Tag Archives: Frederick Douglass

Is a Japanese restaurant the next place to open on Harlem’s Frederick Douglass Blvd?

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For those of you who were hoping that the next place to open up in Harlem on or near Frederick Douglass Blvd would be a diner, sorry to tell you, it’s not happening. However, if you wanted a Japanese restaurant to open in Harlem, your wish is highly likely to come true! A few reliable readers have tipped off HarlemGal Inc about how the last remaining commercial space in The Douglass Condo, located on the northeast corner of FDB and 114th, has been rented out and the space is being prepped for a restaurant, a Japanese restaurant to be exact! This restaurant would be located to the left of Land Yoga.

We also hear the person behind leasing this space is an existing Harlem business owner. Their first business was on FDB, but then moved the same business around the corner and is still operating there. The planned Japanese restaurant we are talking about will be their second separate business in Harlem-and not far from the first business.

So there you have it! No diner is coming any time soon. Just sushi, sake, edamame and probably a lot more will be offered soon in this space in Harlem. Workers have been seen on site daily so who knows when this new Japanese restaurant will open. Hopefully in 2012! Will keep you posted!

Frederick Douglass Memorial Dedication completes Central Park

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Federal, State and local NYC leaders, along with descendents of Frederick Douglass, came together today, September 20, to dedicate the circle and statue of the African-American abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass. The Frederick Douglass Memorial/Circle,located at Central Park West, Frederick Douglass Boulevard and West 110th Street, consists of an eight-foot bronze portrait sculpture by Gabriel Koren, and a large circle and fountain with ornamental and symbolic features designed by Algernon Miller. The fountain was actually operational today to go along with the dedication ceremony.

While there were endless speakers, a few comments resonated with me. Someone said most of what Frederick Douglass said or wrote back then is still applicable today and that not much has changed, it is just disguised. I also like how one speaker said “Central Park is now complete with all four corners as vibrant public space for everyone to use.”

To see a collection of photos from today’s event, click here.

Sneak peek at agenda for Frederick Douglass Circle Dedication in Harlem September 20

The dedication of the Frederick Douglass Circle, located at the intersection West 110th Street and FDB, is definitely on for next week, September 20, starting at 11 a.m. and HarlemGal Inc. has the scoop on some of the agenda.

Actor and Tony Award-nominee Andre De Shields will perform and channel Frederick Douglass in front of all the guests and dignitaries. De Shields is well-known for this and performed as Frederick Douglass in 2009. See video below.

Impact Repertory Theatre and Harlem School of the Arts will give performances. And a direct descendent of Frederick Douglass will be present and either acknowledged or part of the speaking agenda.

So far, there’s no word on whether Mayor Bloomberg will be on hand for the dedication.  However, there will be several local representatives in attendance.

Not too bad of an agenda to start! Now that we have a sneak peek of the Frederick Douglass Circle Dedication, the next question is are you attending? Chime in if you plan on attending this event!

To read complete blog coverage on Frederick Douglass Circle, click here!

Save the Date: Frederick Douglass Circle in Harlem official ceremony


September 20 is the day. Mark your calendar! That’s when Frederick Douglass Circle, located at the intersection of 110th Street, FDB and Central Park West & North in Harlem, will officially be dedicated by The City of New York. According to the Manhattan Parks Commission, the time is set for 11 AM. Mayor Bloomberg plans on being present as well as congressional representation, and the City is trying to get a celebrity (or two) to join in on the festivities. As soon as more information becomes available, HarlemGal Inc. will pass along. Stay tuned!

To read previous coverage on Frederick Douglass Circle, click here.

Harlem’s Marcus Samuelsson receives Frederick Douglass Award

May 13, 2011 @ 14:53

By HarlemGal
I was flipping through newspapers from this week and came across a huge congratulatory advertisement in The New York Times regarding our very own Harlemite, Marcus Samuelsson. Apparently on May 12, Samuelsson was awarded the Frederick Douglass Award by The New York Urban League at their annual Spring dinner. “The Frederick Douglass Award acknowledges and honors leaders in the private and public sector whose contributions to society serve to eliminate racial barriers and promote opportunities for the disadvantage.”

One word comes to mind: Wow! We at HCL say double congrats and what an honor!

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Beer tasting at Harlem’s bier international

Jan 3, 2011 @ 7:00
By HarlemGal
The holidays are over. However, the fun can continue! Bier international is starting off the first work week of the year with a beer tasting by a local  Brooklyn micro brewery called Six Point. Go by bier international this evening (January 3) from 5 PM to 8 PM and taste a selection of brewski from Six Point. In addition, guests will have an opportunity to talk to a brewery representative about the art of beer making! So if you’re looking for something fun to do on a Monday night, head on over to bier international in Harlem! Cheers and Happy New Year!

Harlem makes its debut on YouTube search stories

Aug 27, 2010 @ 11:30
By HarlemGal
As a blogger, I am constantly on the internet using various search terms to help with blog posts about Harlem. I decided to take some of those search terms I use frequently about Harlem and apply them to YouTube’s search stories, which allows users to create their very own Google commercial on a topic of their choice. After several hours of reviewing a ton of search terms about Harlem, I narrowed them down. The result a video titled: Your Gateway to Harlem! Check it out below!

Frederick Douglass Circle in Harlem opens, people already visiting

Jun 2, 2010 @ 20:27

By HarlemGal

Today is the first day that Frederick Douglass Circle in Harlem is available to the public. Yes, it is officially open after more than seven years in the making.Wow. It’s about time and long overdue. According to a worker at Cafe Amrita, City workers were taking down the barriers last night around 1 AM.

Thank you to whomever said or convinced the City to open the circle now. Nice timing. Harlemites can enjoy the Circle during the summer months and on. I was out there today looking at every aspect of the Circle. It looks fabulous.

Below are pictures of locals looking around Harlem’s brand new Frederick Douglass Circle or better yet, come by and see it for yourself! Take the B/C to 110th Street/Catherdral Parkway or the 2/3 to 110 Street/Central Park North.

Upscale grocery store coming to 118th St.&FDB

Jan 12, 2009 @ 20:23
By HarlemGal
SoHa 118HarlemCondoLife has been hearing rumors about an upscale grocery store coming to Central Harlem. It’s a rumor no more! I spoke with Winick Realty Group today and they have confirmed that they are bringing a high end grocery store to the SoHa Building at 118th and Frederick Douglass.

Winick could not confirm who the retailer is yet. They only said that they are working on plans and hope to make an announcement soon! Like in a week in a half! We think this is good news for the area! Another option to get groceries!

If you have more details than Winick, please let us know!

Lemon Cake at Lee Lee’s in Harlem

Dec 6, 2008 @ 11:09
By HarlemGal

HarlemCondoLife

HarlemCondoLife

Not too long ago I had guests in town visiting from Florida who once lived in NYC. They wanted to walk the streets of Harlem. So I took them down the fabulous and famous Frederick Douglass Blvd. We get to 118th Street and FDB; and we see this adorable candy-striped awning with lovely tree stands. As we get closer, this amazing sweet smell creeps in. The smell is basically like a magnate. It pulls us in. Low and behold there is a variety of baked goods shelved in three levels for all to see – not to mention the nicest man there waiting to greet you. I believe it was Mr. Lee Lee himself. Me and my guests ended up purchasing a variety of baked goods. I had a slice of the lemon cake that was cut wide and tall. They had cinnamon rolls with pecans. My lemon cake was scrumptious with just the right amount of lemon taste. If your taste buds want something else, there was also red velvet cake and sweet potato pie available as well.

My goodness….as I write this, I am having a craving for the lemon cake now!  That’s it. I am heading to Lee Lee’s today. Why deny yourself some cake when you can walk it off by walking the streets of Harlem.  Maybe I will see you there!

 
283 W 118th Street close to FDB
New York, NY 10026

(917) 493-6633

HarlemCondoLife

HarlemCondoLife

HarlemCondoLife

HarlemCondoLife