Category Archives: Lenox Avenue

Central Harlem ranks first in…most condom use!

According to The New York Post, Central Harlem knows how to use a catcher’s mitt when playing adult baseball-metaphorically speaking. The article claims Harlem is first in the category of most condom use followed by Bed-Stuy, then Crown Heights. “Condom use peaked in Central Harlem (43.3 percent) and Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights (40 percent).”

Thank goodness our community knows how to play baseball well. Lol! Apparently, the Upper Westside and Greenpoint don’t know or want to use a catcher’s mitt. Guess those neighborhoods want more children! Lol!

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Several celebrities expected to visit Harlem’s La Bodega 47 next week

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Us New Yorker’s know what happens when celebs descend upon a new Harlem hot spot or any hot NYC spot for that matter. It becomes packed and hard to get it into…right? La Bodega 47, the old Native in Harlem on Lenox Avenue and 118th 20140221-175048.jpgStreet, is about to turn that page.

HarlemGal Inc hears that producer Sidra Smith, twin sister of actress Tasha Smith, is holding a star-studded bash late next week at Harlem’s newest hotspot, La Bodega 47. Word has it that The View host and former Harlemite Sherri Shephard will attend, along with Vivica A. Fox, Tamron Hall, S. Epatha Merkerson, Chef Roblé, Lynn Whitfield, Tyson Beckford, and many more. Ooh-la-la. Of course, this event is invite only and no we are not invited. However, we may stand outside and people watch.

20140221-174925.jpgSpeaking of turning pages, Harlem’s La Bodega 47 is derived from a new chapter for Brian Washington-Palmer, the La Bodega owner known for successful ventures, like Harlem’s Native, Bleu Evolution and Monkey Room. Washington-Palmer decided to close Native and start completely fresh from top to bottom. The corner venue has been completely transformed into a bodega, decor-wise. My favorite part of the new decor is the hanging photo of what appears to be a Cuban lady smoking a cigar.

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As for the name, Washington-Palmer came up with the name La Bodega 47 because his prior Native wait staff would always run to the Bodega across the street on Lenox Ave and 118th for their break. And why add-on the number 47? That’s the number of rums La Bodega 47 offers. Forty-seven of the finest rums from the Diaspora including Guyana, Venezuela, Jamaica, Trinidad, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Brazil, West Indies, as well as local craft brands from New York.

La Bodega 47 in Harlem had its soft launch recently, but is expected to be fully operational in March. If you haven’t checked out La Bodega 47 during its soft launch, go now or go later in March. But ya can’t say we didn’t warn you if the place ends up being packed after next week!

La Bodega 47 is on the corner of Lenox Avenue and 118th Street. Phone is 212-280-4700.

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Hey Harlem, we are getting free wifi

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Manhattan’s and America’s black capital, aka Harlem, is getting a major freebie via a grant and reaching a major milestone. Harlem is getting free wi-fi service and will soon be home to the nation’s largest wi-fi network.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced yesterday, Tuesday, that a specific section of Harlem will soon get a new outdoor public wi-fi network. The free wi-fi coverage will cover 95 city blocks, spanning from 110th Street to 138th Street.

“The public network will be funded for the first five years through a grant from the non-profit Fuhrman Family Foundation, led by former Goldman Sachs executive Glenn Fuhrman. The first phase is already underway, and the mayor’s office said the entire network will be completed by May of next year.”

Read more here.

Corner Social hosting Ladies Holiday Party December 4

Ladies, there’s a holiday party happening in Harlem dedicated to us. On December 4th, Corner Social is kicking off the December holiday season with a Ladies Holiday Party. See details below. Corner Social is located at 126th and Lenox Avenue.

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Want a Harlem t-shirt? Keep Harlem, Harlem tees now available

On this Harlem blog, I use tees to feature the subject matter, ie Harlem. Sometimes readers ask, where can I buy a unique tee with the name Harlem on it? Here’s an option. One of my favorite Harlem sites, Harlem NYC, is now offering Harlem tees to purchase. The t-shirt says “Keep Harlem, Harlem.” Pretty cool…huh? If you’re interested in purchasing this Harlem tee, go here! And to check out Harlem NYC like I do, click here.

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Food For Life Supreme closes in Harlem, Red Chili Indian Cafe opens in same space

A reader of HarlemGal Inc wrote in over the weekend informing us that there is a new Indian restaurant in Harlem that recently opened on West 116th Street near Lenox Avenue. It’s called Red Chili Indian Cafe. Apparently this new restaurant opened in the same space where Food For Life Supreme used to be located, ie 108 West 116th Street. Food For Life Supreme is closed or maybe it relocated? If anyone has the scoop, chime in!

According to our reader, they ordered take out from Red Chili Indian Cafe in Harlem “and it was really, really delicious, good-sized portions, and very nice staff.”

So there we have it! Another dining option in Harlem!
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Traffic jam expected in Harlem today, Michelle Obama hosting spouses of Heads of State at Studio Museum, Dance Theatre of Harlem expected to perform

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Look out for a traffic jam today in Harlem around The Studio Museum in Harlem, i.e. 125th between Lenox Ave and ACP! Why? Our First Lady Michelle Obama will be hosting an afternoon event at The Studio Museum in Harlem for the spouses of Chiefs of State and Heads of Government participating in the UN General Assembly, which is happening all week.

Mrs. Obama is expected to will deliver brief remarks at the event and the Dance Theatre of Harlem is planning to perform for the First Lady and her guests.

As for traffic, expect major delays and back up leading up to 125th Street from East to West. To get the latest on traffic, HarlemGal Inc recommends following @gridlocksam for the latest!
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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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A yogurt cafe on Lenox Avenue opens today, stop by Pa-paya Seed Frozen Yogurt Cafe in Harlem

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The wait is over. Pa-paya Seed Frozen Yogurt Cafe, located on Lenox Ave between 118th and 119th, will open today (July 20) in Harlem. Folks can stop by starting at 3 pm. Go in and try one of the dozen yogurt flavors offered (I tried coconut and raspberry and absolutely loved it), sprinkle favorite toppings, weigh and then pay! Also while there, say hello to Quintano Downes, the owner of Pa-paya and another Harlem local opening a business right where he lives.

HarlemGal Inc has a preview of the menu! Take a look and notice that customers can purchase more than yogurt. Pa-paya will offer a breakfast menu, such as oatmeal and waffles, and premium beverages, such as smoothies and fruit and vegetable juices.

Stop by today and then stop here and tell us what you think of Pa-paya Seed Frozen Yogurt Cafe in Harlem!

Menu:
Frozen Yogurt Flavors…..56c oz
Flavors will come from this list

Fresh fruit, Dry Toppings and Syrups:
Fresh Fruit toppings…………39c oz
Banana, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cantaloupe, Coconut, Honeydew, Kiwi, Lychee, Mandarin Oranges, Mango, Maraschino Cherries, Papaya, Peach, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Strawberries, seedless grapes….

Dry Toppings…………………..39c oz
Almonds, Brownie Bites, Butterfingers(R), Cap’N Crunch(R), Cashews, Cheesecake Bites, Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Cinnamon Toast Crunch(R), Cookie Dough, Cookies N Cream, Coco pebbles, Granola, Graham Crackers Lucky Charms, Gummi Bears, Graham Crackers, M&M’s(R), Milk Chocolate Caramel, Milk Chocolate Crunch, Mochi, Rainbow Sprinkles, Chocolate Sprinkles, Pecans, Reese’s(R) Peanut Butter Cup, Oreo Pieces, Pop Tarts, Snickers, Waffle Cone, Yogurt Chips, Yogurt Covered Pretzels, Jelly Beans, Twix(R), Reeses Pieces, Junior Mints, Kit Kat, Health Bars, Sour Gummy Worms….

**** flavors and toppings change according to season and availability

Syrups: Blueberry, Butterscotch, Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Honey, Hot Fudge, Marshmallow Sauce, White Chocolate, Condensed Milk, Strawberry, Whipped Cream

Smoothies, Fruit and Vegetable Juices:
For Your Health…………… 16 Oz $4.59…..20 Oz $5.59

Smoothies:
Wake – Up Smoothie
Frozen Berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and /or strawberries), Yogurt,

Fruit Juices………………..16 Oz $4.59 …..20 Oz $5.49
Summer Cool, Fruity Tootty, Tropical Blast, Banana Rama, Melon Madness, Super C, Merry Berry, Strawberry Field, Ginger Hopper, Purple Rain, Pineapple Blend, Energizer, Liquid Gold, Fruity Detox, Migraine Eliminator, Carrot-Mango-Apple, The Fruit Juice and more….

Vegetable Juices…………16 Oz $4.59……20 Oz $5.49
Immune Boost, Energy Boost, Cleansing Tonic, Spice – it – Up, Skin Helper, Extra Strength, Health Drink, Headache, Beet Juice, Daily Detox, Morning Tonic, Supper Green and more…

Create Your Own Smoothie ….. 16 Oz $4.59…20 Oz $5.59

Breakfast Anytime:
Hot Oatmeal…… $5.99
Topped with fresh fruit toppings. *Your choice of soy, 2% or almond milk

Waffles……..Plain Waffle…..$ Plain Waffle + Two Toppings….$
Create your own waffle with our premium frozen yogurt or whip cream and toppings!

Cereal….43c oz…. Bowl $4.99
Dispense your choice of cereal, Add your choice of soy, 2% or almond milk top with your choice of fruit

Parfait………… $3.49
Flavored Yogurt, Granola, assorted fresh fruit

Fresh Fruit Juices……….$3.59
Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Carrot Juice, Pineapple Juice

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