Harlem and Cuba share another common interest, Floridita

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 2 comments

Jan 26, 2011 @ 7:15

Photo by HarlemGal

By HarlemGal
While on an approved trip to Cuba last week, I wanted to photograph something there I could link back to Harlem for my blog. I found it while walking around Revolutionary Square! In Havana, Cuba, they have a Floridita just like we do in West Harlem. Similar to our Floridita located at 3219 Broadway in Harlem, they serve Cuban food and its Cuban owned. The major differences between the two restaurants, aside from location, are the history, notable guests and operations.

Photo by HarlemGal

At the moment, the Floridita in Harlem is closed temporarily. However, it opened some 30 years ago in Harlem and the food has received much praise. The Floridita in Cuba has been open since the early 1800s and it has received guests, such as Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene.

To learn more about the Floridita in Cuba, click here. And as for our Floridita, I hope it reopens soon. I am going to be craving some roasted chicken with black beans and rice soon! If anyone has any information on when Floridita might reopen, please pass along!

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

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Franz James Floral Boutique to blossom in Harlem

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Jan 15, 2011 @ 12:18

By HarlemGal
2114 Frederick Douglass Blvd. will be smelling like roses, orchids and tulips soon. This is one of the retail spaces in The Douglass Condominium that has apparently rented out its commercial space to Franz James Floral Boutique. Big signs are up on the windows saying “Coming Soon.” I went to the website listed and all its says is “website builder and flower as art.”

I have never heard of Franz James Floral Boutique. I generally by my flowers over in East Harlem on the corner of Lexington and 116th Street. Is anyone familiar with this shop? Is it a first store for Franz James? And does anyone know if this is a local business person? Chime in here or tell us on Twitter.

Either way,it’s another business opening up on the award-winning Frederick Douglass Blvd!

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Lido Italian Restaurant & Bar to open in February

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Jan 15, 2011 @ 10:31

By HarlemGal
Looks like the space at 2168 Frederick Douglass Blvd will continue to be an Italian restaurant based on these photos! I walked over to the corner of FDB and 117th Street this morning after a follower on Twitter was the first to tip us off last night (Friday) tweeting that a sign was up on the old Frizzante space confirming the name and opening date. Messages were later left in our feedback inbox! As always, a big Harlem thanks to those individuals that reached out to us! Keep those tips coming in!
In conclusion, Harlemites still have a restaurant on that corner. The cuisine is the same. Let’s just hope the interior and exterior changes are better managed than their predecessors! We will soon find out!
See you at Lido February 1st!

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Posted in Bars, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurant row, restaurants

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Meet Sugarleaf Vineyards and its tie to Harlem

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Jan 14, 2011 @ 7:40
By HarlemGal
Two weeks ago, I blogged about the top-selling wines at The Winery. When I wrote that post I was asked “where else can one purchase wine in Harlem?”  The response I quickly gave was Harlem Vintage or stop by for a drink at Nectar on Frederick Douglas Blvd and 120th Street. Soon after, I went through some of my old notes and emails, and I came across another option for Harlemites to purchase wine. Wha…la! And this option is linked to Harlem like the others.

May I introduce Sugarleaf Vineyards and Winery. Sugarleaf Vineyards is 100 percent wholly owned by The Bias’, who reside right here in Harlem with their two kids. They often commute back and forth to Virginia to manage their vineyard. However, their home base is a lovely brownstone in Central Harlem.

While the ingredients, barreling and bottling for Sugarleaf wines may take place in Virginia, they hold similar accolades as fellow Harlemite Marcus Samuelsson when it comes to White House honors and the Bravo TV Channel. Their 2008 Petit Manseng was served at The White House for the 2010 Governor’s Ball and their winery was featured in a recent episode of The Real Housewives of DC.

So if your interested in purchasing wines made by Sugarleaf, click here to order. They ship to New York City in increments of 3, 6, and 12 bottles. Or stick to the walk in plan, Sugarleaf is also sold at Harlem Vintage, Nectar and Red Rooster! Cheers!

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

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Red Rooster Harlem serves up ‘The Lunch Tray’

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 1 comment

Jan 12, 2011 @ 11:53
By HarlemGal
It is a snow day for most of us and if you forgot to stock up the fridge, like I did, what should one do for lunch today, tomorrow or next week? Hmmm. Since lunch and brunch are now being offered at Red Rooster Harlem, I am gonna head on over to 310 Lenox Avenue for “The Lunch Tray.” “The Lunch Tray” is a tasty prix fixe special that offers three courses for $17. It starts today and will be available during lunch service, Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Check out today’s menu. And see you at Red Rooster Harlem!

Citrus Salad
Blood Orange, Fennel, Pomelo

Spicy Mexican Chili
Crème Fraîche

Lady Baltimore Cupcake
Currants, Lemon

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Posted in Bars, business, Community, entertainment, fashion, Harlem, restaurants

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HarlemGal Inc remembers Haiti Earthquake

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Jan 12, 2011 @ 0:31
By HarlemGal
I came across this powerful message below on one of my friend’s Facebook page. It’s moving, powerful and speaks for itself. It must be passed on. Let’s remember what happened one year ago today in Haiti.

At 4:53 p.m. on January 12th, 2010, more than one-quarter of a million people lost their lives in the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that sent 33 aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.2 to 5.9 and left more than 3 million people in need of emergency aid. Please stop what you’re doing at 5pm on Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 to remember those who perished in last year’s devastating earthquake, and to pray for those still in desperate need of help.
—
Too many people have forgotten about the earthquake  in Haiti and the many lost in this tragedy. Awareness can change all of that. Invite your friends by clicking here and posting this to your profile…

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Posted in Events, Harlem, history, New York, New York City

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Top selling wines at The Winery in Harlem

Posted on July 5, 2011 | 2 comments

Jan 7, 2011 @ 8:46
By HarlemGal
In December or January there are always these “best of or the top ” lists created for various sectors. The Winery in Harlem, located at the corner of 116th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd., recently created and sent its customers a list of their “best value-driven wines selected by popular demand.”  They separated their list by the top ten selling in Red, White, Semi-Sweet and Sparkling.

I know I made the Malbec reach first place in the Red wine section. That’s mainly what we purchase. If you’re wondering what sells at The Winery, scroll down ! Have a great weekend!

TOP TEN:

SPARKLING WINES
1.   Tutela NV Prosecco
2.   Parxet Cuvee 21 Cava Brut NV
3.   Drusian NV Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut
4.   Castillo Perelada NV Cava Brut Reserva
5.   Graham Beck NV Brut
6.   Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau NV Vouvray Brut
7.   Champagne De Montoux NV Brut
8.   Hacienda Brut NV Blancs de Blanc
9.   Conte Loredan Gasparini-Venegazzu NV Prosecco
10. Finca Flichman NV Extra Brut

WHITE WINES
1.   Anakena 2010 Sauvignon Blanc
2.   Hacienda 2008 Chardonnay
3.   Frenzy (Mt. Nelson) 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
4.   Isabella 2009 Pinot Grigio
5.   Finca La Linda 2009 Viognier
6.   Barco Viejo Chardonnay 2008
7.   J. Moreau Blanc
8.   Nelson Bay by Seifried 2009 Sauvignon Blanc
9.   Spilmbergo “Fantinel” 2008 Pinot Grigio
10. Raoul Clerget 2008 Macon-Villages

RED WINES
1.   Tilia 2009 Malbec
2.   Fia Nobile 2007 Cerasuolo di Vittoria
3.   Finca La Linda Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
4.   Protocolo Tempranillo 2008
5.   Celliers Contemporains 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
6.   Cecchetti ‘Red Tree’ 2009 Pinot Noir
7.   Due Torri Pinot Noir Della Venezia 2009
8.   Terra Noble 2009 Merlot
9.   Altovinum Evodia 2008 Old Vine Garnacha
10. Galadino ‘Bonifado’ NV Malbec

SWEET WINES
1.   Cantina Gabriele Dolcemente Semi-Sweet Cabernet
2.   Borgo Maragliano ‘El Calie’ 2008 Moscato d’Uva
3.   Rothburg 2009 Riesling Spatlese
4.   Marenco Strev 2009 Moscato d’Asti
5.   Cantina Gabriele Vino Rosso Semi-Sweet Kosher
6.   Heron Hill 2008 Riesling Semi-Sweet
7.   Silver Creek 2008 White Zinfandel
8.   Chateau Les Pins 2005 Primage Red Rivesaltes
9.   Butterfield Station 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
10. August Bonhomme ‘La Forcine’ 2009 Vouvray

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Posted in Bars, business, Harlem

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HGTV casting call: Design team wants to transform your home

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Jan 6, 2011 @ 12:44


By HarlemGal
A New York-based production company, working for HGTV, is looking for energetic and vibrant homeowners (singles, families, couples) in the New York Tri-State area who want their homes transformed, but not sure how to make it happen. If you think your home qualifies and the TV show is a good fit, send an email to designteamcasting@gmail.com with the following information:
 
Your name, address and contact info (please include e-mail address and cell phone number)

List of rooms to be styled, photos are a big plus!
Photos of yourself & the members of your household

Favorite style you’d like to see (or do you want to be surprised?)
Your real design budget
 
The top-secret TV show (they won’t tell us the name) will be shooting between January and April 2011.

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

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The National Black Theater hosts free retirement seminar

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Jan 4, 2011 @ 10:30

By HarlemGal
It’s  a new year and during this time most of us start to execute some of the resolutions we made. One resolution could be about planning for retirement. If that is the case, we want to pass along information about a FREE retirement seminar that is taking place at The National Black Theater, located at 2031-33 5th Avenue, this month sponsored by Robinson Rose Capital Management, LLC. See the details below and remember to RSVP in advance.

FREE
Retirement Seminar-What You Should Consider Now
January 12th, 2011
7:00 PM -9:00 PM
The National Black Theater
2031-33 5th Ave
(Btwn 125th & 126th Streets)

To attend, an RSVP is required by emailing appt@robinsonrose.com or calling (212) 249-3715.

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Watch Tonnie’s Minis from Harlem compete on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars

Posted on July 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

Jan 4, 2011 @ 7:00
By HarlemGal
Harlem’s Tonnie’s Minis, located at 264 Lenox Avenue, is competing tonight (January 4) on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. The show starts at 9 PM. Let’s show Tonnie’s  Minis some love by turning on the tube tonight supporting our local cupcake store as they battle it out in the Cupcake Wars!

Turn to Channel 50, if you have Time Warner Cable!

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Posted in baking, business, Community, entertainment, Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC

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