Tag Archives: 116th Street

Lunch at Harlem Tavern

Posted on August 18, 2011 by | 7 Comments

Harlem Tavern

By Icare4Harlem

I didn’t go to Harlem Tavern on the opening night as it was just too packed.  After passing by on several occasions, I finally ventured in to enjoy a mid-afternoon lunch.  Well, I couldn’t have picked a better time as the service was great and my meal was cooked to perfection.  When I spoke with the server, it appears that the restaurant has made numerous changes since it opened in early July.  With a condensed menu, the kitchen is now able to concentrate on maintaining consistency and will gradually introduce new dishes.

Restaurants in this neighborhood seem to come and go. Those that remain open have accomplished a challenging task—accommodating the varying palates in this blended community.  My outdoor dining experience with Harlem Tavern was a pleasant surprise and I look forward to returning to an expanded menu.

Harlem Tavern

2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

New York, NY

212-866-4500

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Posted in Harlem, Harlem Condo Life, HCL, Restaurant Reviews, restaurants

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Shoe Repairs and More In Harlem

Posted on July 10, 2011 by | 1 Comment

Rodriguez Shoe Repair

By Icare4Harlem

As I waited for the bus on Lenox Ave. and 116th St., I realized there was one more errand to complete for an upcoming trip.  I had just about given up on getting a shoulder strap shortened, when a small shoe repair store sandwiched between two larger buildings came into focus.  I had been at the bus stop several times before but never noticed the store.  So I darted across the street, entered the tiny establishment, and made my request.  Knowing that my flight was in a couple of hours, I didn’t think the job could be completed with such short notice.  To my surprise and delight the owner, Mr. Rodriguez, immediately had his assistant address the task.  True to the posted sign, “Fast Service While You Wait” the alteration was completed with excellent results and I was on my way to board the next M116 bus.

Mr. Rodriguez

There are still many small businesses in Harlem that are able to provide wonderful goods and services.  I will continue to support these independent merchants to maintain the diversity in this rapidly changing neighborhood.

Additional Products

Rodriguez Shoe Repair

102 W. 116th St. & Lenox Ave.

New York, NY

212-222-3819

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Posted in business, Harlem, HarlemCondoLife

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A(nother) Building Grows On Harlem’s Gold Coast / Restaurant Row

Posted on July 3, 2011 by | 1 Comment

 

By HarlemGuy                                                                                                                                       I continue to be surprised by the pace of development in Harlem, in particular on what is now well-known as the Gold Coast / Restaurant Row.   Which is why this new construction sprouting on what is now the remaining half of the Garden of Love at 116th between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and Morningside Avenue – and directly across the street from Harlem Tavern, caught my eye.

What new manner of residential or commercial  enterprise will appear here we can only imagine.

We would love to hear from you if you know anything.

 

 

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Posted in Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, HCL, New York

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A(nother) Building Grows On Harlem's Gold Coast / Restaurant Row

Posted on July 3, 2011 by | 1 Comment

 

By HarlemGuy                                                                                                                                       I continue to be surprised by the pace of development in Harlem, in particular on what is now well-known as the Gold Coast / Restaurant Row.   Which is why this new construction sprouting on what is now the remaining half of the Garden of Love at 116th between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and Morningside Avenue – and directly across the street from Harlem Tavern, caught my eye.

What new manner of residential or commercial  enterprise will appear here we can only imagine.

We would love to hear from you if you know anything.

 

 

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Posted in Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, HCL, New York

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Harlem Tavern coming June 2011

Posted on April 17, 2011 by | 4 Comments

By Austin2Harlem
I was running errands today (April 17th) and look what I saw!!! I think this sign says it all! Let’s hope they really mean it regarding the June opening date! That would be a perfect time to open the place since temperatures should be just right! Stay tuned Harlemites!

20110417-123743.jpg

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Posted in Bars, Commercial Real Estate, Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, HCL, new restaurants, New York, restaurants

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Warmer weather to come in Harlem?

Posted on March 12, 2011 by | 2 Comments

By Austin2Harlem
On Friday, I witnessed a hopeful sign of warmer weather to come…the return of the fruit vendor and ice cream truck together!

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Posted in Community Events, Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, HCL

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Aloha Spirit in Harlem

Posted on March 8, 2011 by | 4 Comments

Makana Restaurant

By Icare4Harlem

Some folks might wonder what’s a Hawaiian/Japanese restaurant doing in East Harlem?  As Harlem becomes more diversified, why not?  I had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners of Makana Hawaiian & Japanese BBQ, Dave Chan.  He certainly exuded the Aloha Spirit that I enjoyed when I lived in Hawaii.

Dave Chan, Co-Owner

My expectations were a little guarded as I attempted to imagine just how this modest eatery would introduce island food to the locals.  Well, I think Dave, hit the spot.  Realizing that you have to bridge the gap, his menu reflects a variety of Sushi and Sashimi items, Bento Boxes, Lunch Plates, Noodle Soups, and appetizers such as Ahi Poke and Spam Musubi.  Yes, I said, Spam.  Anyone who has traveled to Hawaii knows that Spam is everywhere.

I decided to try one of my favorite dishes, BBQ Beef Short Ribs.  It came with “1 scoop rice,” salad, the ribs, and macaroni salad.

BBQ Beef Short Ribs

The ribs were a slightly different take from the ones in Hawaii but equally as flavorful.  I was eager to see how the mac salad was going to be served as it’s traditionally a little macaroni with tons of mayonnaise.  Would this heart attack inducing ingredient appear on my plate?  I was pleased to see that they used discretion and reduced the amount of whipped oil.  As I glanced over to another table, a party of 5 appeared to have enjoyed their meal since the Chicken Katsu and Island Curry Chicken Bento Boxes were left empty.

The restaurant has been opened for about 6 months and the majority of Makana’s sales are takeout or delivery but there are a few tables and a small counter for eating in.  Located just off of 116th St. and 1st Avenue, Dave sees his restaurant as serving the established population and new residents.  His close proximity to the East River Plaza which houses Costco, Target, Old Navy, and many more stores, has already increased his delivery service.

Island Scenes

With an eye on expanding to other locations in Harlem, this restaurant is a great introduction to Hawaiian food.  Bring on the Furikake Chicken, Haupia Chocolate Pie, and Malasadas!

Makana Hawaiian & Japanese BBQ

2245 1st Ave. (Bet. 115 & 116 St.)

New York, NY 10029

212-966-3534 or 212-966-3609

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Posted in Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, HCL, New York, Restaurant Reviews, restaurants

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Wonderful weather compliments success of Harlem Harvest Festival and Fresh Food Summit

Posted on October 10, 2010 by | Leave a comment

By HarlemGal
This past week my fellow blogger, NativeNewYorker, told you about the Harlem Harvest Festival and Fresh Food Summit taking place on October 9. Did you check it out? We did and enjoyed the event very much! The vegetable and pumpkin stands were hit – in my view. And Harlem Park to Park and Harlem 4 Center for Change did an outstanding job putting this event together. A big thank you to them for organizing the Harlem Harvest Festival. We look forward to attending next Fall!

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Posted in Art and Culture, Community Events, Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, HCL, Photography

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Harlem Harvest Festival “FRESH FOOD SUMMIT” This Saturday

Posted on October 6, 2010 by | 4 Comments

 

By NativeNewYorker

Harlem suffers from a paucity of choices for fresh foods and vegetables and an abundance of fast food options – a combination sometimes referred to as a ”food desert.”  The Harlem4 Center for Change, a community-based not-for-profit organization, is spearheading a coalition of groups in a “Food Movement” to address this issue.  Join them this Saturday, October 9th, for THE HARLEM HARVEST FESTIVAL FRESH FOOD SUMMIT.   Events occur at a variety of locations in the Frederick Douglass-Adam Clayton Powell corridor between 115th and 118th.  For more information and to register, check out the H4 website.

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Posted in Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, Community Events, HCL

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Harlem Harvest Festival "FRESH FOOD SUMMIT" This Saturday

Posted on October 6, 2010 by | 4 Comments

 

By NativeNewYorker

Harlem suffers from a paucity of choices for fresh foods and vegetables and an abundance of fast food options – a combination sometimes referred to as a ”food desert.”  The Harlem4 Center for Change, a community-based not-for-profit organization, is spearheading a coalition of groups in a “Food Movement” to address this issue.  Join them this Saturday, October 9th, for THE HARLEM HARVEST FESTIVAL FRESH FOOD SUMMIT.   Events occur at a variety of locations in the Frederick Douglass-Adam Clayton Powell corridor between 115th and 118th.  For more information and to register, check out the H4 website.

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Posted in Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, Community Events, HCL

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Harlem merchant association kicks-off Oktoberfest

Posted on September 30, 2010 by | 3 Comments

By HarlemGal

Have no clue how to celebrate Oktoberfest in Harlem?  Look to Harlem Park to Park to assist. They offer plenty of options starting tomorrow (October 1)! Harlem Park to Park Initiative is a merchants association formed in 2009 to encourage and sustain commerce throughout the upper part of Manhattan, known as Harlem.

From October 1 to October 31 it is Restaurant and Retail Month where participating restaurants will offer three course prix fixe menus. Local shops that are participating in Oktoberfest in Harlem will offer select retail items for $20.10. Harlem Park to Park is co-hosting the Harlem Harvest Festival October 9 at St. Nicholas Avenue and 116th Street. And on October 28th end the fest with a Harlem Restaurant and Bar Crawl along 8th Avenue, i.e. Frederick Douglass Blvd.

So there are plenty of options to celebrate Oktoberfest in Harlem. I definitely plan to partake in one or more of these events. Hope to see you around!

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Posted in Bars, Community Events, Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, HCL, New York, restaurants

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Stay Connected Via Cell In Harlem Subway Stops

Posted on August 18, 2010 by | Leave a comment

By HarlemGuy

AM New York recently conducted a study to determine which subway stops are best suited to carrying your cell phone signal underground.  HarlemCondoLife (HCL) is pleased to report that Harlem stations made the grade as noted below IN BOLD.  

  • No. 1:
    • 14th Street, 34th Street, Times Square, 59th street, 66th street, 72nd street, 110th street, 116th street, 137th street, 145th street, 157th street, 191st Street
  • No. 2/3:
    • (Brooklyn) Hoyt Street, Nevins Street, Atlantic Avenue, (Manhattan) 96th street, 125th street
  • No. 3:
    • 145th Street
  • No. 4/5:
    • Wall Street, Fulton Street
  • No. 6:
    • Canal Street, Bleecker Street, Astor Place, 23rd Street, 28th Street, 51st Street, 59th Street, 103th Street, 110th Street, 116th Street
  • A:
    • Columbus Circle
  • C:
    • 135th Street
  • E:
    • 34th Street, 42nd Street, 50th Street, (Queens) Jamaica Van Wyck
  • F:
    • 23rd Street, (Queens) Jamaica 179 Street
  • J:
    • Chambers Street
  • N:
    • Prince Street, 28th Street
  • R:
    • City Hall, Prince Street, 8th Street, 28th Street, 34th Street

Please post a comment letting us know your findings.

One more reason why “Harlem is Where It’s At” (TM).

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Posted in Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, HCL, New York

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Lenox Avenue corner in Harlem becoming a pharmacy?

Posted on August 11, 2010 by | 4 Comments

By HarlemGal
Has anyone noticed the construction taking place on the southwest corner of Lenox Avenue and 116th Street? This was another interesting tidbit I stumbled across over the weekend, however, not as interesting to date as the sales rep at 2280 FDB talking about Busboys and Poets moving into their space.
The sign says it’s becoming a pharmacy. Does anyone know if it’s going to be a locally owned pharmacy or one of those mammoth businesses, such as a CVS or Walgreens? It had all those stapled notices on the plywood, but I don’t know how to read or interpret all those legal fliers. Does anyone know what’s up? Diganos!

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Posted in Commercial Real Estate, Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, HCL, New York

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HARLEM / DELIVERY & TAKE-OUT

Posted on July 22, 2010 by | 5 Comments

by HarlemHouse

HARLEM / DELIVERY & TAKE-OUT

When I first relocated to the lower West part of Harlem pre “condo rush” days many years ago, one of the things I noticed was that very few restaurants delivered to my area. Working late hours and not being much of a cook this was a problem and I would often bring home food from my work location on the train.

One of the few restaurants that would deliver was Famiglia and I lived off that menu for months. There is only so much Pizza and Lasagna that you can eat. As the year went on a couple more places started to deliver to my building like Flor De Mayo, Kitchenette, Ollie’s just to name a few. I can remember literally negotiating with the manager of many restaurants pleading for delivery to FDB area. I was amazed the other day when I noticed the amount of menus in my kitchen drawer had grown into an impressive healthy stack!  A major improvement from my old reliable first delivery menu “Famiglia Pizzeria” to well over fifty menus. Not only are there many choices now but so many different varieties. Like good Thai (Thai Market), Indian (Indus Valley), Italian (V&T & Piatto d’Oro & Frizzante), Seafood (Questan’s), Greek, (Symposium.. NOTE: they only deliver to lower FDB & only if they are not busy), American/Comfort Food (Kitchenette), Soul food (Sylvia’s, Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too, Amy Ruth’s, & Melba’s for take-out), Ethiopian (Zoma), Spanish (Lolita’s, Tropical Sensation, El Aguila, Blockheads & more), African/French (Les Ambassades Boulangerie-Patisserie-Cafe), Chinese (Empire Corner, Ollie’s & too many other’s to list) Jamaican (Under D Tree), Vegetarian/Vegan (Strictly Roots Inc), Deli’s (Park West, European, & Tom’s just to name a few) and Pizza (Famiglia’s, Pizzeria 123, Papa Johns, & Giovanni’s)

With more and more Restaurants opening up monthly here in Harlem our choices and varieties will only continue to grow. Though I prefer to go out to dinner, and whenever time prevails I do, it’s also great for us non-cooks to have a variety of options for “in home dining”

NOTE: Sylvia’s now also Delivers.

What would be great next would be a 24 hour Deli with basic good food. Any entrepreneurs out there reading this?

Bon appetit!

*Please visit HarlemCondoLife’s “RESTAURANT SECTION” to see detailed information for many of these Restaurant’s.

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Posted in Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, Restaurant Reviews, restaurants

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Target set to open in East Harlem

Posted on June 28, 2010 by | 8 Comments

By HarlemGal
The last Sunday of July 2010 is the day Target, a major consumer good store in the U.S., is opening it’s ba-gillionth location in East Harlem in the East River Plaza, which sits at the far east end of East 116th Street. The exact date is July 25th according to this sign being hung up today at the 116th subway stop of the B/C line.
Together with Target opening soon and Costco and Best Buy already operational, the only shops left to open are Marshalls, Old Navy and Pet Smart. Did I leave anyone out?
To date, we have shopped at Costco in East Harlem. We have gone to Costco mainly for bulk paper goods. We find Costco useful for this type of goods cause we experience long term savings and these are the only items we are passionate about in making room in the apartment, but not much else. We don’t have the room.
As for Target, I am looking forward to shopping there! I really like their clothes. They have cute stuff for women! And there kitchen ware is not bad either. I generally like to buy Calphalon at Target. It’s much less there than at places, such as William Sonoma.
Amid Target opening in East Harlem soon, there is really no reason to head to the outer boroughs to shop. I believe we have all that we need right here in Harlem!

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Posted in Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, HCL

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