Tag Archives: 10026

Free coffee in honor of Best Yet Market in Harlem turning one

Feb 17, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
The good folks over at Best Yet Market in Harlem notified us yesterday that they are giving away a free small cup of cappuccino or a latte on Thursday (February 17) and Friday (February 18) to shoppers  in honor of the store turning one-year old. The grocery store opened up February 4, 2010 at West 118th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. in Harlem.

So how does one get the free cup of coffee? Show this ad pictured above on your smart phone to the cashier in the bakery section and this person will give you your free cup of java. Also , you can find the ad on their Twitter or Facebook page as well.

Best Yet Market said they were offering this special “to extend their gratitude to Harlem, New York for welcoming them to this exceptional neighborhood.” Well said!

Franz James Floral Boutique in Harlem to open today, Lido Restaurant as well

Feb 12, 2011 @ 9:44

By HarlemGal
February 12 is one busy day for some new local businesses opening up in Harlem. As I told you, Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar was scheduled to open before Valentine’s Day and they are now open. Go check them out and tell us what you think of the new digs.

Last night on my way home, I saw folks working inside Franz James Floral Boutique, located at 2114 Frederick Douglass Blvd. I walked in to see what was up. While there, I met the owners, Franz and James (hence the name of the business), and they told me they were opening today, February 12. They will be offering full flower art services, such as arrangements/center pieces for any occasion, and they will be selling loose flowers as well.

By the way, James of Franz James  told me he is from Harlem and continues to live here. So this new business is partially owned and operated by a Harlemite. The same is partially true for Lido. Susannah, co-proprietor, lives in Harlem as well. It’s great to know this. However, we all know a solid product has to be offered.

So if you want to check out these new businesses on Frederick Douglass Blvd. They’re open…starting today!

Alton Weekes trunk show at Studio Museum Harlem

Feb 11, 2011 @ 13:46


By HarlemGal
The good people who work with
Alton Weekes New York have asked us to share information about their trunk show taking place this weekend in Harlem. The well-known and talented Alton Weekes will be available at Studio Museum Harlem, located at 144 West 125th Street, from February 12-13. The trunk show will offer guests and members of the Museum access to Alton Weekes where he will offer tips on stationary for every occasion.

The trunk show starts at noon both days and will end at 6 p.m. Click here for additional details.

UPDATE: Levain Bakery says February 22 is opening day for Harlem store

Feb 6, 2011 @ 11:53
By HarlemGal
Not too long after my blog post talking about when Levain Bakery was opening up for business in Harlem,  Levain went on record on their Facebook page and Harlem store door officially, there is a sign up, stating when they are opening up their Harlem store. The day is Tuesday, February 22.

So there we have it! We now have confirmation straight from the source on when Levain Bakery is opening up their Harlem store! Get your taste buds ready, Harlemites! Most people I chatted with about Levain, say their treats are very good!

UPDATE: Lido in Harlem misses signage date, next goal to open before Valentine’s Day

Feb 4, 2011 @ 7:30

By HarlemGal
As I approach my third year of blogging about Harlem, I am starting to learn new restaurants opening in Harlem approach deadlines similar to how I do: I will aim for a certain date and it will get done a few days after. It happens, right? As with the case with Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar, located at 2168 Frederick Douglass Blvd., who hung up a big sign recently saying “Opening February 1.” Obviously that date passed, however the objective is the same for Lido in Harlem and that is to open for business soon.

I spoke with Susannah, a Harlem resident and proprietor of Lido, and she said they are now aiming to open before Valentine’s Day where Harlemites will be able to order from a delectable, Italian menu! I was also had the opportunity to walk inside Lido (sorry no pics) and the place is coming together. It’s going to look great! The color scheme is based on light greens with white molding in select areas. The bar appeared to be concrete-like, not wooded, larger than before, and its on the left side when you walk in. Brushed silver light fixtures will illuminate the restaurant. Their website is up with limited information.

And of course, I had to ask Susannah why they named the restaurant Lido. She told me it’s named after Venice Lido in Italy, “a skinny island between the lagoon and the Adriatic, with hotels and beaches.”

So stay tuned for more info, such as who will be the chef and what will be the price point of the menu!

Have a great weekend!

Levain Bakery to open for business in Harlem this week?

Jan 31, 2011 @ 7:30

By HarlemGal
Will this week be the week Levain Bakery officially opens up their Harlem store? We are hearing that’s a possibility. According to a reader, who dropped us a line over the weekend, they went by Levain’s Upper Westside location recently and were told Levain’s Harlem location at 2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd will be opening up on February 1! Sweet, if that is the case.

I walked by the Harlem store over the weekend and the place appears ready, then again one never knows unless you’re in the baking business. Let’s wait and see if this is the week!

Breakthru Radio struts through Harlem inquiring about decision making tips

Jan 27, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
Breakthru Radio, the hipster site that airs independent music on demand, strolled the streets of Harlem recently asking locals about the tools they use in making decisions on where to dine or go see movies. Most man-on-the-street responses were they rely on word of mouth or local experts. Our very own Karl, the owner of Society Cafe and 67 Orange, was featured in the piece.

In the video, it appears they filmed in several Harlem locations, such as along 110th Street/Cathedral Parkway and right in front of The Gateway Condominium, which is at 2098 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Franz James Floral Boutique to blossom in Harlem

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!

Lido Italian Restaurant & Bar to open in February

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!

Meet Sugarleaf Vineyards and its tie to Harlem

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!