Jan 27, 2010 @ 0:40
By HarlemGal
If you like David Sedaris, writer, comedian and best selling author, then this post is for you! Sedaris is performing at Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater on November 1, 2010 and starting today at 10 AM Wednesday, January 27 there is an exclusive (and in my view very early) presale thru Thursday, January 28 until 10 PM. For more information on how to purchase tickets, click here.
And see you around at the Apollo!
Jan 25, 2010 @ 15:58
By HarlemGal
I read the news in Crain’s, a New York business publication, announcing that Slyvia’s Restaurant, Harlem’s touristy soul food hangout and a political platform for wanna be candidates, will be offering home delivery in February. That is great news and a positive development for locals according to Slyvia’s peers in Harlem. I spoke with Native’s, Amy Ruth’s Restaurant and Chez Lucienne, who are all based in Harlem, about this news asking “what does this mean exactly? And is this a positive sign for Slyvia’s or a weakness?
The peers I spoke with overwhelmingly agreed this is a positive development and there is no negative side. Amy Ruth’s, who declined to use a name for this post, said “this decision is good for the community! It provides another option for Harlemites.” Brian, who identified himself as a manager at Native’s said these types of decisions do not come
lightly. Food delivery is “a logistical challenge and difficult to organize. Think about Harlem just from 110th Street from East to West up to only 125th Street? It’s a large area and there is not that many delivery options. Harlemites have another option.” Native’s said they have been talking about setting up food delivery for sometime and now plan to follow suit soon! Chez Lucienne had nothing but positive things to say about the decision.
Slyvia’s peers also said this decision could address any issues with declining sales and needing to stand out more, which is part of the business.
Whatever the case maybe, all I know is if I am craving biscuits and gravy, I now know who to call.
Other Harlem establishments that deliver are: Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread, Questans, Society Cafe, Chez Lucienne, Patisserie Des Ambassades and Africa Kine. If you know of other food delivery in Harlem from a venue that offers good food, please tell us!
Posted in Community, Harlem, restaurants
Tagged Amy Ruth's, Chez Lucienne, dining, eating out, Harlem, HarlemGal, Native's Restaurant, Sylvia's Restaurant
Jan 19, 2010 @ 10:00
HarlemCondoLife
By HarlemGal and Austin2Harlem
We enjoy dining out in Harlem and this past holiday weekend was no exception. For our Friday night outing, we decided to check out one of the newest food establishments in Harlem, Frizzante Italian Bistro & Bar, located on the corner of 117th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. Like most Harlemites, we wondered when this place was going to open up. After our visit, we now feel the wait was worth it.
HarlemCondoLife
Let us start off by saying, Frizzante did not disappoint. We walked in around 9 PM and most tables were taken. Our first thought was “are we in Harlem?” Where did all these people come from? We didn’t recognize anyone in the place. It immediately felt like a downtown Italian bistro in Little Italy. The layout of the place is very well done with hanging lights, big wooden tables and a beautiful corner bar showcasing numerous wine bottles.
When we were seated, paper menus were provided with the words “CASH ONLY” on it. As we quickly scanned the menu, the price point diminished the cash only aspect because most items on the menu were below $10. BONUS! We were quite impressed. Now we were thinking, the next bonus will be if the food matches or surpasses its prices. And it did!
HarlemCondoLife
We started off with Antipasto misto: proscuitto, mortadella, soppressata and capocollo served on a nice round white place; and Cuori de carciofo alla Milanese: pan seared artichoke hearts. Both starters were simple, but very tasty. The artichokes were breaded and served with lemon wedges. We sprinkled a little bit of lemon juice on top and the item tasted like you were biting into a meaty artichoke. The cured meat was wonderful as well. We liked the proscuitto and the salami-like meat. Eating the meat with the garnished type red onion gave it a kick.
HarlemCondoLife
For our dinner plates, we had the Lasagne di carne, the meat lasagna, and the Scaloppine di vitello al limone, veal in a white wine and lemon sauce. Both dishes were absolutely delicious! What we were impressed the most by was the meat lasagna. It had no cheese, but it didn’t need it. It was scrumptous without it. The veal was lean and tender. You could cut it with your fork. This dish was served with roasted potatoes, but not that many. The meat was good, but they could have provided just a tad bit more potatoes. Between the two dishes we preferred the meat lasagna. However, you cannot go wrong with either one if you decide you’re in the mood for some veal.
As for dessert, we would have ordered some. After being open for only one day they were not ready to serve dessert or liquor. Frizzante does not have their liquor license yet. Not too worry, they allowed BYOB. We went to the little bodega on the corner of 116th and FDB for some brewski. However, we saw most patrons going to The Winery, Nectar or Harlem Vintage for a bottle of vino to go along with their dinner. Those establishments had to be happy that night and will be for a while until Frizzante gets their liquor license.
HarlemCondoLife
Overall, we had a wonderful time dining at Frizzante. We saw some discombulation, but it was minor and plus Frizzante has only been open for a few days now. Between the two of us our bill was a total of about $45, not including tip. We were extremely pleased with the food and with the fact that we did not have to venture downtown and pay a ton of money for a nice Italian meal.
Frizzante Italian Bistro & Bar
2168 Frederick Douglass Boulevard
New York, NY 10026-2001
(212) 866-0525
Posted in Harlem, restaurant row, restaurants
Tagged Austin2Harlem, dining out, Frederick Douglass Boulevard, Frizzante Italian Bistro and Bar, Harlem, HarlemCondolife, HarlemGal, Italian Cuisine, new restaurant, Photos by HarlemGal, Restaurant Reviews and tagged 117th Street, restaurant row, restaurants
Jan 16, 2010 @ 0:40
HarlemCondoLife
By HarlemGal
Due to a change in rent and needing more space, The Winery, which is currently located at Frederick Douglass Blvd. between 116th and 117th Street, is moving to 257 West 116th Street. Work is happening now on the new space in order for the move to be completed in about a week. Product offering will remain the same. The only things that are changing is location and the awning. When you come out of the B and C train at 116th, you will see the new Winery location on the northeast corner of 116th Street.
The Winery (new location)
257 West 116th Street
New York, NY 10026
info@thewineryonline.com
HarlemCondoLife
Jan 15, 2010 @ 16:43
By HarlemGal
HarlemCondoLife
UPDATE: Click here to read review on food!
After many, many months of restaurant furniture sitting inside a nicely designed corner space, a naked bar and teasing windows for Harlemites to peak in, Frizzante Italian Bistro & Bar has finally opened its doors at the corner of 117th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. Last night (Thursday, January 14) was their first night of business in Harlem.
I tried chatting with the gentlemen on site today to get the chisme on who is behind this new restaurant, which, in our view, supports our claim that from 110th Street to 125th on Frederick Douglass Blvd. it is slowly and surely becoming the restaurant row of Harlem. The gentlemen declined to comment on who is the investor(s). They only said “why don’t you come over tonight and try our food; and blog about that? I responded: “I will certainly do that.”
HarlemCondoLife
Now we have to wait and see what happens with the other new restaurant opening up near 67 Orange on FDB. The place is slowing coming together. Either way, the more dining establishments in Harlem the better.
See you at Frizzante in Harlem!
Frizzante Italian Bistro & Bar
2168 Frederick Douglass Boulevard
New York, NY 10026-2001
(212) 866-0525
Jan 15, 2010 @ 9:51
HarlemCondoLife
By HarlemGal
Not too long ago, I was craving tostadas and Mexican corn on the cob so I headed to Lolita’s on Lenox Avenue and 113th Street. When I went in I noticed the place was full since the only area to sit is in a narrow space you see right when you walk in or you can sit outside when the whether is nice. However, this time when I went there to dine the host turned far left and said “you can sit here,” which was in an entire different area! I had never gone beyond the narrow area. Apparently, Lolita’s took over some of the space next door (or was hiding it) and now there is una gran sala to eat! Que suave and congrats to Lolita’s on their expansion! After being open for nearly two years, I would say that is nice progress for Lolita’s.
If you like Mexican food for a reasonable price, head on over to Lolita’s with your BYOB or try one of their Jaritos! Enjoy!
Lolita’s Restaurant
100 West 113 Street, New York, NY 10026-3013
(212) 222-6969
HarlemCondoLife
HarlemCondoLife
HarlemCondoLife
Jan 7, 2010 @ 13:00
By HarlemGal
After a little hiatus from blogging, it’s nice to return to posting with some interesting tidbits that could potentially impact Harlem’s restaurant scene. There are rumors floating around online that famous chef and Harlem resident Marcus Samuelsson maybe opening a new restaurant…in Harlem.
Could Marcus want to give MOJO or Zomas or Melba’s some competition on Frederick Douglass Blvd, the avenue we have been predicting to become Harlem’s restaurant row? If so, it would not be a long commute for Chef Samuelsson. I have seen him with my own eyes getting on the subway on the B and C line heading downtown.
I called his PR rep today to get the lowdown and to calm my excitment. This is their statement: “At this point there are no plans for him to open up a restaurant. [He is] always looking at interesting spaces and real estate opportunities, but nothing is set in stone.”
Hmm. I really hope Marcus’ broad PR statement and business plans get directed to Harlem. What do you think? Do you want Marcus Samuelsson to open up a restaurant in Harlem? I do!
HarlemCondoLife
Posted in business, Harlem, restaurants
Tagged dining, eating, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, HarlemGal, marcus samuelsson, restaurants
Jan 7, 2010 @ 11:45
HarlemCondoLife
UPDATE: Click here to see Construction Intervention’s makeover of Harlem’s Just Wingin It!
By HarlemGal
I was walking along Frederick Douglass Blvd. this evening (Thursday) and I could not help but notice a ton of c-stands with giant lights, a van full of camera men and a boat load of construction workers at 118th and FDB! I asked the still photographer on site and one of the construction workers what was going on inside Harlem’s Just Wingin It, a chicken wings place right on the northeast corner. They said they were filming a Discovery Channel TV show called Construction Intervention, a renovation show that will be hosted by Charlie Frattini, a project executive for Muss Brooklyn Development Corp. Good for Just Wingin It. I always wondered what was up with that place!
According to one of the workers on site, the show will air this coming March. That sounds realistic given the renovation has to be completed within four days for each project! Sounds like an interesting show. HarlemCondoLife will be sure to watch!
HarlemCondoLife
HarlemCondoLife
HarlemCondoLife
Dec 14, 2009 @ 11:50
By HarlemGal
A reader recently informed us that folks have been seen moving into the northeast corner building on Adam Clayton Powell and Central Park North. I went by there today and there are signs of occupancy of life in the building. There are blinds hanging inside a couple of apartments.
We are guessing that this building is not offering market rate apartments since there has been no outdoor for sale sign and another reader commenting that they heard it was an HPD building! Whatever the case may be,
we noted awhile back how this location is primo! Most of the apartments have park views! Nice!
Dec 9, 2009 @ 15:41
The largest gothic cathedral in the United States was a musical haven to rock star Sting and a sea of international musicians last night. Sting, who is performing two sold out shows December 8th and 9th at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, played songs from his latest album called If on a Winter’s Night …, “a seasonal contemplation mixing traditional English songs and carols with his own The Hounds of Winter and Lullaby for an Anxious Child.” Sting performed about 20 beautiful songs along with two encores to-what I am estimating-a few hundred people, who in my view, came from the tri-state area.
And St. John the Divine was the perfect backdrop for Sting and his musicians. The entire Cathedral looked magical. My guess is Sting’s production company was filming the entire concert from start to finish. Make-up on the ladies was perfectly done and all of the men and women were dressed in black tie for the camera that was located stage left and roaming.
What was fascinating about the concert was every musicial instrument imaginable was on the stage and played. Some I recognized and some I did not. The women who played the harp was interesting.
As for the music, it was the antithesis of what I have always known about Sting, which is generally rock music and a devout yogi. Sting was more of an opera star last night than a rock star, which goes to show the range of this artist. The music and the venue tied together perfectly. It made me feel like I was watching a performance for the King of England or an episode of Showtime’s The Tudors. It felt majestic, yet most of the songs performed were calming and appropriate for the holiday season. My favorite songs were Christmas at Sea, Ghost Story, which Sting said was about his father, and Lullaby For An Anxious Child. For the Lullaby song, he brought out the Newark Boys Choir on stage. They did a wonderful job singing with Sting and what a great opportunity for them. Way to go Newark Boys Choir! However, my question for Sting is “why didn’t he use the Harlem Boys Choir to perform with him?” I have no ill will against the Newark Boys Choir, but Sting was technically in Harlem last night. It would have been a nice and a respectful acknowledgment toward the Harlem community. Oh well, maybe next time.
Overall, the show was beautiful and well worth its price. I guess I was one of the few who was able to purchase tickets online in the first nine minutes when they were made available. Apparently, that is how long it took for both shows to sell out.
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