to summer.

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Didn’t make it to Italy over the summer? No worries, head to Lido Harlem for Sept wine tasting event

For those of us Harlemites who could not travel to Italy this past summer, can now escape to Italy’s wine country in Harlem. Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar on 117th Street and FDB is hosting another a wine event in September. On Tuesday, September 24th from 7:30-9:30 pm, Lido Harlem is offering a five course wine tasting dinner featuring Italian wines and food.

Wine educator and sommelier, Andrea Wobensmith will once again take guests through the wines and help them learn more about pairing tips, grapes, differences in growing practices and more, all in an intimate and relaxed setting. Wobensmith has been teaching wine classes for over 7 years. Her passion began after visiting Italy and tasting wines throughout the countryside. Wobensmith earned her Sommelier Certificate with the Sommelier Society of America.

The price is $105 per person plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited, call for reservations at: 646-490-8575 or 917-733-9413.
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What’s happening in East Harlem September and October? a pig roast and East Harlem Harvest Festival

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The good folks behind East Harlem’s Urban Garden Center sent us their event line up for September and October. And as always, there is lots of fun things to do in this section of Harlem.

Mark your calendar. The East Harlem Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday, October 27th from 10 am to 6 pm at La Marqueta on 116th Street and Park Ave. We went last year and had a very good time. This event is a celebration of East Harlem’s retailers, restaurants, bars, institutions, parks, history and more.

On September 15 and 29, and October 13 and 27, there will be a pig roast called El Boar-rio at La Marqueta starting at noon. Flea Marqueta is hosting this event on specific Sundays because that’s when the market is open where you can shop for artisans, food and enjoy entertainment.

Interested in sponsorship and vending opportunities at these events? Email info@fleamarqueta.com for more information.
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Bikram Yoga in East Harlem to close…for good

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Sad Harlem business news to report. Late last night, Bikram Yoga East Harlem informed their members via email that they are “unable to continue operating and maintaining” the yoga studio located at 4 East 116th Street. The owners of Bikram Yoga say they are closing because they have been unable to make a profit from running the yoga studio. The East Harlem yoga studio will close on September 14.

Read the full email notice below.

Dear Bikram Yoga East Harlem Family and Friends:

We are writing to let you know that we are unfortunately unable to continue operating and maintaining Bikram Yoga East Harlem.
After nearly 5 years of serving our community, we continue to be faced with issues that prevent the studio from being profitable.
We have been pouring personal funds into the studio to keep it going for some time now. We can no longer do this.
We have contacted teachers and fellow studio owners who we thought might be interested in buying the studio and taking over the lease, however we got no firm offers.
We are still open to selling it, however, we must announce that the studio will be closed as of September 14th, 2013.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in purchasing the studio and taking over the lease, please have them contact us ASAP.

We are in the process of making arrangements for students to be able to transfer their packages to a nearby studio.
We will confirm those details ASAP.

It is with a heavy heart that we must close, but I look forward to being able to still teach and share the yoga without the burden of ownership in the near future.

Jennifer and I can not thank you enough for the support you have given to Bikram Yoga East Harlem over the past 5 years.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to call or email the studio.
Love & Light,
Stephanie

An inside look at Harlem’s new Cantina, a taqueria opening Labor Day evening Sept 2

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Remember the blog post at the beginning of August about a new Harlem business coming to Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd and 111th Street? HarlemGal Inc now has confirmation on exactly what the place will be? Cantina is the name of the new restaurant on 111th and ACP.

Cantina will be serving burritos, tacos and ceviche, along with a full service bar. Starting this coming Monday evening, September 2, Cantina in Harlem will open for business and will be offering $2 tacos and $4 margaritas, according to one of the Cantina owners, who spoke with HarlemGal Inc today and happens to be involved with Harlem BBQ as well.

The price point of the Cantina menu will be below $19. One of the owners of Cantina said, “everything on the menu will be reasonable and affordable, yet everything offered will be of a high-end product.” The chef at Cantina will be coming from Dos Toros in Union Square.

Cantina in Harlem invited us in today to take a look at the place and we must say it looks very cool and comfortable. There is exposed brick and aged wood everywhere. Plus the location is perfect. It’s right by Central Park North. So when you are done with your day in the park, Cantina is one block away from Central Park North where one can purchase a fresh squeezed cucumber margarita and taquaria food. The place looks very inviting and charming. We can’t wait to check it out.

Oh by the way, Cantina was going to be called Suzy-Q and was going to offer BBQ. The owner of Cantina said they changed their strategy mid way through planning because they realized the BBQ need was already met in Harlem.

Stop by this coming Monday after 4 pm to check out Cantina in Harlem! It is on the northwest corner of ACP and 111th Street.