Category Archives: NYC

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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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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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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Chef Stephen Putnam moves on from Lido Harlem, sought-after caterer Serena Bass steps in

Posted on July 25, 2012 | 11 comments

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Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar in Harlem is experiencing some changes, but don’t worry. These changes are positive for everyone involved, especially the consumer. Lido Harlem, located at 117th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd., exclusively tells HarlemGal Inc. that British-born, celeb following caterer, Serena Bass has been hired by the Harlem eatery to redevelop their menu. This decision to hire Bass to redevelop Lido’s menu is right out of the oven practically. Bass will start working with the Lido team effective immediately! In her bio, it reads: Bass’ most recent venture is at Lido Harlem where she is taking the popular neighborhood restaurant to a new level. So let’s all pay attention to the menu at Lido. I am confident it will have that similar ingredient: quality food.

These changes are happening at Lido due to initial Chef Stephen Putnam giving notice last week to the management team that he was departing the Harlem dining place to start his own restaurant in Harlem, along with his wife Dera. Putnam will not comment on the exact location of his Harlem restaurant or the starting date because he is in the midst of negotiations. However, Putnam does say that he plans on serving cuisine at his new place that garnered him a 26 out of 30 rating from Zagat while at Lido.

And for those of us who like dining at Lido Harlem, like I do, the service, ambiance and quality of food will remain the same, according to its management team. Lido will continue to provide the same level of service it has been consistently offering since it opened about a year and a half ago. And be on the look out for Serena Bass in Harlem. Just so you know, her clients include Sarah Jessica Parker and Oscar de la Renta.

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Posted in 116th Street, Bars, business, drinks, food, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurant row, restaurants

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Attend panel discussion in Harlem on private school kindergarten admission process

Posted on July 23, 2012 | 1 comment

Only in New York City do parents have to start thinking about the admission process for school while their child is still in utero. And it’s not even college admissions that they have to think about first. It is kindergarten and whether that primary step toward education should be public or private. This is the reality for NYC parents and if you’re approaching this part of parenting, to do private or public kindergarten for your kid, and live in Harlem, you may want to consider attending this event.

On August 13th at 6:30 pm, Let’s Talk Schools will be hosting a panel discussion in Harlem at Ephesus Church, located at 110 W 123rd Street (Corner of Lenox Avenue), on the NYC private school kindergarten admission process. The workshop will inform parents about applying to kindergarten at Hunter Elementary School on East 94th Street and private independent schools in September 2012 for the 2013-2014 school year. The workshop will discuss the different options available and provide an overview, directly from admission directors, about the process; including summary of the complete application process, screening tests (ERB & Stanford Binet), what to look for on tours and what to expect, financial aid and affording an independent school education and how admission decisions are made.

If you are interested in attending, the cost is $20 before August 9 and $25 from August 10-13. Registration is required to attend and space is limited. Click here to register.

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Posted in Community, education, Events, Harlem, kids, Lenox Avenue, New York, New York City, NYC

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Harlem Shambles named one of New York’s best butcher shops

Posted on July 23, 2012 | 3 comments

Time Out New York has narrowed the list to ten on the best places to purchase meat in New York City and Harlem Shambles made the list. TONY said they named Harlem Shambles as one of the best NYC butcher shops for barbecuing because “all the meat at this shop is humanely raised and sourced from three farms in the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley. [Also] the butchers are resourceful, transforming whole carcasses into just about any cut you might want…”

Congrats to Harlem Shambles! Check it out for your barbecuing or everyday meal needs. They are located 2141 Frederick Douglass Blvd. between 115th and 116th Street. Their phone number is 1 (646) 476-4650.

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Posted in 116th Street, business, food, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, Harlem Shambles, New York, New York City, NYC, shopping

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Sylvia Woods, who founded famous Harlem restaurant, passes

Posted on July 19, 2012 | 2 comments

This evening, Harlem lost a legend. Sylvia Woods, who earned the grand title: the Queen of Soul Food, has gone on to a better place.  The Wood’s Family announced on Facebook tonight that the women who founded and created one of the most famous soul food restaurants in Harlem and in New York City, Sylvia’s Restaurant, succumbed to Alzheimer’s. In their statement, the Wood’s Family said before she left, Sylvia was surrounded by the same environment she created at her Lenox Avenue restaurant: “a host of family and loved ones.”

As one person said on Twitter this evening, “they’re eating collards, fried chicken, and cornbread in heaven tonight…” Amen. 😦

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Posted in 125th Street, Community, Events, food, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurants

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Melba’s Restaurant returns to The View July 24

Posted on July 19, 2012 | 1 comment

The ladies from ABC’s The View will be in the kitchen soon with Harlem’s Melba Wilson, the owner of Melba’s Restaurant on 114th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd! On July 24, Melba returns to the morning talk show where she “will cook it up” with the ladies on The View. Way to go Melba! Details are below!

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Posted in baking, business, drinks, Events, food, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, Melba's Restaurant Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurant row, restaurants

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