Marcus Samuelsson and Maya Gate Haile of Harlem featured in June issue of Vogue magazine

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I was flipping through my digital copy of Vogue-June 2012 edition and came across a sharp-looking photo of Marcus Samuelsson and his wife Maya, who reside in Harlem. They are in the most recent issue of Vogue because the mag is featuring Marcus’ latest book titled Yes, Chef, a memoir. (I didn’t even know Marcus had a memoir out until now. I guess he does not want to do an autobiography?) The Vogue writer characterizes the book as “moving and sometimes harrowing.”

To read an excerpt of Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson, purchase the June edition of Vogue magazine or to read the entire book, pre-order online. It is coming out next month!

Drinking Liberally launching Harlem Chapter, first gathering is tonight at Lenox Lounge

For those of you that are left of center on social issues, that would mean the Big L for liberal, listen up! Drinking Liberally, a national organization that focuses on “promoting democracy one pint at a time” is launching a Harlem Chapter. And the launch party is tonight (May 16) at Lenox Lounge. Start time is 6 pm! If you are interested, sign up on their Facebook page or go to their national website to learn more.

Chris Noth of Sex and the City stops by the Corner Social in Harlem

If you’re not on twitter and following fellow Harlemites or Harlem businesses, such as the Corner Social located on Lenox Ave and 126th Street in Harlem, this blogger highly recommends it. Why? This particular social networking tool always seems to have interesting news about what’s going on in Harlem. For example, Corner Social, formally known as Lenox Social, tweeted last night that Chris Noth, the actor famous for playing Big on Sex and the City, did some socializing last night (May 13) in Harlem at…where else? You guessed it, Corner Social! That’s very cool! I guess Chris Noth knows some of the owners of restaurants in Harlem since he’s in the business as well, or maybe he likes coming uptown to hang because it’s just as fun, if not more, than being downtown.

If you haven’t stopped by the Corner Social in Harlem, better hurry up now. Once celebs start showing up, dining establishments almost always experience a spike in attendance. I am going back this week, pronto! See you there!

Frederick Cafe Bistro in Harlem is open, stop by for a fresh cup of coffee


On my way home from yoga this morning (May 12), I noticed that Frederick Cafe Bistro in Harlem appeared to be open. I walked in to double-check and it is definitely open for business. I had a delicious cappuccino!

Drop in and check out Frederick Douglass Blvd’s newest eatery. At the moment Frederick Cafe Bistro, located on the corner of 114th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd., is serving a full line of hot coffees, i.e. latte, cappuccino, etc. and pastries. A complete menu, which will include hot and cold sandwiches, will be available at a later date.

While my hot coffee drink was delicious, sipping it in a freshly decorated place made it that much sweeter. The decor and layout of Frederick Cafe Bistro is fantastic! The Harlem bistro even pays tribute to Frederick Douglass himself with some of his quotes stenciled throughout the cafe. The quotes are simple, classic and thoughtful. Chris and Ousmane clearly want patrons to know that when they visit their bistro they are in Harlem and their place is named after a very famous African-American.

Again, go by and see the place for yourself! Frederick Cafe Bistro is located at 2104 Frederick Douglass Blvd. Phone is 212-222-0075.

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Second wine tasting dinner planned at Lido in Harlem, RSVP today

Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar, located in the corner of 117th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd.,is having their second wine tasting dinner May 14 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m with Andrea Wobensmith, a wine expert. Wobensmith will once again take guests through five wines and pair them with the food served at Lido Harlem. The cost for the evening is $95. To make a reservation, call 646-490-8575.

Workout under the big blue sky’s of Harlem, boot camp classes offered in Central Park North

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After the Food & Drink Boulevard event, which is happening tonight, May 10 in Harlem, we may all need to head to the gym for a workout. Or even better, we have the option to head to Central Park North for a workout in the wide open skies of New York City! Physical Equilibrium is offering two boot camp classes starting now. I believe the classes started in late April.

Boot camp class, taught by Erika Moore and who resides in Harlem, meet Tuesday’s at 6:30 am and Saturday’s at 10:30 am at the northwest corner of 110th and Central Park North.

The class prices include:
$30 for drop in
$75 for 3 classes (expire in 2 months)
$200 for 10 classes (expire in 3 months)
$300 for unlimited attendance for 1 month

Interested participants can register at Physical Equilibrium website through mind-body online.

See Changing Face of Harlem May 19 at Maysles in Harlem

We all know Harlem has been rapidly changing in the last ten years and there is one filmmaker that I am aware of that’s been documenting our change for quite sometime. It’s Shawn Batey. Batey is the documentary filmmaker behind Changing Face of Harlem. Changing Face of Harlem takes a critical look at how Harlem has undergone its transformation.

There is an opportunity to see the film, in its current stage, which is a work in progress, Saturday early evening, May 19 at Maysles Cinema, located at 343 Lenox Avenue. Changing Face of Harlem is showing during The People’s Film Festival, a festival that “celebrates the power of the media when placed in the hands of the people.”

To purchase ticket to see Changing Face of Harlem, go to the Maysles website.

Atomic Wings in Harlem looking to offer beer and wine

Want a beer to go along with your chicken wings from Atomic Wings in Harlem? How about a glass of wine with your shrimp sliders? This may be a reality soon. Atomic Wings, located on the northeast corner of 113th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd in Harlem is waiting for final approvals on their liquor license. They hope to have approval in about a month.

Read our review on Atomic Wings, by clicking here!

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100 free trees available May 6 through Urban Garden Center in Spanish Harlem


Spanish Harlem’s Urban Garden Center is turning one and they are celebrating in style by giving away that item which has furnished humanity with two of life’s essentials: food and oxygen. On Sunday, May 6, Urban Garden Center, in partnership with Million Trees NYC and New York Restoration Project, will be giving away 100 trees for free starting at 10 am.

To receive a free tree, register online here. Signing up with the form will ensure a tree of the species you chose and will be available between 10 am to noon on Sunday, May 6. Please note: trees will weigh between 25-50 pounds and are between 4’-10’ in height depending on species. Make the appropriate arrangements for the transportation of your tree before heading to Spanish Harlem.

And later on in the afternoon on May 6, Urban Garden Center will continue celebrating their one year anniversary with free food, refreshments, music, workshops and more. So stop on by!

Happy Birthday Urban Garden Center!

Urban Garden Center is located at 1640 Park Avenue @116 street. Free Parking available at 117th & Park Avenue and its only 1 block from 6 train or 3 blocks from 2/3 train.

Phone: 646-872-3991
Office: 646-672-0100 (Mon. to Friday 9-5)
E-Mail: Info@urbangardennyc.com

M.Shanghai String Band to perform at Kidberry in Harlem

Mekia Denby, the founder of Kidberry in Harlem, has given us the heads up that M.Shanghai String Band, one of the best string bands in New York City, will be performing live this Friday, May 4 at Kidberry from 5:30 to 8 pm. The cost of entrance is $20 per family.  Kidberry is located at 2046 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

If you would like to attend, RSVP in advance to mekia@kidberrynyc.com.