Category Archives: NYC

Frederick Douglass Boulevard featured in The New York Daily News

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Dec 6, 2010 @ 7:31
By HarlemGal
My favorite boulevard has been featured – once again – bright and big!  This time in The New York Daily News.  The article talks about all the “chic boutiques, restaurants and cocktail lounges the have cropped up on Frederick Douglass Boulevard above 110th St” in the last few years. It mentions Frederick Douglass Circle, MODSquad, bier international, 67 Orange, Patisserie des Ambassades and more.  The article even takes a page right out of HarlemGuy’s word playbook by stating “realtors call this bustling stretch of Eighth Avenue Harlem’s Gold Coast.” As with the other positive articles about Harlem, such as in The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal, I love this clip right up there with others!

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Posted in art and culture, baking, Bars, business, Community, fashion, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurant row, restaurants, shopping

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Holiday Happenings at bier international and Harlem Meer

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Dec 4, 2010 @ 12:37
By HarlemGal
There are two other nice Harlem holiday events happening this weekend in addition to the Made in Harlem event we told you about early in the week. On Sunday, December 5, from 3-5 PM bier international will be having St. Nikolaus visit  so that kids can have an opportunity to meet him and have their stocking stuffed with a treat.

According to bier, the tradition of St. Nikolaus Day, usually on December 6, is a festival for children in many European countries. It finds its roots in legends dating back to the year 346 when Nikolaos of Myra, a saint and Greek Bishop was reputed to hand out gifts secretly.  He became the model for Santa Claus whose English name derives from the Dutch Sinterklaas. It’s a European tradition that can be enjoyed universally by kids of all nationalities.

In addition, the annual Victorian Holiday Lighting will be taking place at Harlem Meer on Sunday, December 5 from 3-5 PM as well. The event culminates with the lighting of thousands of tiny LED lights strung along the architectural features of Central Park’s northernmost visitor center, the Victorian-style Charles A. Dana Discovery Center.  A camera is highly recommended for this event.

So there is plenty to see and do on December 5. Hope everyone’s holiday season is off to a good start!

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Posted in Community, Events, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurants

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Harlem Flo buds another store, Busboys and Poets to look elsewhere in Harlem

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Dec 2, 2010 @ 21:21

By HarlemGal
As expected, Harlem Flo has germinated another store at 2280 Frederick Douglass Blvd., which is about a block away from their flagship store.  I walked by Harlem Flo recently and checked out their window displays. They’re looking good! The store appears to have a lot of nice items to purchase for the home. Go by and check it out.

On a separate note, it looks like Harlem Flo will be residing in their new space alone for now and not with Busboys and Poets next door.  I have confirmation that the deal went south for Busboys and Poets to rent the commercial space at 2280 FDB. There is still hope though for the DC-based restaurant to come to Harlem. According to Andy Anas Shallal, the owner of Busboys and Poets, they are still looking for space in the general vicinity.

So this story is not over. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed and hope Busboys and Poets finds retail space soon that meets their needs! Stay tune!

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Posted in business, Community, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate

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Quick encounter with Harlem’s Marcus Samuelsson

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Dec 1, 2010 @ 23:23

By HarlemGal
We finally crossed in a direct path with fellow Harlemite, Red Rooster owner and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. The quick exchange happened on the evening of November 30. Samuelsson and his stunning wife Maya were at the annual 2010 UNICEF Snowflake Ball. Samuelsson was, once again, overseeing the menu for the Ball, along with Wolfgang Puck, and was part of the live auction.

Our quick encounter was just that. We introduced ourselves to him and his wife and discussed proximity of where we live in Harlem. He then introduced us to his partner in Red Rooster and then we told him how excited we were for Red Rooster to open in Harlem. That was it! I guess I was a bit speechless because it felt like there were a gazillion people around him and his wife. Given that setting, I can confirm that the business partner, Marcus and Maya were absolutely nice and gracious. And of course, we have to comment on the appearance. Oh…what a sharp couple the Samuelsson’s make. They looked fabulous!

We also were able to sample the Red Rooster crab cake that was served to all the guests during the Ball. It was divine as well as the lamb chops. You will want to try the crab cake at Red Rooster once it opens along with the spicy chutney.

If you’ve ever wondered what the financial value is in hiring Marcus Samuelsson to cook you a private dinner, this story will give you some insight. During the live auction at the Ball, they offered a private dinner with Samuelsson, who would come to your home in New York City and cook for you and up to 12 guests. The bidding started at $15,000. The lucky person ended up purchasing two private dinners at $35k  each.  Good for them, but even much better for UNICEF. All the proceeds from the live auction go to charity.

After witnessing several individuals bidding high for our fellow neighbor, chef and Harlemite, all we could think about was how fortunate we are because we will have a short walk to 310 Lenox Avenue when Red Rooster opens! And hopefully, no bidding required to get a table!

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Posted in entertainment, fashion, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate, restaurants

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Want holidays gifts Made in Harlem?

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Nov 29, 2010 @ 23:06
By HarlemGal
Last year, I purchased Harlem-themed notecards made by a local artist, who lives and works in Harlem, as holiday gifts for family and friends. I plan on sticking with that same approach this year since I love all things Harlem and I want to continue sharing that passion. If you are interested in buying gifts made in Harlem, then stop by Casa Frela this weekend for their Made in Harlem Festival. The weekend festival will feature 23 local artisans who will offer for purchase a wide range of unique and interesting holiday items. The festival will be held on Saturday, December 4th, 2010 and Sunday, December 5th, 2010, from 10AM to 7PM both days. Admission is FREE.

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Posted in art and culture, business, Community, Events, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC

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Live. Love. Shop Harlem!

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Nov 22, 2010 @ 4:30
By HarlemGal
The Power of One has unveiled its holiday-themed campaign: Live. Love. Shop Harlem. “As the holiday season approaches, we are hoping that customers will come to Harlem as they go about their holiday shopping,” says Marva Allen, founder of The Power of One and co-owner of Hue-Man Bookstore. “We have a wealth of restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment establishments in Harlem.” This campaign officially kicks-off on Black Friday, November 26, with more than 50 Harlem-based businesses participating.
To participate in Love. Love. Shop Harlem, purchase The Power of One discount card online or at any of the participating stores for $1. Shoppers should then head to Harlem and visit the 50+ businesses that make up The Power of One. Each of these businesses, with The Power of One card, will afford customers a 10 percent discount anytime, not only during the holidays but throughout the year.

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Posted in art and culture, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, shopping

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The Gateway Condominium in Harlem completely visible, a tri-colored building appears

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Nov 21, 2010 @ 13:16
By HarlemGal
2098 Frederick Douglass Blvd, where The Gateway Condo resides, is completely visible to the public now after shedding its entire scaffolding. The big heavy metal frame came down this past Friday (November 19) after several years being up to support the construction of the second phase of the condo project. Pedestrians can immediately see how The Gateway Condo stands 11 stories tall with a tri-color look.

I went to StreetEasy.com to see what apartments were on the market in The Gateway Condo. Streeteasy has about five active listings at the moment. There has to be more soon because the center structure appears to have several apartments inside. Some with unobstructed views of Central Park North, West Harlem, and East Harlem. In my view, it would be nice to have one of those apartments on the 10th or 11th floor with views of more than one park. Ahh. If only, we all had little gold mines!

Take a look for yourself. Walk by this block if you get a chance, especially now with the Fall weather being so gorgeous. See how FDB, in this particular block, looks completely different with the scaffolding down! I like it. The sidewalk is nice and wide! I am sure Society Cafe is pleased as well!

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Posted in Community, Harlem, New York City, NYC, real estate

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Harlem through the eyes of Marcus Samuelsson

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Nov 1, 2010 @ 7:27
By HarlemGal
The countdown begins for the opening of Red Rooster, which is suppose to have its preview night November 2 in Harlem with an official opening expected about three weeks later according to a reader and its owner, Marcus Samuelsson is wasting no time in plugging Harlem, the location of his new restaurant. In this video for Black Atlas.com, a social networking site for “sophisticated African-American travelers,” Samuelsson visits several Harlem businesses and asks them what makes Harlem so special. In addition, he asks business owners for some advice on running a business in Harlem. Hear what Harlem business owners had to say…

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Posted in business, entertainment, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurants

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Harlem is booming says NY Times supplement

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Oct 13, 2010 @ 13:45


By HarlemGal
Did anyone see the supplement in The New York Times last week featuring the new condo developments in Harlem? It mentions The Livmor, Ellington on the Park, 2280 Frederick Douglass, and The Apex inside The Aloft Hotel.
I know these supplements can be a bit cheesy and there is no editorial involvement. However, in this particular case I want to say the banner rings true for me as well as the quote from Arthur Barnes of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. "I think it is better to define the current phase of development in Harlem as a reawakening." Nicely said Mr. Barnes!
I have only seen hardcopies of this supplement. No luck finding an electronic version. If anyone has an electronic copy, feel free to share!

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Posted in art and culture, business, Community, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, real estate

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NYCgo.com says Harlem is unquestionably happening

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Jul 26, 2010 @ 12:09

By HarlemGal
In their neighborhood highlights section, NYCgo.com, the official guide to the Big Apple, is featuring Harlem this week in “14 great things to see and do” informing online readers and subscribers that this part of Manhattan is the place to be!
NYCgo says “Harlem is unquestionably happening. Buoyed by an influx of former downtowners and embolden by a tradition of culture and creativity, Harlem is chock-a-block with new high-end shops, restaurants, music halls, lounges and even a luxury hotel.” (They are talking about the Aloft Hotel, which will open in August 2010). The site continues telling its readers that Harlem is “sleek, chic and sophisticated.” I could not agree more with the way NYCgo.com has described my beloved Harlem and all the to see and do items listed seem on target!
Check out the feature article here and let’s us know if you agree with the items the City listed for Harlem!

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Posted in Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC

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