Category Archives: NYC

Leelee Sobieski spotted in Harlem

Mar 19, 2011 @ 12:41

By HarlemGal
An NYPD rookie was arresting someone on the streets of Harlem recently and let me tell you, this rookie appeared mean…and quite gorgeous. See photo above. Of course, the rookie I am talking about is only pretending. It is actress and Tribeca mom Leelee Sobieski, who was in character, along Manhattan Avenue and 114th Street in Harlem, for the TV pilot called Rookies. The crew has been filming in Harlem and will continue Sunday and Monday on Frederick Douglass Blvd from about 113th to 115th Street.

By looking at these photos, can you imagine if every NYPD rookie looked like Leelee? I’d say a good portion of the male population in the City would not mind getting arrested!

Rookies with LeeLee Sobieski filiming in Harlem

Mar 18, 2011 @ 8:07
UPDATE: We have photos of the filming taking place along 114th and 115th Streets between Frederick Douglass Blvd and Manhattan Avenue!

By HarlemGal
On my way home last night, I saw several orange cones lined up along 114th Street between Manhattan Avenue and Frederick Douglass Blvd. I checked the signs and it’s Rookies, a CBS’ drama pilot being filmed in Harlem today, March 18 and March 20-21st from 6 AM to 1 AM. Rookies stars Leelee Sobieski and is produced by Robert De Niro. Nice! Maybe we will see Mr. De Niro!

‘Central Harlem has experienced a revival’

Mar 7, 2011 @ 11:00
By HarlemGal
These days one can’t swing a bat without hitting the words “Harlem and real estate” together! By that, I mean Harlem is constantly being covered by the main stream press. Searching through my clips this past weekend, I came across another flattering article about Harlem. The Wall Street Journal reports “Central Harlem has experienced a revival. New businesses have moved in, ranging from upscale restaurants and wine bars to cutting-edge boutiques. Dozens of condominiums have sprouted around the neighborhood…”

It’s great to see these articles about my Harlem from the traditional press. However, I am getting to the point when I see these write ups is shouting “tell me something I don’t know.” This article re-hashes what’s already been printed. Come on mainstream press! There are a ton of other positive angles to cover about Harlem. For example, I wish they would profile some of the people who decided to choose Harlem as their home, what was the rationale? Profile those that have new or existing businesses in Harlem. How has this revival impacted local businesses? How are schools affected now compared to years ago? What’s the ratio of families versus single people moving to Harlem? And of course, the money trail is always a good one to follow. A story always arises from the money and paper trail!

These ideas come to mind for me. I’m sure there are more. What other positive angles do you think the mainstream press should cover about Harlem? Tell us!

Attend Casa Frela Gallery Trunk Show in Harlem

Mar 6, 2011 @ 20:44
By HarlemGal
For three consecutive weekends, Casa Frela Gallery will be hosting a trunk show that will feature several artists from Harlem. Starting this Saturday, March 12, view and purchase items from artists, such as watercolorist Lynn Lieberman, Angelic Artistry, Michele Bidault, Jan Blackett, Daria Dorosh, jeweler Arleen Geller and more, until April 2. The admission is FREE and doors will open at noon closing at 4 PM each day.

Casa Frela Gallery is located at 47 West 119th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenue.

Zagat surveyors grant Lenox Lounge in Harlem high marks

Mar 1, 2011 @ 23:40
By HarlemGal
According to NY1,  Zagat surveyors, the experts on rating everything, have bestowed our historic and charming Lenox Lounge in Harlem with strong ratings, not necessarily for drinks and music, but for food, i.e. dining out. Sharron Cannon, general manager of Lenox Lounge, said their entire menu has been revamped where they now offer homemade made items.

In the NY1 video, the Lenox Lounge food dishes look divine and they must be because Zagat issued Lenox Lounge high marks. Located at 125th Street and Lenox Avenue, Lenox received a 23 for appeal, nineteen for decor, twenty-one for service and an E for expensive. What can one expect from a place where legends like Billie Holiday, BB King and Miles Davis use to hang.

Lenox Lounge
288 Lenox Avenue
212-427-0253
www.lenoxlounge.com

Harlem’s bier international applies for sidewalk cafe

Feb 25, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
I walked by bier international last night and I couldn’t help but notice there was a sizable sign taped to their window informing passersby of a public hearing on April 6, 2011. The subject line gives an address of 2099 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Hmmm, that’s confusing since bier is located at 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd. However, it is the words right next to APPLICATION that are key! Apparently, bier international has applied for sidewalk cafe status, which would include 16 tables and 34 seats. If you look back at the renderings of the Harlem hot spot, they have always planned for some degree of outdoor seating. This request should come as no surprise. The owners are simply following through on their vision for the place. Good for them.

The flyer gives a web address on where you can voice your opinion on this subject. Go there and share your thoughts on the matter or feel free to tell us right here on HCL what you think about bier international applying for and potentially receiving a sidewalk cafe!

Girls Night Out screening of Jumping the Broom happening in Harlem

Feb 12, 2011 @ 11:05

By HarlemGal
I just learned more details about the after party talking place this Monday, February 14 for the Girls Night Out screening of Jumping the Broom. The after party will take place at Hue-Man Book Store around 9 p.m. when the screening is expected to end. Those that get into the film screening of Jumping the Broom will receive tickets to go to the after party at Hue-Man!

In addition to HarlemCondoLife.com being a partner for Girls Night Out screening of Jumping the Broom and now Hue-Man, I have also learned that Harlem Arts Alliance, Nectar Wine Bar, Bikram Yoga, Twirl, BodyHeat by NyLean25, Munaluchi Bridal Magazine, and the planned Cupcake Suite are partners as well! And don’t forget, the after party will include complementary hair styling and make-up application from Empire Beauty School and giveaways from SendHerFlowers.com, Complete Body and Spa, and 8 Minute Dating.

So if you want to attend this after party, you need a ticket to the film screening. Go here to get your ticket.  I must stress, there are no guarantees on ticketing, as in most things in life!

To all single and fabulous women of Harlem, you’re invited to a film screening

Feb 9, 2011 @ 14:49


By HarlemGal
Listen up, all you amazing and single HarlemGals. Yes, you! You’re invited to a “girls night out!” HarlemCondoLife.com would like to invite you to a free film screening of Jumping the Broom starring Julie Bowen, Paula Patton, Meagan Good, Angela Bassett, Mike Epps, and more, this coming Monday (February 14th) at the Magic Johnson Theater. Jumping the Broom is about “a collision of worlds when two African-American families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds get together one weekend in Martha’s Vineyard for a wedding.”

In addition to the free film screening, there is an after party for all the awesome women who get to attend the free film screening in Harlem. The after party will include complementary hair styling and make-up application from Empire Beauty School and giveaways from SendHerFlowers.com, Complete Body and Spa, and 8 Minute Dating.

Here’s the details on getting your ticket. Please note, tickets are available on a first come first serve basis!

What: Girls’ Night Out screening of JUMPING THE BROOM
Where: Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem (124th and Frederick Douglass)
When: Monday, Febraury 14th
How: Click on this link to download and print out screening passes! Special instructions are located on the link.

New York Magazine acknowledges, Harlem is hot

Feb 8, 2011 @ 10:30
By HarlemGal
What a difference a year makes?  Let’s reflect! April 11, 2010 Harlem is poorly ranked by Nate Silver for New York Magazine’s Neighborhood Issue. Does anyone remember this article? I certainly do. That article inspired me to write Top ten reason why Harlem is one of the best neighborhoods to live in. Let’s fast forward to today. Harlem and several local establishments are currently featured bright and big this week in a series of articles under the banner The Everything Guide to Harlem in NY Mag. It’s a creme-de-la-creme of articles featuring restaurants, markets, shops and bars in Harlem. My favorite article is The New New Harlem, which is sort of a “Whose In and Whose Out.” In my view, featuring several establishments in this type of format demonstrates the caliber and variety of places located in Harlem. Plus in order to pit two businesses against each other, there has to be plenty of selection. Clearly, Harlem has reached that point.

In closing, I will use soccer terms to describe this Harlem milestone. This article is another G-O-A-L for Harlem. Remember, we won Curbed Cup 2010 too. More importantly, it recognizes (again) what most of us have known all along, and now NY Mag too, Harlem is hot! Adelante!

Harlem businesses come together to ‘Kiss and Tell’

Feb 8, 2011 @ 7:30
By HarlemGal
Tonight, several Harlem businesses, such as Harlem Flo, The Winery, Make My Cake, Tonnie’s Minis, Aloft Hotel and Yatenga, are gathering together to “Kiss & Tell.” Well, not exactly that, but sort of! These Harlem businesses will be on hand Tuesday evening, starting at 6 p.m., to offer gift advice for Valentine’s Day. According to Harlem Flo’s Facebook site, the February 8th event will “feature unique and creative gifts items that you can purchase for your loved ones for V-day and there after.”

So if you need something for your cupid or yourself, head on over to Harlem Flo, second location at 2276 Frederick Douglass Blvd., at West 122nd Street.