Author Archives: harlemguy

Night out with your EveryBlock Harlem neighbors Monday, February 27 from 6-9pm

Image representing EveryBlock as depicted in C...

Image via CrunchBase

Want to meet and mingle with some of your EveryBlock neighbors offline? Stop by Dinosaur BBQ (700 W. 125th St at 12th) on Monday, February 27 from 6-9pm.

Catch up with concerned and active neighbors, chat with your EveryBlock NYC community coordinator, while enjoying a drink and sliders. Let’s be better neighbors by working together to improve our blocks and community! Feel free to bring a friend along for this neighborhood get-together!

RSVP by emailing sarah@everyblock.com by Friday, February 24th.

Pledge Your Support for the Harlem Art Festival

The mission of the HarlemArtsFestival is to produce an annual multi-disciplinary arts festival in June of each year at the newly renovated Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park, free and open to the public, showcasing local performers and visual artists to inspire and nourish the artistic community in Harlem.

This year’s festival is set to take place on Friday and Saturday, on June 29th and 30th!

They seek artists from all disciplines to apply via their  website and submit their work, where a committee of established artistic presenters from Harlem with backgrounds in music, dance, theater, and visual arts will help select the artists that will perform each year.

This project will be part of Harlem’s addition to the larger, citywide commitment to provide free art in the public parks during the spring and summer months.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS & JOINT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

“This annual multidisciplinary event, the Harlem Arts Festival, will highlight the value of the arts to our city and the community. It is in true Harlem fashion to provide entertainment and enlightenment to visitors and residents alike. The Harlem Arts Festival is a fitting addition to the rich artistic history and cultural splendor that is so intrinsic in our community.”

- Senator Bill Perkins

They have already received pledged support from the following individuals and organizations from within the community, and would love your support too:

• Clyde Valentin: Executive Director of the Hip Hop Theater Festival
• Grace Aneiza Ali: President of Of Note Magazine Associate Director of the Dwyer Cultural Center
• Harlem Park to Park
• Homer E. Cook: Community Outreach Coordinator for the Global Technology Preparatory School & The NYC Department of Education
• Jan Willem Van Bergen: Board Member Adarsh Alphons Project
• Larry Scott Blackmon: Deputy Commissioner of Community Outreach, City of New York & Recreation
• Lawrence Rodriguez: Executive Director of Casa Frela Gallery
• Laura Greer: Programming Director from The Apollo
• Saundra Heath: Executive Director of Heath Gallery
• Senator Bill Perkins: New York State Senate, 30th District
• Simone Eccleston: Programming and Arts Education Manager of Harlem Stage
• Sidney Grant: Artistic Director at Ballroom Basix

Pledge you support on Kickstarter today!

Apply to participate today!

5th on the Park Signs Most Contracts in Harlem in 2011

New York, NY – February 1, 2012 – Halstead Property Development Marketing today announced that 5thon the Park, a new, full-service residential high rise on Upper Fifth Avenue, signed a total of 41 contracts throughout 2011, the most out of any new development property in Harlem.

Halstead Property Development Marketing represented seven of the top 10 new developments with the most contracts signed in Harlem in 2011, including runner-up 88 Morningside with 38; followed by 2280 FDB with 31 and PS90 with 30. Gateway Towers, Windows on 123 and Parkside Flats made up the final three with 17, 13 and 12 signed contracts respectively.

“This data reflects the value many buyers see in 5th on the Park,” said Stephen G. Kliegerman, president of Halstead Property Development Marketing. “With the combination of a first rate sales team and thedevelopment’s intelligent design, luxurious amenities and prime location, we expect to maintain a brisk sales pace in 2012.”

Located at 1485 Fifth Avenue, 5th on the Park is a 28-story shimmering glass tower on the corner of 120th Street directly across from historic Mount Morris Park. The remaining units consist of spacious studios, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, many with private outdoor space, ranging in size from 568 to 2,386 square feet and in price from $395,000 to $1,725,000. Immediate occupancy is available for purchasers.

5th on the Park provides residents with the pinnacle of amenities, including a state-of-the art gym and a 55-foot indoor, heated lap pool, which have an adjacent outdoor terrace and sun deck overlooking Central Park and the Manhattan Skyline. For further relaxation and entertainment, there is an additional outdoor common terrace, entertaining areas and resident lounge with catering kitchen, as well as a children’s playroom. The development also provides a 24-hour concierge service, on-site, elevator-accessed valet parking and bicycle storage.

Homes at 5th on the Park combine striking interiors with the finest materials to provide a harmonious living space.  Each pet-friendly residence features five-inch engineered cherry wood floors; 9’ to 10’ 6’’ ceilings; floor-to-ceiling double-paned windows; a washer and dryer in each unit; custom designed closets; and central air conditioning.

Italian designer kitchens are purpose-built for everything from everyday meals to entertaining with style.The chef-inspired spaces feature:  GE Monogram and KitchenAid stainless steel appliances; absolute black granite countertops and flooring; European cherry wood cabinets with frosted glass accents; task lighting; under-counter stainless sinks; sleek Kohler fixtures; bar-style counters; and distinct dining areas. Baths are highlighted by: honed cream-colored marble floors and walls; soaking tubs; and glass-enclosed showers.

The top 10 properties with the most signed contracts in Harlem in 2011 are: 5th on the Park at 1485 Fifth Avenue with 41; 88 Morningside at 88 Morningside Avenue with 38; 2280 FDB at 2280 Frederick Douglass Boulevard with 31; PS90 at 220 West 148th Street with 30; Apex at 2300 Frederick Douglass Boulevard with 23; Pascal at 333 East 109th Street with 22; Embelesar 118 at 152 East 118th Street with 19; Gateway Towers at 2098 Frederick Douglass Boulevard with 17; Windows on 123 at 117 West 123rdStreet with 13; and Parkside Flats at 362 St. Nicholas Avenue with 12 signed contracts.

For floor plans or information regarding listings, please visit: http://www.halsteadpdm.com or http://www.5thonthepark.com/.  To make an appointment, please call: (212) 348-5353

Harlem Delivers Dollars For Obama’s Re-Election Campaign

On his recent visit to Harlem’s Apollo theatre, our commander in chief raked in a reported $3 million, thanks to a range of event ticket prices, starting at $100.00

Unlike prior events, this year’s event saw a full house of diverse people.  The president touched on health care, jobs, eliminating “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and public education. He highlighted his first term achievements and vision for a second term.

“I know that some of the change folks wanted hasn’t come as fast as people hoped for. I know that after all the stuff that has gone on in Washington, it’s tempting sometimes to just say, you know what, it’s not possible; the system’s broken; we give up. That’s tempting. But remember what I used to say in the last campaign. I said this-I repeated it over and over again: Real change, big change-it’s hard. It takes time. It takes more than a single term. It takes more than a single president.”

State Sen. Bill Perkins, Rep. Charlie Rangel, Assemblyman Keith Wright and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand attended, among others.

NAACP New York State Conference President and stalwart Black community activist Hazel Dukes has been an outspoken supporter of the president.  She called his visit “historic,” as he is the first sitting president to visit the Apollo.

“This was accessible and the price was right. It was the right thing to do at the right time,” Dukes said. “It was a diverse group. It lifts the spirit when he gets out of his bubble and meets the people. We know what is happening in the body of politics and we understand he could not change everything he wanted to change.”

* If you are not already, please follow us on twitter @  HarlemCondoLif  (minus the “e”)

UPDATE: Thank You Morningsider Blog For Covering HarlemCondoLife

The Morningsider Blog was recently covered in the The New York Times in December, and announced as much on their Blog.  In doing so they were gracious enough to mentiong HarlemCondoLife as one of the many blogs in Harlem that highlight civic activities, cultural happenings, new retailers, and entertainment choices in the area.

Excerpt:

“Today, we wanted to introduce a few of our favorite Harlem blogs that are must-reads before your next trip uptown (or around the corner)!  Combined, the blog network is sure to provide a wonderful guide to experience the diversity of living Uptown in the New Year.”

HarlemCondoLife

Described as “your gateway to Harlem,” HarlemCondoLife was founded by five Harlem newbies who moved to the neighborhood to seek new experiences. Today, Harlem Guy, NativeNewYorker, and Icare4Harlem, HarlemHouse still post regularly about their lives in Harlem from a variety of perspectives and first-hand accounts.

HarlemCondoLife frequently posts job opportunitiesreal estate newsrestaurant reviews, and polls, all of which help readers interact and learn about what’s popular among Harlem-enthusiasts. HarlemCondoLife also provides some intellectual stimulation by posting motivational quotationsbook reviews, and playlists and podcasts.

If you’re looking for Harlem news and inspiration, we suggest starting here: http://harlemcondolife.com/. 

The full story.

Thank you for including HarlemCondoLife.

And to all our readers, a safe and happy new year.

The 75 things New Yorkers talked about in 2011 include Harlem!

As we close out 2011, the New York Times reports that Harlem was one of the 75 things New Yorkers talked about in 2011. 

The top 10 were:

1. The G.O.P. debates. The best reality TV show not on Bravo.

2. The best moment of the debates: “Oops.”

3. The second-best moment of the debates: Ron Paul’s errant eyebrow.

4. Regis Philbin calls it quits after 28 years.

5. Kim Kardashian calls it quits after 72 days.

6. Adele.

7. Kate Middleton’s wedding dress (by Sarah Burton): Grace Kelly reborn.

8. Princess Beatrice’s fascinator (by Philip Treacy). Laugh if you will, but it raised $131,000 for charity.

9. Pippa Middleton’s derrière (by nature). The backside that launched a thousand paparazzi shots.

10. The D.S.K. whiplash. He’s guilty! No, he’s innocent! Hey, maybe he’s guilty after all.

A little christmas blues tune from HarlemCondoLife

HarlemCondoLife would like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and  Happy Hannukah.

In the spirit of the holiday we would like to share some holiday cheer in the form of a smokey chi-town-style rendition of “Merry Christmas Baby” from a loyal reader in Chicago.

There are two songs.  Press play, sit back and enjoy.

Help Wanted: Chez Lucienne is hiring kitchen staff

Chez Lucienne is Harlem’s first authentic french bistro.  They are hiring one line cook and one salad person needed to start asap.
Please bring resumes in person and be prepared for interview.   Ask for  Seydou, carlos or fidel.
Location:  308 Malcolm X blvd between 125th st and 126th st. friday through monday from 11 am to 6 pm. They are willing to train motivated people.
  • Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
  • Please, no phone calls about this job!
  • Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

If you have help wanted opportunities please let us know.

Help Wanted Signs: Harlem

Dominos Pizza on 111th and 8th (using old skool vernacular) has a “Help Wanted) sign posted in the window.

Perhaps it’s a sign of a growing economy. Regardless, it’s a good opportunity during hard times.

If you see or are offering any local opportunities, tell HarlemCondoLife, so we can spread the word.

Harlem on edge but undeterred after shooting on Harlem’s Restaurant Row

The Daily News has a good story the recent shooting on what HarlemCondoLife first coined as Harlem’s Restaurant Row.

The story does a good job of balancing the facts, including the corridor’s vibrancy, on which we’ve reported for years.

We were pleased to see that many of the highlights are topics we’ve covered.

Most importantly, we are fully committed on bringing you the news on the best of Harlem.

Excerpt:

  • “Harlem’s Frederick Douglass Blvd. is booming with luxury condos and trendy restaurants – making it all the more shocking to residents and merchants when a woman was hit by a stray bullet there last weekend.”
  • “In addition to the luxury condos and apartments, the corner of W. 116th St. and Frederick Douglass Blvd. boasts popular beer garden, Harlem Tavern and a new butcher shop, Harlem Shambles, known for offering grass fed meats.”
  • There’s even a ‘Green Cart’ on the corner that sells fresh fruits and vegetables. The stretch along Frederick Douglass Blvd. between W. 110th and W. 125th Sts. has even been referred to as ‘restaurant row’ for its selection ranging from the swanky Chocolat to Lido, an italian restaurant.”

For more read: Harlem on edge after shooting on rising block   – NY Daily News.

Tree Lighting Today In Morningside Park In Harlem

Friends of Morningside Park: Home Page.

CHOCOLAT Restaurant – Wise Words From Its Owner

Chocolat is a restaurant and lounge that opened in November of 2010.   It has become a major dining spot in Harlem (120th Street & Frederick Douglas Blvd).  Moca Lounge, Chocolat’s sister spot, is right across the street.  The name came about because the owner Leon Ellis loves chocolate.

Leon is of Jamaican descent has a degree in Food Science & Nutrition from Tuske gee University and also studied Agriculture.   He is an entrepreneur.  Leon also owns Harlem Underground; a clothing, T-shirt store that specializes in personalized embroidery on 125th Street.  Leon is also about to open Honeycomb Burger just next door to Chocolat which will employ another 40 workers. “Five years from now I see myself with a minimum of 10 restaurants in urban areas. I see us employing a couple hundred employees. I want to run well established restaurants. I am open to possibilities. In this business, its not about me, its how you affect people’s lives, its about making a mark.”

Below are a few quotes from a recent interview of Lean Ellis:
  • “Our demographic is that of urban, educated professionals and people who fall within that demographic, anyone from 21 to 60. We attract a varied cross-section of these people and our menu reflect that,” noted Leon. “Its very interested how guests react when they discover that this establishment is Black owned. People take it personally. People of Caribbean descent take a personal liking to the restaurant. That makes me feel great. It sends chills to my body, because of the reputation that we cannot work together. Once they know that we are Black owned, they turn out in droves. I’m very happy about that. People come from all over the country; Houston, Dallas and Washington. They feel an amazing sense of pride, and, they want us to open similar restaurants in their towns. Of course, that would take a tremendous amount of planning and financial resources to do that. It makes me feel there is a significant level of contentment and success of our people feeling great about themselves. It shows the possibilities of holding each other and working together – its open.” Leon spoke on instances where mothers and elders emphasize to their young that this restaurant is OWNED by Black people. “That’s the message, we impact people’s lives. We are changing and impacting their thought process – If you work hard and be humble in everything you do, you can achieve success.”
  • “This is an emerging area in Harlem, it was designated to be `Restaurant Row’ on the west side, with the resurgence that started in Harlem. We were the first to open in the vicinity, because nobody wanted to come over here. When we came it was nothing, people thought we’d lost our minds when we opened cause it was not a pretty sight,” recalled Leon. “We started Restaurant Row and now business is good. I think because, as I said, when people realized its Black owned, they took it personally. Every other ethnic group hire their own, so we feel we have to hire people in our community. That’s a role we play in our community, its our responsibility.”
  • “We over extend ourselves in delivering services and we take service very seriously. The food is great but the service is more important. The staff is trained to give customers the highest level of respect. We immediately let our guests know its not just the food; its the overall experience.”

Chocolat seats 120.  It is open for lunch, brunch and dinner seven days a week. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays.   The restaurant serves until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Author Daniel Black Reading and Talk – YouTube

Author Daniel Black Readings from his latest novel: Twelve Gates to the City in Harlem NY December 9th 2011 at the Hue-man Book Store & Cafe

Twelve Gates to the City is the sequel to Black’s debut They Tell Me of a Home.  Sister assumes the voice of the narrator from the spirit realm telling her brother TL things he could have never known about their family.

Buy On Amazon

UPDATE: HarlemCondoLife featured in French magazine A Nous’ special travel edition

UPDATE: The piece also features fellow blog HarlemTrends

By HarlemGuy | HarlemCondoLife

HarlemCondoLife is featured in A Nous Magazine‘s annual travel edition A Nous Cities.  A Nous is based in France.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A Nous reporters traveled to Berlin, Istanbul, La Havane, Liverpool, Londres, Milan, New York, Odessa, Phnom Penh, Stockholm, Tallinn and Yalta in search of what’s new.

Their visit to New York City focussed on the renaissance of the “quartier” of Harlem.  During their visit reporter Murielle Bachelier elected to contact HarlemCondoLife.

The piece covers a variety of people and places.  HarlemCondoLife has it’s own section as the featured blog.  The piece includes some of HarlemCondoLife’s recommended hot spots.

To read the article, click here and go to page 26.

Core real estate will handle 1280 Fifth in East Harlem

According to the Real Deal, East Harlem’s new 116-unit tower on Central Park, 1280 Fifth Avenue will be marketed through Core, which is featured on HGTV’s Selling New York.

The edifice was built to complement its next door neighbor, the Museum for African Art,  and launched sales in October 2010.

Prices at the Robert A.M. Stern-designed building, between 109th and 110th streets, range from $595,000 to approximately $3.25 million, according to Core.

The amenity-rich tower offers studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom pads, as well as penthouse units — some as large as 2,118 square feet. Tom Postilio, Natalie Rakowski, Parul Brahmbhatt of Core will be handling sales for the building, under the direction of Core CEO Shaun Osher.