Category Archives: Harlem

Dear Harlem: Is it better to buy or rent?

Posted on August 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

There are those so-called “million dollar question(s)” out there in the universe around housing that we have all asked ourselves at one time or another. I know I have. And that is…is it better to buy or rent? It’s a loaded question…huh? Well, there is actually an online, interactive tool available now that is trying to help consumers answer that question: buy vs rent? It’s in The New York Times’ Making the Most of your Money section.

To use the online tool, fill in the information on your left, i.e. monthly rent, home price, etc. After you fill out the information, then place your cursor over the grid and it will reveal whether its better to buy or rent? Below are two samples.

Try it by going here. And good luck with finding the answer to that familiar question.

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Posted in apartments, education, Free!, Harlem, Money Series, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, spending

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New York Comedy Festival 2012 coming to Harlem’s Apollo Theater

Posted on August 13, 2012 | Leave a comment

The New York Comedy Festival 2012 is coming to Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater in November! There are two shows lined up in Harlem so far, according to a recent email sent out today (August 13) to subscribers.

The first show is scheduled for the evening of November 9 with comedian Aziz Ansari from the TV show ‘Parks and Recreation.’ The second show is scheduled the following evening (Nov 10) with Jim Gaffigan, who has appeared on Letterman and Conan shows many times.

To purchase tickets to either event, go to the New York Comedy Festival 2012 website.

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Posted in 125th Street, art and culture, entertainment, Events, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, The Apollo Theater

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One day flea market and street fair scheduled August 25 in Central Harlem

Posted on August 13, 2012 | Leave a comment


Another Harlem flea market is being developed (the other is on FDB & 117th Street). However, it’s for one day at Mt. Morris Park/Marcus Garvey Park and its being organized by a local Harlem church. Mt. Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church tells HarlemGal Inc that it is hosting its first flea market and street fair on Saturday, August 25, from 12 pm to 7 pm, and all the five boroughs are invited to participate whether by attending or setting up a booth.

The one day market plans to offer everything from food to face painting, a live DJ, and some raffle prizes. The flea market will be at 122nd Street between Mt. Morris Park West and Lenox Avenue.

Vendor spaces are still available for non food vendors.  If interested, contact Elder William McKenzie at 212.658.1541 for vendor fees and policy. General inquiries are being directed to the same phone number. 

Proceeds for this event will benefit The Mt. Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church .

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Posted in Community, Events, food, Free!, Harlem, kids, Marcus Garvey Park, Mt. Morris Park

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Sunday happenings at Harlem Tavern and Corner Social

Posted on August 12, 2012 | Leave a comment


Need plans today in Harlem, Sunday August 12? Turn to Harlem Tavern on Frederick Douglass Blvd and 116th Street, and Corner Social on 126th Street and Lenox Avenue. Harlem Tavern will be showing on their big TV screens the Men’s Olympic Gold Medal Basketball game. Doors open at 10 AM! Later in the evening they will be showing the London Olympic’s closing ceremony.

Two boulevards over on Lenox Avenue, Corner Social is celebrating Labor Day Carnival-Trinidad style. The festivities at Corner Social start at 6 PM and ends at 9 PM. All the carnival details are in the photo!

Have a great Sunday in Harlem!

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Posted in 116th Street, 125th Street, Bars, Corner Social, Events, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, Harlem Tavern, restaurant row, restaurants

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250 Park View joins condo market in Harlem

Posted on August 11, 2012 | Leave a comment



If you want to live right across the street from the Morningside Park Farmer’s Market in Harlem, now is your chance. Renovated condos called 250 Park View hit the Harlem condo market on Manhattan Avenue this past week. They are located exactly across the street from the park and a stone throw away from Central Park North.

According to its website, 250 Park View has an exposed-brick entryway which leads into 20 elevator-accessible units, a live-in super, security camera and color video intercom. The 20 units range from studios to 3 bedrooms with either park or courtyard views. Studios start at $450k, and the largest 3 bedroom duplex penthouse are going for $999. Wow!

Better hurry if you’re interested in living in Harlem at this location, which I think is a good one since it’s by two big parks, close to Harlem’s restaurant row and its very close to a subway stop, 110th Street B/C. Out of the 16 apartments listed on its site, only 8 are left. Harlem apartments clearly sell like hot cakes!

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Posted in apartments, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, real estate, restaurant row

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Harlem mommy creates Cabbages & Kings

Posted on August 9, 2012 | Leave a comment

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After being gone from Harlem a few days and returning to all the depressing reports about several businesses closing, I had to seek out new and inspiring information to blog about. I didn’t have to go far thanks to Harlem readers filling my inbox. I came across information sent in-and oh so cute-about Cabbages & Kings. You’re probably asking, what is that? Hint: Harlem mom’s may want to listen up!

Cabbages & Kings is an online kids clothing store that was recently started by Alexandra Gizela, a Harlem resident, mom, and a native New Yorker. Cabbages & Kings offers “multi-functional, design-conscious accessory line for kids, with their current collection comprised of scarves and leg warmers.” When I checked out their website, I immediately fell in love with the turquoise leg warmers for infants and then I had to learn more about this Harlem mommy/entrepreneur. So I presented a few questions to fellow Harlem Gal Alex Gizela and here is what she had to say.

HG: How long have you lived in Harlem?
AG: I am from New York City originally. I grew up on the Upper Eastside, lived in Chelsea and am now I have made Harlem my home. I have been in Harlem for close to 5 years.

HG: What’s your favorite thing to do in Harlem with your child?
AG: I love going with Luella to Morningside Park! Luella’s favorite part of this Harlem park is the pond where the turtles sun bath.

HG: Do you have plans to sell your product locally at a store in Harlem?
AG: Yes, right now I am online only. However, I am definitely looking to sell in specialty boutiques come September. There are not many boutiques in Harlem, however I am thinking of targeting places such as Swing, Aysa Boutique, You Me N’ Dupri, maybe Grandma’s Place-even though they mostly offer toys. Who knows? Maybe they [Grandma’s Place] will introduce some accessories!

HG: Aside from the leggings and scarves, do you plan to expand beyond those products?
AG: For now, I am focusing on accessories, but there are some additional items that are brewing for Fall/Winter 2013.

HG: And why should Harlemites buy your product?
AG: Because Harlemites are cool and are ahead of the game…mirroring Cabbages & Kings.

To learn more about Alexandra and her Cabbages & Kings, check out her website!

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Posted in business, Community, fashion, Harlem, kids, New York, New York City, NYC, shopping

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See DREAMGIRLS by Harlem Repertory Theatre

Posted on August 7, 2012 | Leave a comment

Starting August 17, the Harlem Repertory Theatre will be presenting a chamber version of DREAMGIRLS in two separate theatre spaces in Harlem. It is opening its 2012 season with the classic R&B musical drama. Ten talented actor/singers will bring this dazzling rags to riches story to life in two settings: Act One will be played in the proscenium theatre at the 133rd Street Arts Center, while Act Two will be performed in the open loft space on the third floor of the same building.

Tickets for this event are $15 and $20 for general seating. Premiumn tickets cost $40. Show is suitable for children ages 8 and up. Tickets can be purchased at SMARTTIX.

When:
August 17 to October 21

Where:
The 133rd Street Arts Center,
308 W. 133rd Street, New York, NY 10027

Times:
Fridays at 7 pm
Saturdays at 2 pm & 7 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Previews: August 17 to 19
Opening: August 24
Critics are invited after August 19

Box Office:
SMARTTIX (212) 868-4444

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Posted in art and culture, Community, education, entertainment, Events, Harlem, music

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Harlem Wine Gallery presents second art series with Brian Kirhagis

Posted on August 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

In honor of Harlem Week, the Harlem Wine Gallery, located at 752A St. Nicholas Avenue at 148th Street, will host a series of tasting events including a special reception for contemporary artist Brian Kirhagis, and a special community based event featuring other Hamilton Height businesses.

The Brian Kirhagis event will be held August 10 from 6-9 pm. Kirhagis will paint live during the tasting event.

Kirhagis is from Baltimore and considered one of New York’s most exciting young talents, according to a news release provided by Harlem Wine Gallery.

To learn more about Harlem Week events at Harlem Wine Gallery, check out their Facebook page.

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Posted in art and culture, Community, education, Events, Free!, Harlem

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Alicia Keys brings in wedding anniversary at familiar place, Harlem’s Apollo Theater

Posted on July 31, 2012 | Leave a comment

Alicia Keys clearly never forgets where she came from, i.e. Harlem, or what inspires her. This afternoon Keys posted an adorable picture on Instagram and Twitter of her and her husband standing in front of Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater. I had to share it. Guess today, July 31, is their one or two-year wedding anniversary? Either way, so cool of them to come home to Harlem to start their special day. Love it!

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Posted in 125th Street, entertainment, Harlem, music, New York, New York City, NYC, The Apollo Theater

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Harlem School of the Arts Fall registration begins now

Posted on July 31, 2012 | Leave a comment

The good folks over at Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) sent in information yesterday notifying us that registration for Fall classes at the Harlem School of the Arts has started. It started yesterday, July 30! There is a five percent discount for students who register and pay in full by August 15.

From toddler to the inspired adult, HSA offers 5 disciplines-Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts & Musical Theatre. So if you are interested in registering for Fall classes at HSA, apply online.

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Posted in art and culture, Community, education, Harlem, Harlem School of the Arts, kids, New York, New York City, NYC

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