Category Archives: Things to do in Harlem

What’s happening in East Harlem September and October? a pig roast and East Harlem Harvest Festival

Posted on September 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

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The good folks behind East Harlem’s Urban Garden Center sent us their event line up for September and October. And as always, there is lots of fun things to do in this section of Harlem.

Mark your calendar. The East Harlem Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday, October 27th from 10 am to 6 pm at La Marqueta on 116th Street and Park Ave. We went last year and had a very good time. This event is a celebration of East Harlem’s retailers, restaurants, bars, institutions, parks, history and more.

On September 15 and 29, and October 13 and 27, there will be a pig roast called El Boar-rio at La Marqueta starting at noon. Flea Marqueta is hosting this event on specific Sundays because that’s when the market is open where you can shop for artisans, food and enjoy entertainment.

Interested in sponsorship and vending opportunities at these events? Email info@fleamarqueta.com for more information.
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Posted in art and culture, business, Community, entertainment, Events, food, Free!, Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem businesses, Things to do in Harlem

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An inside look at Harlem’s new Cantina, a taqueria opening Labor Day evening Sept 2

Posted on August 30, 2013 | Leave a comment

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Remember the blog post at the beginning of August about a new Harlem business coming to Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd and 111th Street? HarlemGal Inc now has confirmation on exactly what the place will be? Cantina is the name of the new restaurant on 111th and ACP.

Cantina will be serving burritos, tacos and ceviche, along with a full service bar. Starting this coming Monday evening, September 2, Cantina in Harlem will open for business and will be offering $2 tacos and $4 margaritas, according to one of the Cantina owners, who spoke with HarlemGal Inc today and happens to be involved with Harlem BBQ as well.

The price point of the Cantina menu will be below $19. One of the owners of Cantina said, “everything on the menu will be reasonable and affordable, yet everything offered will be of a high-end product.” The chef at Cantina will be coming from Dos Toros in Union Square.

Cantina in Harlem invited us in today to take a look at the place and we must say it looks very cool and comfortable. There is exposed brick and aged wood everywhere. Plus the location is perfect. It’s right by Central Park North. So when you are done with your day in the park, Cantina is one block away from Central Park North where one can purchase a fresh squeezed cucumber margarita and taquaria food. The place looks very inviting and charming. We can’t wait to check it out.

Oh by the way, Cantina was going to be called Suzy-Q and was going to offer BBQ. The owner of Cantina said they changed their strategy mid way through planning because they realized the BBQ need was already met in Harlem.

Stop by this coming Monday after 4 pm to check out Cantina in Harlem! It is on the northwest corner of ACP and 111th Street.

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Posted in 110th Street, 111 Central Park North, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Bars, business, Cantina Harlem, Central Park North, drinks, food, Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem businesses, Harlem Restaurant Row, Harlem restaurants, restaurant row, restaurants, Things to do in Harlem

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Pop star Katy Perry dines on Harlem’s restaurant row, Melba’s Restaurant

Posted on August 28, 2013 | Leave a comment

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What a week so far for Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem! On Monday night, Christine Quinn, NYC mayoral candidate, stopped by for a women’s event. Last night, Tuesday, singing star Katy Perry and her posse dined in Harlem at Melba’s on 114th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Ironically, Tuesday nights at Melba’s is open mic night. Did Katy Perry sing at Melba’s? According to our source, who sent us the info along with photos, say Ms. Perry “enjoyed a delicious meal and the entertainment after still relaxing from all the hectic festivities from the MTV VMAs.”

Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem is not only known for her down to earth comfort food, but also for its celebrity sightings such as: Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Tamar and Vince. Clearly, celebrities love coming to Harlem and places, such as Melba’s. Harlem is a great getaway for celebs that want to venture uptown and get some privacy versus the downtown madness.

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Posted in Bars, business, celebrities, drinks, food, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem businesses, Harlem Restaurant Row, Harlem restaurants, Melba's Restaurant Harlem, restaurant row, restaurants, Things to do in Harlem

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Ribbon cutting ceremony August 28 for Playground 123 in Harlem’s Morningside Park

Posted on August 27, 2013 | Leave a comment

The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation has scheduled a ribbon cutting ceremony in Harlem tomorrow, Aug. 28 at 11:30am to celebrate the renovation of Playground 123 in Morningside Park. Interested participants should stop by.

According to DNAinfo New York, “the playground, in Morningside Park at 123rd Street near Morningside Avenue, was rundown and had little more than asphalt pavement and chain-link fences when construction began in August 2012. After $3.7 million in renovations, the playground reopened [in July 2013] with new swing sets, including adaptive swings for disabled children, as well as castle-like play equipment, a basketball court, a playhouse and sprinklers.”

To learn more about Playground 123 in Morningside Park, check out Destination Harlem’s write-up .
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Posted in Community, Free!, Harlem, Harlem blogs, kids, Morningside Park, Things to do in Harlem, Things to do with kids in Harlem

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UPDATE: Monday Harlem happenings, Uptown Battle of the Bars Finale, Lido Harlem Gayborhood Mixer

Posted on August 26, 2013 | Leave a comment

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It is going to be a busy Monday evening in Harlem tonight, August 26. There is something to do for everyone along Harlem’s restaurant row.

Update, the event mentioned at Melba’s is by invite only.

Two blocks down, Harlem Tavern at 116th Street and FDB is hosting Uptown Battle of the Bars Showdown Finale event. It starts at 6 pm as well and runs until 9 pm. Three dozen bartenders have been engaged in a competition since the beginning of August dubbed the Uptown Battle of the Bars. Tonight, the winner will be announced. Learn more about the event here.

And last, but certainly not least, Lido Harlem will be hosting another Gayborhood mixer event this evening starting at 6 pm as well running all the way to midnight. Lido Harlem is located at 117th Street and FDB!

There ya have it! A busy Monday evening in Harlem! Enjoy!
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Posted in Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem businesses, Harlem Restaurant Row, Harlem restaurants, Harlem Tavern, Lido Harlem, Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar, Melba's Restaurant Harlem, politics, restaurant row, restaurants, Things to do in Harlem, Where to dine in Harlem

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Free screening in Harlem tonight of Spike Lee’s Jim Brown: All-American, Spike Lee expected to attend

Posted on August 17, 2013 | Leave a comment

Imagenation Outdoors is hosting a free screening tonight in Harlem in celebration of Harlem Week. The free screening is Spike Lee’s Jim Brown: All-American and Lee is expected to attend to introduce the film. Jim Brown: All-America tells the story of the legendary football player who later made his mark in Hollywood pioneering a new kind of African-American hero. The free screening of Spike Lee’s documentary is happening at St. Nicholas Park and it starts at 8 pm.

220px-JimbrownallamericancoverWHO: Spike Lee, director of Jim Brown: All-America is expected to attend to introduce outdoor screening of his documentary.

WHAT: Free outdoor screening of Jim Brown: All-America.

WHERE: St. Nicholas Park, Harlem, NY, on the Great Lawn at 135th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, just above the train station.

WHEN: Saturday, August 17th

TIME: 8-10 pm

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Posted in art and culture, Community, entertainment, Events, film, Free!, Harlem, Harlem blogs, St. Nicholas Avenue, Things to do in Harlem

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Family event at Silvana in Harlem, circus performance for infants August 17

Posted on August 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

Silvana in Harlem, located on 116th Street between Frederick Douglass Blvd. and Manhattan Avenue, is changing things up a bit this coming Saturday. They are hosting two circus performances on August 17 for families with infants, ages 6 to 12 months! The first performance is at 10 am and the second is at 1 pm. The costs to attend is $10 and a reservation is required by calling 646-692-4935. (If I had an infant, I would definitely attend this event, wink, wink). Harlem families, check this event out! See additional details below!
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Posted in 116th Street, Community, education, Events, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem businesses, Harlem Restaurant Row, Harlem restaurants, kids, Silvana, Things to do in Harlem, Things to do with kids in Harlem

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Things to do with kids in Harlem: Free children’s jazz concert in Harlem today, August 12

Posted on August 12, 2013 | Leave a comment

Democracy Prep Public Schools is hosting a children’s jazz concert today in Harlem starting at 6 pm. It is free and open to the 13200_574603289218386_867223293_npublic! The concert is presented by Gucci®, The Recording Academy® and the GRAMMY Foundation®. The event will be a musical cultural exchange between talented Chinese high school jazz musicians and American musicians. Below are the details:

WHAT: Free children’s jazz concert
WHO: Democracy Prep Endurance / PS 154
WHERE: 250 West 127th Street, Between Adam Clayton Powell and Frederick Douglass Blvd
WHEN: Monday August 12, 2013
TIME: 6:00pm

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Posted in Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Community, education, entertainment, Events, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Free!, Harlem, Harlem blogs, kids, music, Things to do in Harlem, Things to do with kids in Harlem

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Experience jazz at the Great Hill in Central Park North today, August 10

Posted on August 10, 2013 | Leave a comment

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Free jazz on the Great Hill returns for its seventh year to Central Park North today, August 10th. Activities start at 3 pm. Bring your family, friends, and blanket to enjoy live musical performances by world-renowned musicians, snacks from food trucks and family games and activities.

Performers will include Harlem Renaissance Orchestra, a swing band that’s played everywhere from Dinosaur BBQ to Lincoln Center, and the innovative Bobby Sanabria Big Band, whose album Multiverse was nominated for two Grammy Awards, Best Latin Jazz Recording and Best Instrumental Arrangement.

Food truck vendors Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck, and Calexico Cal-Mex Cart will be onsite. Family activities will include the creation of a unique eco-postcard inspired by musical jazz instruments in a hands-on workshop for families, along with lawn games.

WHAT: Great Jazz on the Great Hill

WHO: The Harlem Renaissance Orchestra (swing band that has performed everywhere from Dinosaur BBQ and Lincoln Center)
The Bobby Sanabria Big Band (album Multiverse was nominated for two Grammy Awards, Best Latin Jazz Recording and Best Instrumental Arrangement)

WHEN: Saturday, August 10

TIME: Family activities and performances from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

WHERE: Great Hill in Central Park North. Enter the Park at 106th Street (Duke Ellington Boulevard) and Central Park West and walk up the stairs or ramp to the Great Hill.

NOTE: The event will be cancelled in case of inclement weather.

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Posted in 110th Street, art and culture, Central Park North, Community, entertainment, Events, food, Free!, Harlem, Harlem blogs, Things to do in Harlem, Things to do with kids in Harlem

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New Harlem business arising at ACP and 111th Street, another opens in Harlem’s Sugar Hill

Posted on August 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

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When it comes down to what’s opening/coming to Harlem, leave it to HarlemGal readers to know the scoop. They provide good, credible tips and we have two tips here to pass along!

Recently, one reader commented via Twitter that “a new bar must be coming to Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and 111th Street (1838 ACP)! A name called Suzy-Q’s has applied for a liquor license.” Hmm, sounds interesting. This blog does not have confirmation of that. However, I walked by that corner this weekend and there does appear to be some construction action happening on the northwest corner of ACP and 111th Street. If anyone knows more, feel free to chime in!

Another longtime resident of Harlem and a reader of this blog wrote in and said, “just wanted to pass a tip along of a new bar/grill called Solace at 143rd Street and Broadway. They opened on July 3 and are still awaiting their liquor license. In the meantime, they have a full menu and hookahs all set to a deep house music soundtrack. I visited on Saturday and was very pleasantly surprised!” According to Solace’s website, they offer “a comfortable dining experience featuring high quality bar cuisine with an emphasis on fabulous, fresh burgers.”

So there we have it, one new Harlem bar possibly coming to Central Harlem and another bar and grill opens in Sugar Hill.

A big thanks to HarlemGal readers!
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Posted in 110th Street, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Bars, business, drinks, food, Harlem, Harlem blogs, Harlem businesses, Harlem Restaurant Row, Harlem restaurants, restaurant row, restaurants, Things to do in Harlem

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