Category Archives: NYC

Kidberry will soon have a new location in Harlem

Jun 22, 2011 @ 8:35

By HarlemGal
Kidberry, the education and music center for children in South Harlem and the surrounding area, will be moving to a new location soon. Kidberry is currently located at 106 West 117th Street in the Lenox Garden Condominium. However, they are heading up a little to 2046 Seventh Avenue, also known as Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., which is between 122nd and 123rd Street in Harlem. If you recall that space use to be a skin care salon.

Managing the move and getting ready for summer camps, Kidberry will have a grand opening later in the year. For more information on Kidberry, go to their website for additional details.

Harlem to become outdoor music stage June 21

Jun 20, 2011 @ 7:57
By HarlemGal
On June 21, look around in Harlem. You may hear music everywhere. Harlem Park to Park (HP2P) and its HP2P businesses are taking part in Make Music New York, the citywide free live musical celebration on Tuesday, June 21st.

From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., participating Harlem Park to Park businesses will become impromptu outdoor stages offering live musical performances and some select specials. A complete list of business are listed below.

Harlem Tavern fun facts, inside Harlem’s up and coming beer garden

Jun 19, 2011 @ 9:44


By HarlemGal
We continue our series called Inside Harlem Tavern. We recently told you about how Harlem Tavern is going unisex all the way with their toilets. Let’s now turn our attention to the fun facts about the bar and restaurant opening up on the corner of 116th and Frederick Douglass Blvd.

  • Total square footage: more than 6,000 square-foot
  • Seating: 150 inside, 150 outside
  • Outdoor light fixtures: designed similar to look like the ones in Central Park
  • Music: weekend brunches with live jazz
  • Culture: art from nearby galleries
  • And exact address and phone number: 2153 FDB and 212-866-4500

We have a pretty good idea on when Harlem Tavern is opening so stay tuned.

The Atlanta Post asks is Harlem fading as a Black Mecca?

Jun 18, 2011 @ 8:00
By HarlemGal
In a video report about Harlem, The Atlanta Post talks about the 2009 census data, how it revealed the black population has been decreased by double digits, non-blacks are moving into the area, and replacing African-Americans that have called Harlem home for generations. The Atlanta Post consulted with experts and asks: what does this mean for the future of Harlem, what’s going on in Harlem and what the experts see next for the transitioning community?

Click here to see video report

Harlem Tavern goes unisex with you know what!

Jun 17, 2011 @ 14:09

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By HarlemGal
First we told you about Harlem Tavern’s menu and drink list as part of our Inside Harlem Tavern series. We continue our series with a topic that some might find odd or unnecessary, but we think it is important strategic information to have. And hey…this topic everyone deals with. It is commonly know as mother nature and when mother nature calls-at least for me-the question I will immediately ask to anyone and everyone is “Where the h** are the bathrooms?”

When I visited Harlem Tavern recently I actually asked to see the lady’s room. I wanted to know where they are located. Well, I found out there is not exactly a lady’s room. There is not a men’s room either. Harlem Tavern went…UNISEX with their bathrooms. There are several stalls with closed doors lined up against the wall to the right when you walk indoors. It is all closed off. Don’t worry. Its only when you wash your hands that you may or may not know the person standing right next to you.

I was sort of surprised when I saw this. I thought with all that space inside why not send the men one way and the gals the other way? I guess the owners figured let’s save on space indoors and give patrons more outdoor space for eating and drinking. Oh well. See you in the Harlem Tavern bathrooms.

Escape to Montreal at Yatenga French Bistro and Bar in Harlem, new menu items added

Jun 17, 2011 @ 0:19
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By HarlemGal
There is one place you will generally find us every other weekend and that’s at 20110616-115517.jpg
Yatenga French Bistro and Bar, located at 2269 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd (between West 133rd and 134th). Why? Because the French food is so darn good and reasonably priced. They have happy hour seven days a week up until 8 p.m. It’s right next to ShrineNYC, which offers live music seven days a week. And the couple who own Yatenga and Shrine are super cool, live in Harlem and have a beautiful family. We met them at the Ambassades Cafe launch recently and not too long ago bumped into them on streets of Harlem.

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The last bump in with Yatenga owners, they told us they have a new
summer menu! We said send it our way! And so they did! Some of the new items on the Yatenga summer menu include zaatar shrimps (grilled shrimps brochettes and cabbage salad), beet salad with arugula, orange and parmesan cheese, goat cheese terrine wrapped with zucchini and roasted peppers, French pate’ and tartine. These are all small plates. As for large plates, Yatenga in Harlem has added skate, this dish use to be a special and its the one 20110616-113549.jpg
I order all the time (love it), seafood pasta, and chicken milanaise. New sides include, sautéed asparagus and sautéed cauliflower and raisins. And for
dessert, you can now order watermelon, parfait of the day, and crepe suzette

When we dine there, we always order the mussels and tuna tartare. The mussels have that perfect dipping sauce with bread and the mussel itself is actually always meaty. We like anything with avocado on it. At Yatenga, the tuna tartare is garnished with guacamole. It’s delicious and a different twist on tartare! For the main course, we always get skate, salmon en croute or steak. It’s a trade-off every other weekend on the large dishes. And sharing between us is a must.
We cannot stress enough how much we enjoy dining at Yatenga French Bistro. It’s a family run business. We think of and experience good French/Canadian food when we go there . And for us, it is our miniature escape to Montreal, but right here in Harlem!

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Sixth Annual NYC KidFest June 18 in Harlem

Jun 16, 2011 @ 7:56
By HarlemGal
As side from the farmers market taking place this weekend (June 18) in Morningside Park, there is another activity to check out, NYC KidFest. NYC KidFest is a free, one-day family event bringing artistic performances to NYC families. Packed with music, theater, dance, storytelling, face-painting and much more; this festival promises to delight, inspire and jump-start the imaginations of children of all ages in a fun atmosphere.

To attend, enter the park at 113th Street and Manhattan Avenue. If you are coming from downtown, take the 1, B or C subway trains to West 110th Street.

Coming soon, A Sea in Harlem on Saint Nicholas Avenue

Jun 15, 2011 @ 12:08
By HarlemGal
We were walking along St. Nicholas Avenue the other day and saw these signs that said ” A Sea in Harlem, Fish and Chips, Coming Soon,” posted on the southwest corner building located of West 113th Street and St. Nicholas. There were no other details posted on the windows. Does anyone know what’s up with this particular area? If so, do tell!

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Halle Berry spotted in Harlem

Jun 15, 2011 @ 11:17
By HarlemGal
The lovely and talented Halle Berry was in Harlem last night (June 14) according to a HCL follower on Twitter. Apparently, she was in town for a benefit dinner organized by Mayor Bloomberg. Of course, the fundraiser was at…where else, Red Rooster Harlem. President Obama has started a trend.

Halle Berry was joined by Law and Order actress Mariska Hargitay and the Mayor himself! We were also told that singer Estelle, who has performed at the Apollo with John Legend, was the entertainment at last nights benefit. Very cool!

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First look at Harlem Tavern’s cocktail list

Jun 14, 2011 @ 9:00
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By HarlemGal
As promised through our Inside Harlem Tavern series, we have some additional information on their menu. We now turn to their cocktail list.

First up is the Banana Sidecar: Hennessy, 99 bananas, and fresh lemon juice. This drink will be shaken and served in a martini glass for $12.

While you’re sitting outside at the corner of Frederick Douglass Blvd and 116th Street, how about drinking a Harlem Sunset? This drink will include tequila, cherry liquor, and pineapple. Yummy. We like this drink already and plan on ordering it ASAP…cause it has Te-qui-la! And its $10.

Next, can you say these words really fast? Tavern Rum Runner. It is catchy…huh? This will be served on the rocks in a mason jar for $12.

And last but not least is the Scottish Mule, which will have gin, cucumber, and ginger beer all for $10.

All these cocktails sound de-li-cious! And if you don’t want a cocktail, no worries. Harlem Tavern plans on offering 20 beers on tap and 60 craft beers in the bottle; as well as a selection of frozen drinks!

So the area that was a gas station, will soon be an eating and drinking station for Harlem humanity! The transformation of this space and menu will be well received! We will all find out soon when we physically will be going Inside Harlem Tavern!

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