Monthly Archives: January 2010

759: Boy Scouts of Harlem special screening

Posted on January 29, 2010 by | 2 Comments
Troop 759

Troop 759

By HarlemGal

Almost a year ago, HarlemCondoLife told you about a documentary called 759: Boy Scouts of Harlem. In our review, we gave it a thumbs up and encouraged everyone to go see  the film. If you have not seen it, an opportunity is approaching.

To celebrate the 100th Birthday of the Boy Scouts of America, Docwatchers Inc. is sponsoring a special screening of the film February 8 at the Maysles Cinema at 343 Lenox Avenue between 127th and 128th in Harlem. The screening will start at 7 PM and will include a Q&A with the filmmakers, which one of them is a Harlemite. The screening is free. However, donations are recommended.

759: Boy Scouts of Harlem-100th Anniversary of Boy Scouts in America Screening
Maysles Films
Monday, February 8, 2010 @ 7:00 pm
343 Lenox Avenue (between 127th and 128th Streets)
Harlem, NY 10027
212-582-6050

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Exclusive presale for David Sedaris at the Apollo

Posted on January 27, 2010 by | 2 Comments

By HarlemGal

If you like David Sedaris, writer, comedian and best selling author, then this post is for you! Sedaris is performing at Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater on November 1, 2010 and starting today at 10 AM Wednesday, January 27 there is an exclusive (and in my view very early) presale thru Thursday, January 28 until 10 PM. For more information on how to purchase tickets, click here.

And see you around at the Apollo!

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Harlem’s Sylvia’s Restaurant to provide home delivery in February

Posted on January 25, 2010 by | 6 Comments

By HarlemGal
I read the news in Crain’s, a New York business publication, announcing that Slyvia’s Restaurant, Harlem’s touristy soul food hangout and a political platform for wanna be candidates, will be offering home delivery in February. That is great news and a positive development for locals according to Slyvia’s peers in Harlem. I spoke with Native’s, Amy Ruth’s Restaurant and Chez Lucienne, who are all based in Harlem, about this news asking “what does this mean exactly? And is this a positive sign for Slyvia’s or a weakness?
The peers I spoke with overwhelmingly agreed this is a positive development and there is no negative side. Amy Ruth’s, who declined to use a name for this post, said “this decision is good for the community! It provides another option for Harlemites.” Brian, who identified himself as a manager at Native’s said these types of decisions do not come
lightly. Food delivery is “a logistical challenge and difficult to organize. Think about Harlem just from 110th Street from East to West up to only 125th Street? It’s a large area and there is not that many delivery options. Harlemites have another option.” Native’s said they have been talking about setting up food delivery for sometime and now plan to follow suit soon! Chez Lucienne had nothing but positive things to say about the decision.
Slyvia’s peers also said this decision could address any issues with declining sales and needing to stand out more, which is part of the business.
Whatever the case maybe, all I know is if I am craving biscuits and gravy, I now know who to call.

Other Harlem establishments that deliver are: Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread, Questans, Society Cafe, Chez Lucienne, Patisserie Des Ambassades and Africa Kine. If you know of other food delivery in Harlem from a venue that offers good food, please tell us!

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Signs of Life at Gateway Condo In Harlem?

Posted on January 25, 2010 by | Leave a comment

By HarlemGuy

Last week Curbed.com reported that progress may be stirring at the Gateway Condominium in Harlem as outlined in their most recent post. 

Could it be that the tide that has been lifting all ships in that corridor on which we’ve previously and often reported is finally lifting this project towards completion? 

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Nectar & Harlem Vintage…

Posted on January 24, 2010 by | 7 Comments

By HarlemHouse

UPDATE  Jan. 26th:  Just wanted to post an Update that HARLEM VINTAGE  sold out every bottle of Haitian Rum “Barancourt” last night at the tasting they had for donating to “New Yorkers For Haiti” Way to go Harlem for showing support for a good cause!

THIS MONDAY NIGHT   Jan. 25th

TWO Great Events To Checkout – Jan. 24th & Jan. 25th.

SUNDAY Jan. 24rd.  Go Jets! “Nectar” Wine Bar (& Beer) are showing the Jets Game today. Kickoff time is at 3:00 PM.  ”Wear some Jets gear and get a free beer.”

MONDAY Jan. 25th from 5:00-8:00 PM.  Join “Harlem Vintage” next door to Nectar, for a tasting party for the HAITIAN RUM “Barbancourt.”  Make a small donation to join the tasting.  All proceeds of the sale of Barancourt ($22.99) and the tasting will be matched by Harlem Vintage and donated to the charity “New Yorkers for Haiti”

Props to Jai Jai & Eric for doing something to help make a difference with donations for Haiti and “New Yorkers for Haiti”

Harlem Vinatge #212-866-WINE

Netcar #212-961-9622

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The Douglass

Posted on January 24, 2010 by | Leave a comment

By HarlemGuy

A while back we posted about a new Condo called The Douglass.   The Douglass is located on 114th and Frederick Douglass Boulevard.   The post generated quite the controversy on this site and on Curbed.com and resulted in a follow-up piece in the New York Times on which we also reported on this site.

The Condo was ready for visitors a few weeks back and I took the opportunity to check it out.   I will keep my comments brief in the spirit of getting this post out so that Sunday browsers and buyers have an opportunity to take in the neighborhood with its many new projects this coming Sunday.

Highlights – From my perspective (based on 2 and 3 bedrooms)

  • Units are spacious, well laid out and thoughtfully appointed.
  • While the building is not too tall the units have cool views, those facing FDB in particular.
  • The building has a garage with entry exit on 114th.
  • The building is apparently funded in part by Goldman Sachs; the developer seasoned and successful; the broker with whom I met professional, organized and informed.  Reminder – we are in no way affiliated with the project or related parties.
  • Quality of life and safety have improved dramatically.  Specifically there has been a recent and persistent police lock-down blocking non-residents from driving or walking across 114th between 8th and 7th Avenues.  This has been in place for at least two weeks.  Apparently there’s a concerted and sustained effort to rid the block of illegal activities that have persisted for years.

If you have the time and inclination The Douglass makes for a great destination to your Sunday (or really, any-day) real estate romps in Harlem.

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Get ready for Restaurant Week and Dine Out For Haiti

Posted on January 22, 2010 by | 1 Comment

By HarlemGuy

Foodies celebrate!!!  Two great events kick off this week.  NYC Restaurant Week and Dine Out For Harlem.

Restaurant Week is upon us.   I would love to see Harlem restaurants participating, as I’ve previously mentioned on HarlemCondoLife.  Perhaps what’s needed is Restaurant Week: Uptown.  Or perhaps something uniquely local.  After all this is Harlem.  In any event, contact the City, the restaurants,  local entrepreneurs, and let them know your thoughts and let us know how we can help.

More importantly THIS SUNDAY select restaurants nationwide are participating in Dine Out For Haiti.  Ten percent of the proceeds will go to charity.  This is fantastic no matter what.  But again it would be great to see Harlem restaurants on the list.  So again, contact the event organizer, your local favorite restaurants, local entrepreneurs, and let them know you’d welcome their participation, and keep us posted on your thoughts and progress.

Be The Change.

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Haitian Boy "Moment For Humanity"

Posted on January 21, 2010 by | 6 Comments

By HarlemHouse 01/20/2010

Seeing this little Haitian boy, after 7 days, being pulled from the rubble today… in my opinion is the “meaning of life” I can’t see this image enough… and the innocence of joy that it represents. What a precious moment for humanity.

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Haitian Boy “Moment For Humanity”

Posted on January 21, 2010 by | 6 Comments

By HarlemHouse 01/20/2010

Seeing this little Haitian boy, after 7 days, being pulled from the rubble today… in my opinion is the “meaning of life” I can’t see this image enough… and the innocence of joy that it represents. What a precious moment for humanity.

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Crowds seen at Harlem's Frizzante, Good food and design attracts

Posted on January 19, 2010 by | 10 Comments

HarlemCondoLife

By HarlemGal and Austin2Harlem
We enjoy dining out in Harlem and this past holiday weekend was no exception. For our Friday night outing, we decided to check out one of the newest food establishments in Harlem, Frizzante Italian Bistro & Bar, located on the corner of 117th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. Like most Harlemites, we wondered when this place was going to open up. After our visit, we now feel the wait was worth it.

HarlemCondoLife

Let us start off by saying, Frizzante did not disappoint. We walked in around 9 PM and most tables were taken. Our first thought was “are we in Harlem?” Where did all these people come from? We didn’t recognize anyone in the place. It immediately felt like a downtown Italian bistro in Little Italy. The layout of the place is very well done with hanging lights, big wooden tables and a beautiful corner bar showcasing numerous wine bottles.

When we were seated, paper menus were provided with the words “CASH ONLY” on it. As we quickly scanned the menu, the price point diminished the cash only aspect because most items on the menu were below $10. BONUS! We were quite impressed. Now we were thinking, the next bonus will be if the food matches or surpasses its prices. And it did!

HarlemCondoLife

We started off with Antipasto misto: proscuitto, mortadella, soppressata and capocollo served on a nice round white place; and Cuori de carciofo alla Milanese: pan seared artichoke hearts. Both starters were simple, but very tasty. The artichokes were breaded and served with lemon wedges. We sprinkled a little bit of lemon juice on top and the item tasted like you were biting into a meaty artichoke. The cured meat was wonderful as well. We liked the proscuitto and the salami-like meat. Eating the meat with the garnished type red onion gave it a kick.

HarlemCondoLife

For our dinner plates, we had the Lasagne di carne, the meat lasagna, and the Scaloppine di vitello al limone, veal in a white wine and lemon sauce. Both dishes were absolutely delicious! What we were impressed the most by was the meat lasagna. It had no cheese, but it didn’t need it. It was scrumptous without it. The veal was lean and tender. You could cut it with your fork. This dish was served with roasted potatoes, but not that many. The meat was good, but they could have provided just a tad bit more potatoes. Between the two dishes we preferred the meat lasagna. However, you cannot go wrong with either one if you decide you’re in the mood for some veal.

As for dessert, we would have ordered some. After being open for only one day they were not ready to serve dessert or liquor. Frizzante does not have their liquor license yet. Not too worry, they allowed BYOB. We went to the little bodega on the corner of 116th and FDB for some brewski. However, we saw most patrons going to The Winery, Nectar or Harlem Vintage for a bottle of vino to go along with their dinner. Those establishments had to be happy that night and will be for a while until Frizzante gets their liquor license.

HarlemCondoLife

Overall, we had a wonderful time dining at Frizzante. We saw some discombulation, but it was minor and plus Frizzante has only been open for a few days now. Between the two of us our bill was a total of about $45, not including tip. We were extremely pleased with the food and with the fact that we did not have to venture downtown and pay a ton of money for a nice Italian meal.

Frizzante Italian Bistro & Bar
2168 Frederick Douglass Boulevard
New York, NY 10026-2001
(212) 866-0525

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Dwyer Cultural Center: "Harlem Is…."

Posted on January 19, 2010 by | Leave a comment

 By NativeNewYorker

If you have not yet visited the Dwyer Cultural Center at 258 St. Nicholas Avenue, you are missing a treat.  I had walked past this new addition to Harlem several times since its opening last June, but I had not gone in until yesterday.  I spent a fascinating hour with the exhibits in this very appealing space dedicated to “preserving, celebrating and documenting Harlem’s history and traditions through exhibitions, performances, workshops and public programs…”.  The Center’s programming is done by Community Works and the current exhibit includes some amazing pieces by public school children as well as an absorbing pictorial history of Harlem’s contributions to music, both part of the award-winning “Harlem is…” series. 

In addition to its public programming, the Center provides reasonably priced, multi-media rehearsal, exhibition and performance space to local artists.  While I was there I picked up a flyer for their “Saturdays@the Dwyer” series for an event this coming Saturday that includes a performance by IMPACT Repertory Theater (a Harlem-based youth group), a visual arts workshop with Harlem resident and artist Vicki Freemont, and a documentary profiling the life of Percy Sutton, the recently deceased Harlem entrepreneur and political leader.  It starts at 2 pm and admission is free.  Go check it out!

VOICES of YOUTH

Saturday, January 23rd

2 pm – 5 pm

 

Dwyer Cultural Center

258 St. Nicholas Avenue

 at West 123rd Street

212 222-3060

info@DwyerCC.org

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Dwyer Cultural Center: “Harlem Is….”

Posted on January 19, 2010 by | Leave a comment

 By NativeNewYorker

If you have not yet visited the Dwyer Cultural Center at 258 St. Nicholas Avenue, you are missing a treat.  I had walked past this new addition to Harlem several times since its opening last June, but I had not gone in until yesterday.  I spent a fascinating hour with the exhibits in this very appealing space dedicated to “preserving, celebrating and documenting Harlem’s history and traditions through exhibitions, performances, workshops and public programs…”.  The Center’s programming is done by Community Works and the current exhibit includes some amazing pieces by public school children as well as an absorbing pictorial history of Harlem’s contributions to music, both part of the award-winning “Harlem is…” series. 

In addition to its public programming, the Center provides reasonably priced, multi-media rehearsal, exhibition and performance space to local artists.  While I was there I picked up a flyer for their “Saturdays@the Dwyer” series for an event this coming Saturday that includes a performance by IMPACT Repertory Theater (a Harlem-based youth group), a visual arts workshop with Harlem resident and artist Vicki Freemont, and a documentary profiling the life of Percy Sutton, the recently deceased Harlem entrepreneur and political leader.  It starts at 2 pm and admission is free.  Go check it out!

VOICES of YOUTH

Saturday, January 23rd

2 pm – 5 pm

 

Dwyer Cultural Center

258 St. Nicholas Avenue

 at West 123rd Street

212 222-3060

info@DwyerCC.org

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Harlem To Haiti – You Are Not Alone

Posted on January 18, 2010 by | 8 Comments

By HarlemGuy

Credit: Damon Winter / New York Times

What’s happened in Haiti is worse than we can ever know.  That is clear by the evolving footage on all media outlets including CNN (the Haiti EarthQuake Home Page) and the New York Times (must see picture gallery). For instance last night’s 60 Minutes episode provided a sobering glimpse of the state of health care delivery and aid distribution in a historically troubled nation that has been decimated by this latest calamity.   The screams of pain which I had not been hearing in previous media brought me to tears.

The coverage makes it clear perhaps for the first time for many Americans and others that Haiti is more than a mere collection of facts and figures about poverty, illiteracy, corruption, etc.  It is a real place.  A real country.  One that millions call home.  With an incredible history as well summarized by Fareed Zakaria of Newsweek fame on his show GPS this weekend.  For instance Haiti is the first and only nation in the world founded by Slaves having successfully revolted against their French slave masters and defeating Napoleon – it’s been referred to as the Vietnam War of its time.   The fight for freedom and its aftermath is well worth noting today Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Most importantly the coverage makes it clear that Haitians are resilient, strong and loving.    Being of Haitian decent I am now more proud than ever of my heritage.  There is not one day when I don’t think of my father who passed away some years back and his manner.   No matter what was thrown at him (and much was) he was always posed, serene, introspective. Almost majestic.  That vision has often given me strength in hard times.  Though none so daunting as what he faced.  Or the Haitian survivors now face.  And from which we know from Katrina will take years to “recover”, to the extent that is possible in calamities of epic proportions.

Many New Yorkers and now many worldwide know that Haitians have found homes in the Burroughs.  Brooklyn is often cited.  But what many don’t appreciate is Haiti’s connect to Harlem.

When I first moved to Harlem I initially confused the diversity of skin tone, accents, dress, etc as African.  But not until I really stopped to look, listen and interact with the community did I come to realize that Harlem is full of Haitians who live, own businesses, and shop here.  I have found this to be particular true along 116th between 7th and 8th Avenues.   Many of these people may have family and friends in Haiti and our thoughts go out to them.

So if you live in Harlem please take a moment if you have not yet done so to learn more about the people who live and work in it.  Let them know you care.  If they are a merchant spend some money.  Let them know you care on a personal level.  Doing so is part and parcel of the spirit that is Harlem.  A large diverse community of people who care for one another, and their collective futures.

If you know of a business in Harlem that is owned and operated in Harlem, please let us and our readers know so that we can let them know that we are here for them.  That they are not alone.

The following Michael Jackson Classic You Are Not Alone came to me as I wrapped up this post.   Click here to hear on iTunes.

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The Winery in Harlem is moving

Posted on January 16, 2010 by | 6 Comments

HarlemCondoLife

By HarlemGal
Due to a change in rent and needing more space, The Winery, which is currently located at Frederick Douglass Blvd. between 116th and 117th Street, is moving to 257 West 116th Street. Work is happening now on the new space in order for the move to be completed in about a week. Product offering will remain the same. The only things that are changing is location and the awning. When you come out of the B and C train at 116th, you will see the new Winery location on the northeast corner of 116th Street.

The Winery (new location)
257 West 116th Street
New York, NY 10026
info@thewineryonline.com

HarlemCondoLife

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Harlem's Frizzante Italian Bistro opens….finally

Posted on January 15, 2010 by | 9 Comments

By HarlemGal

HarlemCondoLife

UPDATE: Click here to read review on food!

After many, many months of restaurant furniture sitting inside a nicely designed corner space, a naked bar and teasing windows for Harlemites to peak in, Frizzante Italian Bistro & Bar has finally opened its doors at the corner of 117th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. Last night (Thursday, January 14) was their first night of business in Harlem.
I tried chatting with the gentlemen on site today to get the chisme on who is behind this new restaurant, which, in our view, supports our claim that from 110th Street to 125th on Frederick Douglass Blvd. it is slowly and surely becoming the restaurant row of Harlem. The gentlemen declined to comment on who is the investor(s). They only said “why don’t you come over tonight and try our food; and blog about that? I responded: “I will certainly do that.”

HarlemCondoLife

Now we have to wait and see what happens with the other new restaurant opening up near 67 Orange on FDB. The place is slowing coming together. Either way, the more dining establishments in Harlem the better.

See you at Frizzante in Harlem!

Frizzante Italian Bistro & Bar
2168 Frederick Douglass Boulevard
New York, NY 10026-2001
(212) 866-0525

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