Category Archives: Harlem

Harlem loses one of its celebrities for now, The View’s Sherri Shepherd moves across the Hudson

Posted on March 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

sherri

A HarlemGal reader recently left a comment saying Sherri Shepherd, comedienne, actress, and television personality of ABC’s The View, is not residing in Harlem anymore. My reaction was WHAT! I just saw her online mentioning she’s hanging at the Corner Social in Harlem. So I followed up with the lovely and funny Mrs. Shepherd-Sally to see what’s up.

Shepherd confirmed via direct message on Twitter that she and her family (Lamar and Jeffrey) moved to New Jersey three months ago. But before I explain why Shepherd had to move plan-d-book-mockup400from Harlem, let me quickly point out that Shepherd unequivocally stated that she and her husband Lamar love Harlem and find it to be “a great community and plan to return in a couple of years.” They had an unexpected situation arise and had to react.

I believe Sherri Shepherd and her family will return in the near future to live full-time in Harlem. Why? As an influential celebrity, she could have easily avoided my request.  Shepherd responded in a timely manner and took the time to explain what happened. She was crystal clear in her communication. In my view, this is an example of a Harlemite who deeply cares about the community she lived in and still loves by personally taking the time to communicate what happened. Why even bother explaining to a Harlem blogger? But Sherri did.

As to what happened that caused Sherri, her son and her husband to depart Harlem, it’s a typical New York situation. Shepherd had been renting a beautiful Sherri_Shepherd_Lamar_Sally_s_Wedding_Pics_Harlem brownstone for almost three years. Her landlord gave notice that they planned to move back into the property and gave Shepherd 30 days notice. Shepherd and her husband looked at other places in Harlem because they wanted to stay, but given the time constraints they did not find a place they wanted within their budget so they moved to New Jersey for the time being. That’s it folks! That’s what happened and it happens to most New Yorker’s at one time or another.

Shepherd maybe living in NJ for now, but she has been taking the time to return to Harlem weekly. She visits the Corner Social on Lenox Avenue and 126th Street once a week and she visits Elsie’s Caribbean Cafe twice a month. Her heart is still in Harlem.

Let’s wish Sherri Shepherd and her family all the best with this change and pray for a speedy return back to Harlem. Amen!

Leave a comment

Posted in 125th Street, art and culture, celebrities, Corner Social, entertainment, Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem real estate,, Lenox Avenue, Lenox Social, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Attend Guiltless Gourmet for a Healthy Harlem, an event to help stop hunger

Posted on March 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

Melba
According to a news release by Beth-Hark Christian Counseling Center (BHCCC), there is an estimated 1.4 million New York City residents who are food insecure and rely on the city’s network of emergency food organizations. BHCCC hopes to VanKline223raise $20,000 through their second annual Guiltless Gourmet for a Healthy Harlem Celebrity Food Tasting and Silent Auction. Funds raised will help the organization keep pace with an increasing demand for emergency food services driven by food insecurity. Guiltless Gourmet for A Healthy Harlem takes place Friday, March 22 at Harlem’s Gran Piatto d’Oro on Fifth Avenue and brings together the celebrity chef triumvirate of Melba’s Melba Wilson (Food Networks’ former Fat Chef), Kimberly Van Kline of Passion for Palate Catering and Ronaldo Calle of Gran Piatto d’Oro.

Guiltless Gourmet for a Healthy Harlem will open with a VIP Reception/Chef Rolando2_smallerMeet and Greet followed by Food Tasting and Silent Auction. Guests will sample a range of celebrity chef gourmet delights from appetizers to main dishes and bid on auction items from jewelry to vacations with starting bids as low as $50. Two-tiered priced Guiltless Gourmet tickets are $65.00 for Food Tasting and Auction. The $75.00 tickets include admission to the Guiltless Gourmet VIP event. Tickets can be purchased at God’s Answer Bookstore and BHCCC offices co-located at Bethel Gospel Assembly, Inc. BHCCC is the social services arm of Bethel Gospel Assembly, Inc. For more information visit www.bethharkccc.org.

Leave a comment

Posted in celebrities, Community, education, Events, food, Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem Restaurant Row, Melba's Restaurant Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurant row, restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Neil Patrick Harris tells online world he wants to purchase a Harlem brownstone

Posted on March 12, 2013 | Leave a comment

20130312-113551.jpg
Neil Patrick Harris, actor, singer and currently a Harlem condo owner, is looking to buy a brownstone in Harlem. How do I know this? Neil Patrick Harris said it on Twitter yesterday tweeting “he’s looking to buy a brownstone in Harlem. Figure someone on Twitter might want to sell. Any takers?”

I’m sure there might be a few takers. He could also ask Marcus Samuelsson for some pointers. He just scored a Harlem brownstone.

But why doesn’t Mr. Harris just go to StreetEasy.com? I see several Harlem brownstones there listed for $1.5 million to $3 million, which should be no problem for Neil Patrick Harris. He’s been making the big bucks since he was a child TV actor.

Hope this little blog write-up helps with your search. And by the way Neil, we are from the same state, i.e. New Mexico! Good luck with your search! I hope you find the Harlem brownstone of your dreams!

20130312-113612.jpg

Leave a comment

Posted in celebrities, Harlem, Harlem blogs, real estate

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Tribeca Pediatrics signs lease in Harlem, former 99 cent store to become children’s medical facility

Posted on March 12, 2013 | 3 comments

tribecapediatrics
The Commercial Observer reported last week that Tribeca Pediatrics is opening up a branch in Harlem. Tribeca Pediatrics signed a 10-year, 2,500-square-foot lease at 2111 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, which most of us know as the 99 cent store.

The reason for the upscale facility coming to Harlem? According to Douglas Elliman’s retail group team Faith Hope Consolo, who represented both the landlord, Tahl-Propp Equities, and the tenant in the transaction told National Real Estate Investor that “just as Starbucks is a marker for an emerging neighborhood, a sophisticated pediatric clinic is a sign it has arrived. This now coveted corner is transitioning from a 99 cents store to a cutting-edge medical facility for children.”

To learn more about Tribeca Pediatrics, visit their website.

20130312-081237.jpg

3 Comments

Posted in business, commercial real estate, Community, education, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, Harlem blogs, health and wellness, kids, New York, New York City, NYC, personal care, real estate

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

1Forno Pizzeria in Harlem joins the red awning club

Posted on March 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

20130310-225519.jpg
Most of the Harlem businesses love the color red when it comes to their outdoor awnings with signage, such as Red Rooster Harlem, Harlem Food Bar, Cedric French Bistro, etc. 1Forno Pizzeria at 135 West 116th Street near Lenox Avenue decided to do the same and has installed a big bright red awning with their logo, phone number and address. I walked by the pizza place yesterday (March 10) and noticed the signage. I also noticed in the new awning the Harlem pizza place goes by the name 1Forno Pizzeria, instead of Il Forno.

If you haven’t tried a pie or a slice of pizza from 1Forno on 116th Street, give it a try. I order from them all the time and love that one can create their own toppings from a varied list of toppings! 1Forno also gets good reviews on Yelp. See contact details below.

1Forno Pizza Harlem​
135 w 116th St
New York, NY 10026
212- 222- 3030

20130310-225607.jpg

Leave a comment

Posted in 116th Street, 1Forno Pizzeria Harlem, business, Cedric French Bistro and Bar Harlem, food, Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem Food Bar, Harlem Restaurant Row, Il Forno Pizza and Salad Harlem, Red Rooster Harlem, restaurant row, restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Harlem locals invest in where they live, The Grange Bar & Eatery coming to Harlem’s Hamilton Heights

Posted on March 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

272685_108468342656296_171968014_o
I love it when readers write in to tell us another set of Harlem locals are opening up a business right where they live, such as Harlem Tavern, Yatenga and more. Rita Royer-Henley and Roy Henley have been living in Harlem’s Hamilton Heights area for more than eight years and they’re the couple behind The Grange Bar & Eatery, which will be a farmer’s kitchen bistro and bar located right in the heart of West Harlem, Hamilton Heights– at 1635 Amsterdam Ave (Corner of 141st st) to be exact. Opening date is set for mid-April-May 2013

Guests of The Grange Bar & Eatery will be able to enjoy comfort food made in a 2350 sq ft, 75 seat setting with local produce and organic seasonal ingredients when possible, according to the Henley’s. The bar plans to provide “a mixology-driven selection of balanced cocktails.” “We want to go beyond the traditional cocktail and move away from those overly sweet and overpowering drinks. To do so, we will be incorporating in-house naturally pressed juices, herbs and bitters,” says the Henley’s. “We want to feature and support spirits from local small and artisan distilleries from all across the country.”

As for beer and wine, The Grange Bar & Eatery plans on using a 16-Draft Beer system, which is 80 percent craft beers and 20 percent traditional beers; seasonal beers included. The wine will be a balanced selection of international as well as local wines. Overall, guests should plan on “picturing themselves in a farmer’s country kitchen,” says the Henley’s. Oh, and The Grange Bar & Eatery plans on having outdoor seating, subject to City approval.

Out of all the many places in Harlem to open a business, I asked the Henley’s why Hamilton Heights? “We have been living in Hamilton Heights for a combined 8 years and have witnessed how much this beautiful section of Harlem has changed and grown especially in the last 5 years. We soon discovered out of our own need to have more places to go to that were within walking distance. We believe so much in this [part of Harlem]. “We are thrilled to make this happen and setting the standard for this portion of Amsterdam Ave that has so much potential in becoming the next restaurant row in Harlem.”

Congrats to the Henley’s on the opening of The Grange Bar & Eatery in Harlem’s Hamilton Heights. To learn more about the upcoming establishment, go to their Facebook page.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bars, business, Community, drinks, food, Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem Restaurant Row, Harlem Tavern, restaurant row, restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wanna work at Harlem Shake? Yes, the real Harlem Shake

Posted on March 8, 2013 | 1 comment

Interested in working at the real Harlem Shake in Harlem on 124th and Lenox? Here’s the lowdown. Harlem Shake will be doing their hiring through a NY Job Bank. It’s part of a NY state program. Prospective employees may contact Ms. Jai Popat at jpopat@grantassociatesinc.com for more information on job listings and details on sending job applications, starting on or around March 21st, which is coming up soon!

So there you have it. If you wanna work at Harlem Shake, you have the scoop! Good luck to those applying!

20130308-084322.jpg

1 Comment

Posted in 125th Street, business, Community, food, Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem Shake, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Attend Harlem Shake Off in…Harlem March 9

Posted on March 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

A reader sent in the following information today about a Harlem Shake Off happening this Saturday, March 9 in Harlem! Details are below:

To kick off a new comedy webisode based in Harlem and to respond to all the hokey renditions of the current fad, Harlem Shake on YouTube, a “real” Harlem Shake Off is happening at Marcus Garvey Park (122nd and Madison) this Saturday, March 9th at 12 pm. Socl Expt is hosting!

If you wanna have fun and are good dancer from Harlem and the Bronx come out to this Harlem get together. FYI, the event will be videotaped!

20130307-152408.jpg

Leave a comment

Posted in Community, Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem Shake, Marcus Garvey Park, Mt. Morris Park

Tagged , , , ,

Read Borough President Scott Stringer’s letter on recent East Harlem tragedy

Posted on March 6, 2013 | 2 comments

20130306-113749.jpg
As most of us know, an angel from God, a precious little soul, a boy, who resided in East Harlem was struck and killed recently by a truck while walking to school. It’s a complete tragedy. Now we are learning that the truck should not have even been on that block and troublesome pedestrian statistics exist for this part of Harlem, according to Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer via a letter sent out today to constituents.

According to Stringer, “of the 145 pedestrian interval signals in Manhattan, which give pedestrians lead time in crossing a street before vehicles can proceed, only two are in East Harlem. Furthermore, while many schools have special reduced speed limit signs with flashing lights, no such treatment exists near P.S. 155, despite the history of deaths in the neighborhood.”

Read the full Stringer letter below. I echo what Stringer says, the way this area is managed is unacceptable! I hope the Department of Transportation listens to Stringer’s request and acts swiftly. Our children should be able to walk to school and back safely. Punto! I hope the DOT acts soon. If you agree, share this information with as many people as possible!

20130306-113314.jpg

20130306-113321.jpg

2 Comments

Posted in Community, education, Harlem

Tagged , , , ,

Harlem’s Seasoned Vegan aiming to open by April, menu available online

Posted on March 5, 2013 | 2 comments

20130305-111806.jpg
Did anyone notice that Seasoned Vegan in Harlem did not open in February? They were hoping to open Feb. 23, but couldn’t cause they’re still waiting on a few more permits to be cleared. Not surprised. This kind of stuff happens all the time with new restaurants. From what I hear Seasoned Vegan, which will be on the corner of St. Nicholas Ave and West 113th Street (55 St Nicholas Avenue), plans to open by April. That’s not that far away!

In the mean time, Seasoned Vegan does have their website up and running. Check it out. They have their menu on display as well so that when they do open, we will be ready and will know what to order.

Don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to the opening of Seasoned Vegan in Harlem! Stay tuned!
20130305-111700.jpg

2 Comments

Posted in business, Community, drinks, food, Harlem, Harlem blogs, restaurants, Seasoned Vegan Harlem, St. Nicholas Avenue

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,