Category Archives: shopping

Harlem Classified: Vendors wanted for new flea market on Frederick Douglass Blvd


If you’re interested in participating in Harlem’s new flea market called The Harlem Treasure Chest, see the classified above, which is also posted on Craigslist.

The Harlem Treasure Chest officially opened on March 4 on Harlem’s restaurant row, also known as Frederick Douglass Blvd. I visited last week and saw enormous potential in the space in terms of finding vintage items. I bought two items last week, which was a Mexican ceramic plate and a crystal candle holder. See photos below of my purchase.

And don’t forget The Harlem Treasure Chest is now open Saturday and Sunday starting at 8 a.m.

116th Street in Harlem featured in The Wall Street Journal


Generally when reading about Harlem’s famous or busy streets in the press, it usually about 125th Street, Lenox Avenue or Frederick Douglass Blvd. This time in today’s (Feb. 17) Wall Street Journal, the focus is on West and Central 116th Street in Harlem. The article states there is a gathering of new businesses and future projects, many of them created due to the large condominium buildings, and many of them are drawing more street traffic to a gentrifying stretch of 116th Street, specifically from FDB to Fifth Avenue.

The existing businesses mentioned in the article are very well-known already in the neighborhood, such as The Winery and its plans to open up a Japanese restaurant, Harlem Shambles and BBraxton, a sleek male salon on 116th and Fifth Ave. What was surprising-at least to me-is that the developers of the Kalahari Condo “hope to begin construction within a few months on two new buildings: a proposed 85-unit building on West 116th, across the street from the Kalahari, and a mixed-income building with about 110 “affordable” rentals on West 117th.”

To read the full article, click here.

Harlem’s restaurant row, Frederick Douglass Blvd., has its own map and alliance group

It’s official…again! Frederick Douglass Blvd in Harlem from 110th to 125th Street, also known as restaurant row, has its very own map, according to The New York Daily News. And the folks behind the map is an alliance group called Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance (FDBA). Check out the map below. It mentions all existing businesses from 110th to 124th Street. The map does not include up and coming places on FDB, such as the Harlem Food Bar or Marcos Leatherlab, the cobbler store.

Lia San Filippo, co-owner of 5 and Diamond Harlem restaurant and co-president of the recently formed FDBA, tells the Daily News “the map was created to help people know that Harlem is here and helps customers find us more easily.” Amen Lia!

Back in 2008, I wrote a blog posting asking if FDB is turning into Harlem’s restaurant row? Looks like we have our answer not only in a map but in the form of an alliance group!

Harlem Shambles featured in The New York Times

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In today’s New York Times’ Dining & Wine section it asks “wonder why a new uptown butcher is called Harlem Shambles?” We know the answer since we’ve been following this new local business on Frederick Douglass Blvd since it’s opening, however its great news that the Times is presenting this question…and answer…to its global readers! Shambles is an old-time word for butcher shop!

If you haven’t swung by Harlem Shambles, check it out real soon! They offer boutique style service where no ticketed number is required to place your order! Now that’s refreshing and different?

Read the Times article here and also view photos of Harlem Shambles’ grand opening on Facebook!

Shop Harlem for the Holidays


Spend the Holidays shopping with Harlem’s premier artisans at Harlem for the Holidays where different artists are featured each weekend, December 10-11 and December 17-18 at the Gadson Gallery 225 W 134th Street.

Artists participating in Harlem for the Holidays include: quilt and fiber artist Laura R. Gadson, jewelry designer Shimoda, Sistaah Hats by Cat Skerrett, needle arts connoisseur Michelle Bishop, quilter Pat Mabry, accessories designer Audrey Weaver, artist Sherry Shine and knitter Gail Edwards.

For more information on this event, contact Shimoda at (212) 491-6726.

Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop happening today in East Harlem


The good folks over at Urban Garden Center in East Harlem are holding a wreath decorating workshop today, December 3, starting at noon for the first workshop and then at 3 pm for the second. At this worshop, located at East 116th Street and Park Avenue,  you will learn how to build your own wreath and receive a FREE hand-made custom bow to go along with your wreath. Urban Garden Center’s in-house wreath and bow maker will be on hand to teach the workshop.

To attend this workshop, there is a minimum purchase of $15. Refreshments will be provided. And don’t forget, once your finished with your wreath workshop, you can walk across the street to check out the Winter Festival taking place at La Marqueta from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Urban Garden Center Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop
Noon and 3 PM
1640 Park Avenue @ 116th St
Harlem, NYC

Two weeks left to shop at Morningside Park Farmers Market in Harlem

There is only two weeks left this season to shop at Morningside Park Farmers Market in West Harlem! Head on over to 110th Street and Manhattan Avenue to shop for your produce today and next Saturday, December 10th from 9 am to 5 pm. See you there!

Morningside Park Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9AM-5PM
West 110th Street and Manhattan Avenue

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Winter Festival in East Harlem starts December 3

Our Harlem neighbors to the East are celebrating the holidays every weekend this month! Starting December 3, and continuing on from Dec. 10th and 17th from 10 am to 8 pm, its the Winter Festival taking place in East Harlem. Heated tents will be set up in and/or near La Marqueta so that guests can enjoy checking out the local vendors and shop no matter what the weather will be like. All you have to do is get to 116th Street and Park Avenue to enjoy! See you there!

What to do today Saturday in Harlem? Land Yoga, Harlem Flo and The Dwyer

Its another beautiful Fall day in Harlem and there are several events happening today for your consideration!

This morning Land Yoga is holding its first full LED Primary Ashantga Yoga Class  at 11:15 AM to raise money for Mother Hale Learning Center. The cost is $20 dollars. That fee gives you entrance to an afternoon fundraising reception, which will take place at 3 pm at Land Yoga, located near the corner of 114th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. This event also serves as a Bon Voyage party for Lara, the owner and teacher at Land Yoga. She’s heading back to India for a month!

Harlem Flo is having there annual trunk show featuring several local artists, such as the work of watercolorist Lynn Lieberman. That event starts at 2 pm. Harlem Flo’s Lifestyle Boutique is located at 122nd and Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Nick Coker’s Creative Vision, Inc. presents ‘A journey into the Art, the Psyche, and the Spirit of Nick Coker’s Visions’, a narrated tour and examination of the late Harlem artists’ art, poetry, prose and music at The Dwyer Cultural Center. This event starts at 6 pm and ends at 8 pm!

Nick Coker grew up in Harlem during the Renaissance era. Coker became the first black artist to work for leading advertising agencies and fashion houses on Madison Avenue. He worked for artists and organizations such as Emilio Pucci, the Seventh Avenue Fashion District, Bobby Hooks and the Negro Ensemble Company, along with many others. Coker was also the first artist to put art on t-shirts and remove a piece from the iconic apple that is now a signature of New York City tourism.

The Dwyer is located at 258 West 123rd Street in Harlem.

Lee, Lee’s Bakery in Harlem to be featured in holiday special on WABC

Lee, Lee’s Bakery in Harlem was hopping yesterday. Not only was Alvin Lee Smalls busy filling up his shelves with baked goods, such as his famous rugala, he was busy being interviewed by WABC’s Channel 7! The New York City TV station stopped by in Harlem yesterday to interview Mr. Lee about his boutique style bake shop, along with a few loyal customers of his. What for you may ask? WABC is including Lee, Lees Bakery in their holiday special, which is tentatively schedule for December 17 at 7 pm! Apparently, the word continues to climb that Alvin Lee Smalls of Lee, Lee’s Bakery in Harlem make some exceptional rugala. It’s so good it’s gotta be on TV!

Stop by Lee, Lee’s Bakery at 283 West 118th Street now to purchase baked treats and tune into WABC on Dec. 17 at 7 pm to see Alvin and a few other locals from Harlem talk about why they love Lee, Lee’s Bakery!

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