Tag Archives: 10026

Velocissimo Cycle coming soon to Harlem

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A reader tells us that a new bicycle shop is opening in South Harlem. According to the photos sent in by the reader, the bicycle shop will be called Velocissimo Cycle and will open up near the old Katrina Flower Shop space, which was on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. between 112th and 113th Street. This will be the third bike shop to open in South Harlem after ModSquad on Frederick Douglass Blvd and Larry’s Bicycle Shop on 110th Street.

I looked up the name “Velocissimo” and it appears to be a street/racing bike brand. There is a lot biking gear available with the same name online.

Stay tuned here for more information. And a big thanks to our reader who sent in the photos! Much appreciated! Keep those tips coming in!
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Harlem Food Bar officially opens May 25

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Start your Memorial Day weekend at Harlem Food Bar, located on Frederick Douglass Blvd between 113th and 114th Street. The owner of HFB gave HarlemGal (HG) official notice yesterday that Harlem Food Bar will open its doors to the public May 25 for dinner only. HFB hours will vary over the next two weeks as will the menu offerings since this is a soft opening, however, lunch will start in the next week and brunch is planned for June 9th.

So check out the newest eatery in Harlem and let HG know what you think!

Rental building planned for St. Nicholas Avenue in Harlem

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For the last several years, all Harlem has seen is condo buildings going up-one after the other-especially on or near Frederick Douglass Blvd. Another building is going to be constructed in this Harlem area. However, it’s not going to be a condo. Several sources tell Harlem Gal Inc that the next building to be built from the ground up in Central Harlem will be a rental building and the developer responsible for this will be Hans Futterman. Futterman has built 2280 FDB and several other buildings in the surrounding area in Harlem.

Futterman purchased the space on St. Nicholas Avenue between 121st and 122nd Street. It’s where the gas station use to be. If you walk by you will see that it’s been closed and permits are hanging on the fence. Futterman has told several business people in Harlem that he is going to build a rental building at this location in Harlem since most of what he has built has been condos!

There is no word yet as to what the building will look like in terms of layout or how high. As with most stories, that information will unfold over time.

As for whether this building will be an affordable rental building, I seriously doubt it. Most of what Futterman builds is mid-to-high end. Stay tuned!

Harlem Food Bar mural on display for passerby’s

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Harlem Food Bar is working hard toward its opening day, which is expected in a few weeks. Yesterday, they were busy interviewing job applicants. While they were screening potential employees, Harlem Food Bar had the entire place on display for passerby’s. When walking by HFB, which is located on Frederick Douglass Blvd between 113th and 114th Street, one can quickly see a giant colorful mural on display in the back.

The mural is very interesting and will draw you in. It has a nice big picture of Malcolm X with a picture of President Barack Obama close by. The mural has the word HARLEM in bright big red letters coupled with the name of the place abbreviated as HFB. There is a stenciled cow on the mural, which I interpret as there will be meat served. There is also a nice big bar to the right of the establishment. It will hold plenty of Harlemites who want to grab a drink or wait for a seat to eat.

Again, Harlem Food Bar expected to open in a few weeks. Stay tuned here!

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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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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Introducing Art In FLUX Harlem, opening night May 2

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t learn something new about our beloved Harlem community. Going through my inbox last night, I came across information that read: Art In FLUX Harlem! Never heard of it…until now . Here’s the low down.

Art In FLUX Harlem is a series of Pop-Up Art Galleries opening in Harlem this Spring.  The first FLUX Pop-Up is set to open Wednesday evening, May 2, at the corner of 118th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.  The opening is sponsored by 5 and Diamond Harlem and a tasting will be offered by the Harlem restaurant.

On the May 2 opening night, “Urban Environment Project” will be the first in a series of pop-up art galleries in Harlem produced by Art In FLUX Harlem. The project will present the art works of seven international artists: Montserrat Daubon, Ellen Hackl Fagan, Hiroshi Jashiki, Leslie Powell, Anya Roz, Tafa, and Pedro Villalta.

“Art In FLUX was started by a group of Harlem residents with a strong interest in supporting artists in Harlem and increasing awareness of the rich arts culture that runs deep in Harlem and yet is still somewhat of an underground culture.”

If you would like to attend the opening night of Art In FLUX Harlem, below are all the details!

Opening reception:  May 2 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Gallery Hours:  May 3 to 24, Tuesday-Saturday, Noon to 7pm & upon appt.
Location:  1961 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd @ 118th Street
For more information: call 917-273-4405 or email info@artinfluxharlem.com

Pedi cabs available to Harlem residents on Earth Day

Safe, Healthy, Affordable and Reliable Energy (SHARE), in collaboration with local Harlem restaurants, churches, pastors and prominent elected officials will celebrate Harlem Earth Day, April 22, by offering free Pedi Cab rides to local residents. Pedi Cabs  will be available from 11 am to 3 pm on Frederick Douglass Blvd from 110th to 125th Street-rain or shine.

And don’t forget about Harlem Earth Day. Harlem Park to Park has organized for us our very own Harlem Earth Day on April 22nd to coincide with Global Earth Day! Harlem Earth Day will include a day of family friendly activities to promote the Earth Day mission of promoting awareness on environmental issues, including Green Energy Use, Recycling, and Clean Air. See you at Harlem Earth Day!

Enjoy Spa Week at Polished Finger Tips in Harlem

I just learned from EG Bodyworks that this week is Spa Week and its being celebrated at Polish Finger Tips in Harlem. From now until April 22, interested participants can enjoy a 50 minute massage, either Swedish or Deep Tissue, with Edwin Genece of EG Bodywork for $50 this week at the Harlem salon located at 2198 Frederick Douglass Blvd. They are also offering specialized mani/pedi’s for $50 during Spa Week as well. Call 212-222-4466 to make an appointment or learn more details here. Enjoy!

Gateway Condo in Harlem near capacity in commercial and apartment space

The diligent PR folks over at Halstead Property have let us bloggers know, through a press release, that The Gateway Tower in Harlem is more than 90 percent sold. However, the release did not mention the commercial space of the Gateway Condo is full. It’s all gone! There is Express Dry Cleaning, Coco Nail Salon and Marcos Leatherlab that are already open for business.  And two more businesses will be opening soon, which is Harlem Food Bar and Frederick Cafe Bistro. This area has shaped up nicely with Melba’s Restaurant leading the way in dining area and I believe Gateway Condo was the first new condo on this block and immediate area?