Tag Archives: 10026

Harlem’s Frederick Douglass Boulevard goes mainstreaming says NY Times

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Harlem’s restaurant row, aka Frederick Douglass Blvd between 110th and 125th Street, is back in the news again. The New York Times recently IMG_2762spoke with Leon Ellis, the owner of Moca Lounge, Chocolat Restaurant and Harlem Underground, about how this part of Harlem has gone through a complete transformation since he first opened Moca, which was back in 2003.  Ellis told the NY Times that his friends thought he was crazy for opening up a restaurant back then. Since 2003, Ellis has expanded his business presence in Harlem on FDB with Chocolat opening about two years ago and then Harlem Underground, a Harlem-themed clothing store.

The owners of bier international were also interviewed for the article and stressed that while this area is going mainstream, they emphasized “we need to find a balance and not forget what was here” in Harlem.

To read the full article, click here.

The Park Wine Bar in Harlem is coming together, construction photos released




Back in June 2012, HarlemGal Inc exclusively announced that The Park Restaurant & Wine Bar was coming to Harlem, specifically on Frederick Douglass Blvd. The Park Wine Bar aims to be Harlem’s first and only self-serve wine bar on restaurant row. According to recently released photos by the upcoming Harlem business, that goal is moving toward reality. The floor has been set and so has the structure of the bar. The photos also gives the appearance that this drinking and dining establishment will be spacious-similar to Harlem Tavern and Corner Social. Those Harlem places are large and can hold a lot of patrons. Looks like The Park Wine Bar in Harlem plans to do the same.

The Park Restaurant & Wine Bar
2080 Frederick Douglass Blvd, Harlem, NY.
212-555-9463

Savann Turkish Restaurant coming to Harlem, joining restaurant row

The restaurant scene on Harlem’s restaurant row is about to get more diverse. A very reliable source and long time reader passed along some juicy info! Apparently, the sponsor of 2280 Frederick Douglass Condominium, you know the place that was rumored to be in discussion with Busboys and Poets, but passed on sealing the deal with the DC-based chain, has recently signed a lease with the owners of Savann, a turkish restaurant that use to be located on the upper west side. This new Harlem restaurant will keep the same name and the menu will be similar, according to a source on the restaurant side familiar with the lease. Savann will rent part, not all, of the retail/commercial space that is near Harlem Flo.

If you are not unfamiliar with the former Savann, read here for more info.

And stay tune, Savann Turkish Restaurant plans to open in late 2013!

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Harlem’s Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar to host ‘Gay-borhood Mixer’ November 12

Harlem is a very diverse community that is inclusive of all people. Lido Harlem, located on the southeast corner of 117th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd., enjoys and succeeds at serving up fine dishes  to all walks of life.  They recognize-and I agree with them-there appears to be a growing presence of the gay community in South Harlem. To cater to this particular demographic, they are hosting their first Harlem LGBT Community Mixer on November 12 from 9 pm to 11 pm with an extended happy hour that will feature drink specials!

I raise my glass to Lido Harlem for organizing this mixer.  We all know they are not the first to cater to the gay community in Harlem. Billies Black, Natives Restaurant and more have always catered and welcomed the LGBT Community of Harlem long before most of us moved here. However,  for Lido Harlem to do this, I say why not and go for it!

Gay-Borhood Mixer
November 12, 2012  |  9pm-11pm
Lido Harlem
2168 Frederick Douglass Blvd @ 117th
646.490.8575

Sign says ‘no gas’ at Harlem gas station

On 110th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd., did anyone notice the BP gas station on the northeast corner already has a sign up that says “no gas?” This particular gas station is always busy so not too surprised by this. It is where most taxi and/or gypsy cabs in the area fuel up. Hope this place is able to get gas soon. I’ve already experienced a cab telling me they can’t take me somewhere ’cause they have no gas! Has anyone else had this experience recently with a cab?

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What’s open today in Harlem during Sandy?

Most of us are home today in Harlem bracing for the arrival of Sandy. Some Harlem business have posted notices on Facebook or Twitter saying they are open today.

So far the businesses who have said they’re open are: Astor Row Cafe on Lenox Avenue and 130th, Lenox Coffee at 60 West 129th Street, The Chipped Cup at 3610 Broadway, Dunkin Donuts on FDB between 113th and 114th Street, Il Cafe Latte on Lenox Ave and 119th Street, Frederick’s Cafe & Bistro on FDB and 114th, East Harlem Cafe at 1651 Lexington Avenue, Patsy’s Pizza at 2287 First Avenue will be open today from 11 am to 11 pm, Chez Lucienne on Lenox Avenue, Harlem Tavern on 116th Street and FDB, and Red Rooster Harlem on 125th and Lenox Avenue is open for lunch. They will make a decision about dinner later depending on storm conditions.

If you know of any other Harlem businesses that are open today, October 29, please tell us! Stay safe and dry Harlem! 20121029-091047.jpg 20121029-091102.jpg 20121029-091142.jpg

The Lavender Light Gospel Choir to perform at 5 and Diamond Harlem

The Lavender Light Gospel Choir is performing tomorrow, Tuesday, October 23rd, at 7:30 pm at 5 and Diamond Harlem. The Lavender Light Gospel Choir is a mixed choir of women and men who believe that music can heal the world! It is the world’s first and only LGBT, non-denominational gospel choir that encompasses many ethnic and spiritual backgrounds. 

The 5 and Diamond Harlem is located at 2072 Frederick Douglass Boulevard (between 112th and 113th Streets). If you’re interested in attending, it’s $75 per person, which includes 4-course dinner with champagne toast. The guest chef is Patricio D’Andrea from Florence, Italy.

Seats are limited. Please call 917-860-4444 to RSVP.

The Harlem Treasure Chest to host several pop-up farmers markets, first one Oct. 11

HarlemGal Inc received notice this morning from the organizers of The Harlem Treasure Chest, the local flea market that set up shop in the Spring on 117th Street and Frederick Douglass, announcing they will host its first (of hopefully many to come) pop-up farmers market on Thursday, October 11 from 4 pm to 9 pm. In their announcement, there was no mention of which vendors will participate. They only mentioned free food, wine tasting, live music and organic produce would be on hand for the evening event.

The Harlem Treasure Chest is located at 2171 Frederick Douglass Blvd and they’re generally open all day Saturday and Sunday.

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Update on The Harlem Pearl

This past weekend, HarlemGal Inc was the first blog to introduce The Harlem Pearl, a four-day to go detox plan, which will be located at the old newspaper kiosk on 112th and Frederick Douglass Blvd. There was a lecture planned for this evening, October 2, at 5 and Diamond Harlem. However, that event has been cancelled. The organizers of the event have provided additional information on the Plan in the interim, such as a complete description of the Plan along with an Aging and Reactive Foods List.

The Harlem Pearl will be opening soon. So stay tuned for more information.

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Where to watch 2012 Presidential Debates in Harlem?


The first political boxing match, aka Presidential Debates, is happening this Wednesday, October 3, and so far two establishments have reached out to HarlemGal Inc. announcing they will be showing the 2012 Presidential Debates on the big screen at their establishments.

The Harlem4Obama organization will be hosting a viewing party at the Corner Social located on 126th Street and Lenox Avenue. So if you want to watch President Obama verbally take down Gordon Gekko, aka Mitt Romney, head to the Corner Social!

Over on Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem Food Bar, one of the new dining establishments on Harlem’s restaurant row, will be showing all three debates this month at their 2100 FDB location, starting this Wednesday, Oct. 3rd at 9 pm. And Harlem Food Bar will also be having an Election night party. So mark your calendar for November 6.

I have a feeling more Harlem dining establishments will host Presidential Debate viewing parties. If you’re aware of more viewing parties happening in Harlem, please chime in!

Putting the boxing terminology aside and name calling, this is a serious matter. HarlemGal Inc. encourages all Harlemites, no matter which political party affiliation, to watch all the 2012 Presidential Debates. And more importantly, do not forget to get out and vote on November 6, 2012. See you at the polls!