Us New Yorker’s know what happens when celebs descend upon a new Harlem hot spot or any hot NYC spot for that matter. It becomes packed and hard to get it into…right? La Bodega 47, the old Native in Harlem on Lenox Avenue and 118th 
Street, is about to turn that page.
HarlemGal Inc hears that producer Sidra Smith, twin sister of actress Tasha Smith, is holding a star-studded bash late next week at Harlem’s newest hotspot, La Bodega 47. Word has it that The View host and former Harlemite Sherri Shephard will attend, along with Vivica A. Fox, Tamron Hall, S. Epatha Merkerson, Chef Roblé, Lynn Whitfield, Tyson Beckford, and many more. Ooh-la-la. Of course, this event is invite only and no we are not invited. However, we may stand outside and people watch.
Speaking of turning pages, Harlem’s La Bodega 47 is derived from a new chapter for Brian Washington-Palmer, the La Bodega owner known for successful ventures, like Harlem’s Native, Bleu Evolution and Monkey Room. Washington-Palmer decided to close Native and start completely fresh from top to bottom. The corner venue has been completely transformed into a bodega, decor-wise. My favorite part of the new decor is the hanging photo of what appears to be a Cuban lady smoking a cigar.
As for the name, Washington-Palmer came up with the name La Bodega 47 because his prior Native wait staff would always run to the Bodega across the street on Lenox Ave and 118th for their break. And why add-on the number 47? That’s the number of rums La Bodega 47 offers. Forty-seven of the finest rums from the Diaspora including Guyana, Venezuela, Jamaica, Trinidad, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Brazil, West Indies, as well as local craft brands from New York.
La Bodega 47 in Harlem had its soft launch recently, but is expected to be fully operational in March. If you haven’t checked out La Bodega 47 during its soft launch, go now or go later in March. But ya can’t say we didn’t warn you if the place ends up being packed after next week!
La Bodega 47 is on the corner of Lenox Avenue and 118th Street. Phone is 212-280-4700.
HarlemGal Inc. 