Category Archives: Harlem

What’s up with Harlem Vintage a reader asks?

Yesterday, a reader asked if we knew that the old newsstand on West 112th was ‘For Rent?’ Today, a reader is asking HarlemGal Inc., what’s up with Harlem Vintage? The reader explained that they were in Harlem Vintage recently and could not help but notice the “shelves just keep getting more and more bare.” Does anyone know what is up? Is Harlem Vintage letting their stock sell out to close? Or are they clearing out the store to make more room for Nectar Wine Bar ? I hope it’s the latter.

If anyone knows what’s up, give us the lowdown!

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It’s the Harlem re-shuffle says UK-based The Independent

Our beloved Harlem is featured bright and big again in the media, but this time in the UK’s travel section of The Independent. According to the article the reporter/ photographer visited Harlem recently and took direction from Thelma Golden, the Director of Studio Museum Harlem, on what to see in Harlem.

Per Golden’s instructions, Chris Coplans stayed at The Aloft Harlem and he raves about it in the article. He also went to the Apollo Theater, El Museo del Barrio, Studio Museum Harlem, and more. Golden encouraged the reporter to visit the Duke Ellington sculpture and to try Senegalese food at Les Ambassades.

What’s interesting about this article is the reporter covered a lot of Harlem ground-from East to West. He also gives Lenox Avenue big props by saying, “If 125th St is the traditional Harlem, then Lenox Avenue between 125th and 126th is very much the emerging “New Harlem”, with an arty vibe and “Village” sidewalk culture.”

To read the full article, click here. To see additional photos on Harlem from the reporter, go here.

Gospel for Teens Harlem feature on 60 Minutes to re-air August 28

I received notice that the video feature of Gospel for Teens that aired on 60 Minutes awhile back will be airing again this coming Sunday, August 28 starting at 7 p.m.

If you missed seeing the two-part segment where Leslie Stahl interviews Vy Higginsen and some of her students in Gospel for Teens, there is another opportunity. Don’t miss it. It was very good, emotional and inspiring to see.

Gospel for Teens on 60 Minutes
August 28 at 7 p.m. ET/PT

To read prior blog coverage on Gospel for Teens, click here.

Harlem vintage newspaper stand ‘For Rent’ at 112th and Frederick Douglass Blvd

A reader asked last night and sent photos, “did you notice the old abandoned newspaper shed on 112th St and Frederick Douglass Blvd-on east side-has a ‘For Rent’ sign on it? HarlemGal did not notice, but thanks for the heads up. I wonder if the Bodega next door is the one leasing the space? Remember this is the bodega Austin2Harlem blogged about not too long ago?

I think a new newspaper stand there would be ideal and magazines too- but not for anyone to live in. Does anyone know how much the space is renting for and by whom? Tell us!

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Save the Date: Frederick Douglass Circle in Harlem official ceremony


September 20 is the day. Mark your calendar! That’s when Frederick Douglass Circle, located at the intersection of 110th Street, FDB and Central Park West & North in Harlem, will officially be dedicated by The City of New York. According to the Manhattan Parks Commission, the time is set for 11 AM. Mayor Bloomberg plans on being present as well as congressional representation, and the City is trying to get a celebrity (or two) to join in on the festivities. As soon as more information becomes available, HarlemGal Inc. will pass along. Stay tuned!

To read previous coverage on Frederick Douglass Circle, click here.

Live@1220 Fifth continues in Spanish Harlem with DJ Devon Craig Johnson


The Museum of the City of New York’s  music series continues tonight on its outdoor terrace overlooking Fifth Avenue and Central Park. DJ Devon Craig Johnson is tonight’s musical guest at LIVE@1220 Fifth. “Jazz guitarist, rock drummer, and DJ Devon Craig Johnson will treat audiences to jazz, classical, hip hop, and modern pop. This artist brings an eclectic mix of contemporary styles to his performances.”

The event starts at 6:00 and ends at 9:00 pm. Admission includes after-hours access to the Museum as well as one complimentary cocktail or refreshment.

Live@1220 Fifth ends August 31. Check it out while you can!

The Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is happening this weekend in Harlem


For all you jazz aficionados, this event is for you! The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is happening this coming weekend in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park. The annual jazz music festival assembles some of the finest musicians in the world, who reflect on Charlie Parker’s “musical individuality and genius, to promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist.” The two-day event of free concerts takes place in neighborhoods where Charlie Parker actually lived and worked-and one of those places is Harlem!

On Saturday, the line up will include Toots Thielmans, James Carter, Tia Fuller, and Cecile McLorin Salvant. The music starts at 3:00 p.m. in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park! See additional details here!

Harlem’s Tonnie’s Minis to hold First Annual Customer Appreciation Day


Tonnie’s Minis, Harlem’s delicious cup cake shop at 264 Lenox Avenue, is dedicating a day to say “Thanks” to their customers.  They are holding their First Annual Customer Appreciation Day and it’s happening this coming Saturday, August 27. The event starts at noon and goes to 9:00 p.m. Check out details on their facebook page.

Should be a fun event. I saw where someone said they can’t wait to try the cupcake shots. Yummy! If that’s the kind of shots they will be having at this event, I am so there. See you at Tonnie’s Minis in Harlem this Saturday!

Ron Perelman raises a cool million for Harlem’s Apollo Theater

It is showtime at The Apollo Theater, but in the Hamptons…to raise money! Ron Perelman, who joined the Apollo Theater board last year, has been throwing quite the fundraising shin-dig at his Hampton’s estate and packed with celebrity power.

Last year, Jon Bon Jovi came out for the first fundraiser and he attended again this year, along with Jaime Fox and Alicia Keys. Apparently, the event that happened this past weekend in the Hamptons raised more than $1 million for Harlem’s famous music venue versus last year where the event did not even reach a million dollars. And guess who donated food to the event? Yup, you guessed it! Marcus Samuelsson.

If this fundraiser happens again and keeps charging guests $2500 a ticket, Ron Perelman will probably reach $2 million dollars next year. Must be nice. And good for the Apollo Theater that their board works for them. The more dinero for our beautiful venue, the better! Ron go for two next year!

What have you eaten at Cedric French Bistro and Bar in Harlem?

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Cedric French Bistro and Bar in Harlem turns one week old today and so far the feedback has been positive – at least online from what I have seen. Have you been to Cedric Bistro located at 119th Street and St. Nicholas Ave? If so, tell us what you had for dinner or lunch!

I went with four women this past Thursday and we had a nice time. We ordered a bottle of red wine and started with the Thai mussels with ginger and lemon grass. For our main course, we had grilled salmon, organic roasted chicken, pan seared duck breast, another order of mussels and had plenty of bread and fries to nimble on. We did not have dessert because we were actually full from the main dishes. All these dishes were very good and recommended, service met and, at times exceeded, our expectation and the ambiance was classy.

After we were finished with dinner, we talked about the state of Cedric Bistro among other fabulous dining places in Harlem, such as Red Rooster, Lido Harlem, Settepani, 5 and Diamond, etc., and we all mutually agreed Cedric Bistro deserves a thumbs up. It will do well in Harlem and from our experience on dining there on day four of opening-Cedric French Bistro and Bar is here to stay! Go and experience the place for yourself and tell us what you think!

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