Tag Archives: 10026

Harlem’s Democracy Prep Public Schools to host ‘Inauguration of a DREAM’

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This January 21st, Democracy Prep Public Schools, which operates six charter schools in the Harlem area, will be hosting “Inauguration of a DREAM: a Celebration of Education, Service, and Democracy” from 10 am to 4 pm at the Harlem Armory. This event is free and open to the public. It will feature live music, guest speakers, food, door prizes, and community service opportunities to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This event will coincide with the second Presidential Inauguration of President Barack Obama.

If interested in attending this event, please RSVP by January 15 at Eventbrite.com.

Democracy Prep is a growing network of six free, open-enrollment, high-performing no excuses public charter schools committed to preparing scholars for success in the college of their choice and a life of active citizenship. Teachers and staff currently educate more than 1,500 scholars in grades K-12 at six schools across the Harlem neighborhood. To learn more about Democracy Prep Public Schools, visit their website.
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Christmas tree literally lights up Harlem’s Cedric French Bistro

On the online look out to see how the filming of Black Ink Crew went at Harlem’s Cedric French Bistro and Bar and BAM…I came across their posting that said their Christmas tree caught on fire and burned some of their roof. Yikes! If the filming of the VH1 reality show continued as planned, they would have caught this incident on camera, which can make some good TV visuals. On a serious note though, no one was hurt in or around the Harlem restaurant, which is very good news. Whew!
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VH1’s Black Ink Crew filming at Harlem’s Cedric French Bistro and Bar tonight

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Did you watch the Season Premiere of Black Ink Crew last night? It is a new reality series featuring “the only black-owned and operated tattoo parlor in the heart of Harlem at 113th St. and Lenox Ave.” If you missed it, it is showing again tonight at 8 pm, Jan 8.

And if you want to see the cast of Black Ink Crew being filmed in Harlem, pass on by Cedric French Bistro at 185 St. Nicholas Avenue and 119th Street tonight. VH1 is filming there tonight, according to Cedric’s Facebook page.

To learn more about Black Ink Crew from Harlem, go to its website, but ignore the big fat typo they have in the first paragraph. They spelled Lenox Ave with two n’s not one. It happens…

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The Park Wine Bar in Harlem receiving push back from neighbors

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Did anyone notice the recent article in The New York Daily News about the upcoming Park Wine Bar in Harlem? Apparently, Harlem neighbors, mainly those that live in building above where the wine bar plans to open, are already complaining to Community Board 10 about the self-serve wine bar’s plans to have an outdoor patio in the back of the building. The Park Wine Bar will be located at 2080 Frederick Douglass Blvd between 112th and 113th.

For those of us who have lived in Harlem a while, know that this location was an abandoned lot for the longest time. No building/business/residents existed there until the building went up. Fast forward to today and we have a wine bar moving in and neighbors above complaining. Cheez…how things change.

Just curious. What are your thoughts on the subject?

First look at rendering of upcoming Harlem restaurant, Vinateria

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A few months ago we told you about the upcoming Harlem restaurant, Vinateria, which will be located at 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd. and 119th Street. This Harlem blog has an update with a FIRST look at the rendering of Vinateria! Take a look above! This is how Vinateria will eventually look. Pretty cool…huh? I have seen the inside of Vinateria Harlem and what I can tell you is that this new restaurant will have a nice big chocolatety/brown bar to the right when you walk in with gold-plated hanging sconces over it. The rest of the place is in full construction, but it is coming along.

HG photo 20121220-202621.jpgYvette, the owner and another Harlem resident who is investing in where they live, tells this blog she is aiming to open in the first business quarter of 2013. The owner also notes that her dining establishment will not just be a wine bar. They are building a full service kitchen inside as you read this blog post. So no more thinking of this place as a wine bar. It will be a complete restaurant with indoor seating for 57 people. Yvette described her new upcoming Harlem eatery as more of a ‘Vino y Cocina’ (Wine and Kitchen) that will serve “inspired seasonal cuisine centered on the marriage of wine and food in its most complementary expression.”

“We will offer a wine list hand-tailored by our in-house wine connoisseur and designed to complement our skillfully prepared menu. The food will be every bit as interesting as the wine and will tantalize with more than a few twists and turns on comfort food favorites that range from appetizers available at our bar to main courses and deserts,” says Yvette.

Their website is coming soon as well. Here is their landing page.

So there you have it.The first look at Vinateria in Harlem! Mark your calendars! Vinateria is coming to Harlem’s restaurant row soon!

Lenox Lounge will be renamed Notar Jazz Club, Richie Notar and Alvin Reed finally cross paths

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If anyone thinks there is a grain of hope left for Lenox Lounge in Harlem, forget about it! Read the latest article from The NY Daily News. Richie Notar is now publicly speaking about his plans for the vintage Harlem establishment. Notar told Community Board 10 “he does not want to change much.” However, Notar confirms he will change the name to Notar Jazz Club.

By the way, Notar and Alvin Reed crossed paths for the first time according to the article. That had to be interesting.

After reading the article, all I could think about is “what a pity that Notar does not see any value in saving the Lenox Lounge brand?” There are plenty of smart business people who have taken on well-known brands and successfully lifted those brands higher. Say Fiat? Say Izod? How about Puma? Guess Richie Notar is a play-it-safe-kind-of-a-businessman?

The good things coming out of this story is that Notar plans to hire Franco the Great to do a mural and Harlemites will continue to have a jazz club to patron, which won’t be the same only the structure will exist. Buh-humbug.

Ring in 2013 at Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar in Harlem, see menu

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I am sure most of our Harlem restaurants will be doing something special to ring in the New Year. Lido Harlem, located at 117th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd., is ready to share their plans and this is what will be happening. Lido Harlem is offering four course prix fixe. It includes a champagne toast for $70 plus tax and service. There will also be a three course for $55 plus tax and service. That will also include a champagne toast.

Lido Harlem plans on creating a social atmosphere so they are not doing two seatings because they want to keep it fun and casual. Reservations are required, except at the bar. If you plan to sit at the bar, it is recommended to go early.

See all the details below along with Lido Harlem’s holiday hours!
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Introducing a new toy design studio in Harlem, first design fair December 8

Did you know Harlem has a new toy design studio? Yup, it’s located in the old Katrina Flower Shop space on 112th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd. Joe Masibay, an ex Fisher Price toy designer has partnered up with Cynthia Woodie of muppet sculpting fame and Gus Konstantakopoulos to open up the studio at 1844 ACP Jr. Blvd.

The focus of the studio is obvious! They will work on toy design. But Masibay says there will be local Harlem artists who will co-work there as well. They are also looking to collaborate with local design professionals and grow the design community in Harlem.

If you’re interested in checking out this new toy design studio, there’s an opportunity to do so tomorrow, December 8. They are having an art/design/craft fair featuring local artist and toy designers from 10 am to 6 pm. One of the designers that will be on hand is Sean Vegazzi, who has worked with Annie Leibovitz and recently published a book titled I Don’t Warna Grow Up.
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Mark your calendar: Second Harlem Pop Up event happening December 15

On popular demand, Harlem’s Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance Association is back with another local event. This time its focused on the Holidays and its indoors. If you recall, a few weeks ago FBDA successfully executed the first Harlem Pop Up Greenmarket. It was a hit! Now their second event is going to take place from 12pm – 6pm on Saturday, December 15th at 2280 Frederick Douglass Blvd between 122nd and 123rd in the large vacant commercial space. There will be several local restaurants serving food, such as Lido Harlem, Harlem Tavern, 5 and Diamond Harlem, Zoma, Chocolat, along with local businesses like Land Yoga and Harlem Skin Clinic. See all the details below. See you at the next Harlem Pop-Up!
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Holiday Trunk Show with Alton Weekes and Deborah Gregory at Harlem Flo

Save the date of December 7th! That’s when Stationary Designer Alton Weekes will host his annual Holiday Trunk Show in Harlem from 5 pm to 9 pm. Joining Weekes will be Designer Deborah Gregory of the famous Cheetah Girls. This event is happening at Harlem Flo located at 2276 FDB at 122nd Street. See entire details below!

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