Tag Archives: The New York Daily News

The Park 112 in Harlem, formerly known as The Park Wine Bar, hopes to open in August

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The  owner of the upcoming The Park 112 in Harlem, prior name is The Park Wine Bar, recently spoke with HarlemGal Inc about their plans to open one of the first full service wine bars on Harlem’s restaurant row, aka Frederick Douglass Blvd. Lewis Tucker says they are planing to open The Park 112, which will be located on FDB between 112th and 113th Street, the second week of August, if all goes well with permits, etc from the City.

What will The Park 112 be like in comparison to what’s currently being offered in Harlem? When asked who is his competition, Tucker politely says “don’t compare me to another establishment. All of us have something to offer.” “The Park 112 in Harlem will be upscale,” says Tucker. “If Harlemites like places, such as Stanton Social, Asia de Cuba or the Supper Club from downtown, then that’s what The Park 112 in Harlem will offer in terms of food, service and ambiance.”

248055_570421293002139_671156230_nThe Park 112 will be offering American Fusion cuisine in small plates, along with a select group of large entree’s. Wines will be offered from all over the world. And a full cocktail menu will be available as well.

The Park 112 will be Tucker’s first establishment to open ever. He’s from The Bronx. However, he chose Harlem for the obvious reason, it is happening in Harlem right now. And based on his well-connected background, which he shared, he will have no problem drawing in a crowd at The Park 112 in Harlem.

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The Park Wine Bar in Harlem receiving push back from neighbors

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Did anyone notice the recent article in The New York Daily News about the upcoming Park Wine Bar in Harlem? Apparently, Harlem neighbors, mainly those that live in building above where the wine bar plans to open, are already complaining to Community Board 10 about the self-serve wine bar’s plans to have an outdoor patio in the back of the building. The Park Wine Bar will be located at 2080 Frederick Douglass Blvd between 112th and 113th.

For those of us who have lived in Harlem a while, know that this location was an abandoned lot for the longest time. No building/business/residents existed there until the building went up. Fast forward to today and we have a wine bar moving in and neighbors above complaining. Cheez…how things change.

Just curious. What are your thoughts on the subject?

OMG…Lenox Lounge in Harlem could close. Please no!


According to The New York Daily News, Harlem’s famed music establishment Lenox Lounge “could be on its last set.” The current owner, Al Reed, says the landlord of the property wants $20k a month from the prior $10k. The article states Reed is shopping the place around and that there are interested parties, such as Harlemite and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. I hope that is really true about Samuelsson.

Overall, this is sad news to hear. Closing Lenox Lounge would be like closing the Apollo Theater. These establishments are Harlem/American icons. Our community and New York City needs to desperately try to hold on to these treasures. It’s part of NYC’s fabric of life. Lenox Lounge is so special cause of its long history. It’s vintage. I will go as far as saying it should be a landmark and should be preserved. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that an investor views it that way…soon!

Harlem’s restaurant row, Frederick Douglass Blvd., has its own map and alliance group

It’s official…again! Frederick Douglass Blvd in Harlem from 110th to 125th Street, also known as restaurant row, has its very own map, according to The New York Daily News. And the folks behind the map is an alliance group called Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance (FDBA). Check out the map below. It mentions all existing businesses from 110th to 124th Street. The map does not include up and coming places on FDB, such as the Harlem Food Bar or Marcos Leatherlab, the cobbler store.

Lia San Filippo, co-owner of 5 and Diamond Harlem restaurant and co-president of the recently formed FDBA, tells the Daily News “the map was created to help people know that Harlem is here and helps customers find us more easily.” Amen Lia!

Back in 2008, I wrote a blog posting asking if FDB is turning into Harlem’s restaurant row? Looks like we have our answer not only in a map but in the form of an alliance group!

Harlem’s Houses of Worship In the News


The man up in the sky has been doing some public relations work lately and blessing Harlem’s historic houses of worship with some good publicity! On November 8, The New York Daily News featured Harlem and its many gorgeous houses of worship in an article stating “walk down just about any block in Harlem and you’ll find at least one church.” That is so true. There are many places of worship everywhere in Harlem. If you want to attend a Sunday service in Harlem, the choices are unlimited. If you want aspirin or cold medicine after 8 PM, forget it. One has to walk far in Harlem after hours to get their medicine, but for prayer and worship, no need to walk far. This is the interesting fabric of life in Harlem!

On the East side of Harlem, one former church is being turned into a cultural community space, according to The New York Observer. Sculptor Ugo Rondinone purchased the former Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at 2050 Fifth Avenue for $2.775 million. According to the article, locals are happy that the former place of worship will be turned into some sort of community center rather than being developed into a residential building!

Say it’s not so, Red Rooster Harlem graded a C


I am reading in The New York Daily News today (Sunday) that our Red Rooster Harlem was graded a…gasp…C from the New York City Department of Health. Say it ain’t so? I was there last week along with my companion and, as always, the food was outstanding. Also, patrons can see the kitchen when you walk in and if you are seated right by it inside it’s in full view. The Red Rooster kitchen appears to look like a Mercedes of kitchens run by only the best drivers. I cannot believe this and agree with the person quoted in the article: “If this [Red Rooster Harlem] is a C, then how do dirty jerk chicken joints in Flatbush get A’s? This place has a brand-new kitchen. I’ve seen it.”

I have no doubt that Marcus Samuelsson and his team are “on it.” Given how driven of a team they are, they will not rest until they get that A. Count on it!