Tag Archives: Harlem Blogs

Harlem locals invest in where they live, The Grange Bar & Eatery coming to Harlem’s Hamilton Heights

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I love it when readers write in to tell us another set of Harlem locals are opening up a business right where they live, such as Harlem Tavern, Yatenga and more. Rita Royer-Henley and Roy Henley have been living in Harlem’s Hamilton Heights area for more than eight years and they’re the couple behind The Grange Bar & Eatery, which will be a farmer’s kitchen bistro and bar located right in the heart of West Harlem, Hamilton Heights– at 1635 Amsterdam Ave (Corner of 141st st) to be exact. Opening date is set for mid-April-May 2013

Guests of The Grange Bar & Eatery will be able to enjoy comfort food made in a 2350 sq ft, 75 seat setting with local produce and organic seasonal ingredients when possible, according to the Henley’s. The bar plans to provide “a mixology-driven selection of balanced cocktails.” “We want to go beyond the traditional cocktail and move away from those overly sweet and overpowering drinks. To do so, we will be incorporating in-house naturally pressed juices, herbs and bitters,” says the Henley’s. “We want to feature and support spirits from local small and artisan distilleries from all across the country.”

As for beer and wine, The Grange Bar & Eatery plans on using a 16-Draft Beer system, which is 80 percent craft beers and 20 percent traditional beers; seasonal beers included. The wine will be a balanced selection of international as well as local wines. Overall, guests should plan on “picturing themselves in a farmer’s country kitchen,” says the Henley’s. Oh, and The Grange Bar & Eatery plans on having outdoor seating, subject to City approval.

Out of all the many places in Harlem to open a business, I asked the Henley’s why Hamilton Heights? “We have been living in Hamilton Heights for a combined 8 years and have witnessed how much this beautiful section of Harlem has changed and grown especially in the last 5 years. We soon discovered out of our own need to have more places to go to that were within walking distance. We believe so much in this [part of Harlem]. “We are thrilled to make this happen and setting the standard for this portion of Amsterdam Ave that has so much potential in becoming the next restaurant row in Harlem.”

Congrats to the Henley’s on the opening of The Grange Bar & Eatery in Harlem’s Hamilton Heights. To learn more about the upcoming establishment, go to their Facebook page.

Wanna work at Harlem Shake? Yes, the real Harlem Shake

Interested in working at the real Harlem Shake in Harlem on 124th and Lenox? Here’s the lowdown. Harlem Shake will be doing their hiring through a NY Job Bank. It’s part of a NY state program. Prospective employees may contact Ms. Jai Popat at jpopat@grantassociatesinc.com for more information on job listings and details on sending job applications, starting on or around March 21st, which is coming up soon!

So there you have it. If you wanna work at Harlem Shake, you have the scoop! Good luck to those applying!

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Tweet of the Week: Have you dined at Harvist Harlem?

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In this weeks Tweet of the Week, I’m singling out followers @leagoldman, @nikkimmascali and @iamjcrack who recently asked: have you dined at Harvist Harlem? If so, how was it?

Answer: yes, I have dined at Harvist Harlem located inside My Image Studios Harlem (MIST Harlem) on West 116th Street between Fifth Avenue and Lenox Avenue.

I shared the Grilled Cheese with Gruyère on sourdough bread. This item was extremely tasty and very heavy. I recommend it! I tried the Kale Salad with endive and pears. This salad is extremely healthy. I ordered the Kale Salad because I knew was I was going to have the Berebere Rubbed Filet Mignon as my main dish, which was delicious! The Filet Mignon was juicy, tender and seasoned to perfection! I ended my meal with the Red Velvet Soufflé! It was fancy! I liked it, but I’m more of a cheesecake kind of gal, so I’ll probably try the apple crisp the next time I return to Harvist Harlem.

As for price point, small plates range from $10 to $14 and large plates start at $18 and up to $25.

And an interesting feature about Harvist Harlem is that it is extremely spacious. When dining there it won’t feel crowded or small. Plus it’s easy to get to by taking the 2/3 subway to 116th Street. Check it out and enjoy!

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Is Indian cuisine coming to Harlem’s restaurant row?

Frederick Douglass Blvd., aka Harlem’s restaurant row, will soon have a Turkish restaurant through Savann. 2280 FDB will be the address. Then FDB will soon have a dining place that will offer Israeli food at Silvana on 116th Street. Now comes word that Harlem’s restaurant row will be getting a restaurant that serves Indian cuisine at the corner of 114th Street and FDB. Remember where Questan’s was located? That’s were a new restaurant is opening that will serve Indian cuisine. Two reliable sources have come forward to HarlemGal Inc. Plus workers were seen on site tonight and all the permits on the doors outline work is being done for a restaurant. Yippee! I love Indian food! Stay tune…

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AARP New York Launches in Harlem First-Ever Art Exhibition in Celebration of Black History Month

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In celebration of Black History Month, AARP New York is launching its first-ever art exhibition, Lasting Legacy: The Journey of YOU on February 27 in Harlem. To inspire people 50-plus to discover their unique talents, explore new possibilities, and create lasting legacies, AARP will feature the works of AARP2celebrated and emerging artists along with a full roster of special events through April 2013. The artists represent New York City’s rich diversity, with African-American, Latino, and Asian artists displaying their works. The exhibition will be held at the LeRoy Neiman Center, which was launched by a generous gift from the renowned painter LeRoy Neiman, and has become an integral arts-based resource in the Central Harlem community.

Opening February 27 through April 10, the show will feature Willie Cole; Betty Blayton; graffiti artist, Nic 707; along with over ten emerging, mid-career and established visual artists presenting works that capture the journey of life while on the path to creating a lasting legacy.

The LeRoy Neiman Center is located at 2785 Frederick Douglass Boulevard near 148th Street. The opening event is February 27 from 6 pm to 9 pm. More information about the artists and the event can be found at www.aarp.org/ny. The hashtag for the event is #lastinglegacyart.
Sarah Dash

Motown: The Broadway Musical has obvious ties to Harlem

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One can’t swing a bat without hitting the word Harlem. I say that all the time and it’s how I feel again when reading about the upcoming Broadway musical called Motown. I just came across a write-up in Vanity Fair and all I thought about is how this musical has a connection to Harlem.

Based on what I have read so far, Motown: The Broadway Musical will be very good. I will probably go see it. However, I can’t help but repeat myself on how the show obviously has a strong historical connection to Harlem. Most of the music and the artists that will be featured in the new musical, which opens in April, made their debut at Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater, such as The Jackson 5, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and more.

I am guessing there will be one scene or at least a mention of Harlem in the show. We’ll find out soon since previews of Motown: The Broadway Musical begins March 11 and opening night is April 14.

See below the two stars of Motown: The Broadway Musical perform inside the Time Warner building at Columbus Circle or check out the musical on Instagram. They have very cool photos posted.

Zoe Cafe and Hookah Lounge opens on Harlem’s restaurant row

The Middle Eastern tradition of enjoying a hookah pipe is now available on Harlem’s restaurant row. Zoe Cafe and Hookah Lounge recently opened on the corner of West 121st Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. They opened a few weeks ago. Hookahs range from $10-12 with a variety of flavors offered, such as apple, grape, cherry, mint, coconut, peach, mango and much more. On the cafe side, Zoe’s offers coffee, tea, bottled water, sodas and dessert starting at $2.

If interested in trying a hookah pipe, no need to go far now. There’s a hookah lounge right here in Central Harlem. I also recommend Kiosk in East Harlem. They have hookah pipes on their menu as well.

And a big disclaimer, hookah pipes are for ADULTs ONLY!

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Free screening in Harlem of The Central Park Five

The LeRoy Neiman Art Center in Harlem will present a free screening of The Central Park Five on Saturday, February 16th at 4:00 pm. The celebrated documentary, created by Ken Burns, David McMahon and Sarah Burns, bears revealing facts about the 1989 case in which five Harlem youth were falsely accused and convicted of a crime that Mayor Koch coined “The Crime of the Century.”

This screening allows the community an opportunity, not only to examine facts and fiction, but to engage in creative exploration, and dialogue with the men at the center of the storm-who are still fighting for justice some twenty years later.

The two-hour screening will be followed by a Q&A and Open Mic Poetry Jam led by Yusef Salaam, who has been writing poetry since age 11. RSVP is recommended by calling 212.862.2787

The Central Park Five Screening
Saturday, February 16, 2013
4:00-8:30pm
LeRoy Neiman Art Center
2785 Frederick Douglass Blvd near 148th Street
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It’s Afro Funk Night at Harlem’s bier international

Bier international is doing things a little differently for Valentine’s Day. Tomorrow, Feb 14th, bier international is inviting everyone over, with date or without, to Afro Funk Night. If you feel like taking a journey to the music of the African Diaspora by DJ Jeremiah, head on over tomorrow to bier international at 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd., between 113th and 114th Street. Music starts at 8pm to 2am.
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Tweet of the Week: Visit Grandmas Place in Harlem

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This weeks Tweet of the Week belongs to Grandmas Place in Harlem and @Schopgirl. Recently, I posted a photo on Instagram of Grandmas Place, located at 84 West 120th Street in Harlem, saying “there’s nothing better than Grandmas Place” to shop for great gifts for kids! Out of the blue, the owners daughter of Grandmas Place tweets back “that’s my mom! 40 plus years in education, literacy, and passion for toys and books.”

This is a classic example that when you tweet something out about Harlem, you are bound to come across family! Luv it!

To shop at Grandmas Place, take the 2/3 subway to either 116th or 125th Street. They’re located right behind Settepani!

And join us on Twitter to receive the latest information about Harlem!

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