Tag Archives: 116th Street

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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Harlem’s LAUNDROMAT PROJECT: Wash clothes, Make Art, Build Community

Posted on June 14, 2010 by | Leave a comment

By NativeNewYorker

Something really neat is happening every Sunday in the Laundry Room at 143 West 116th St (between Lenox & ACP Aves).  The Laundromat Project, a community-based non-profit arts organization, sponsors art workshops where local residents can create their own art.  The “drop in” workshops are taught by professional artists on everything from solar printing to sidewalk painting. The Laundromat Project is committed to the idea that “creativity is a central component of healthy human beings, vibrant neighborhoods, and thriving economies”, and so they bring art education to community members in their own neighborhoods - all ages and levels of experience are welcome.   The Art Workshops are scheduled from 12-3pm every Sunday.  Yesterday, Maya Valladares taught participants how to create original designs and print them on fabrics.  Stop by next Sunday for bookmaking with Shani Peters.  The workshops are held every week through October.  A detailed schedule can be found on their website, along with information about how to volunteer or support the project.

The Laundromat Project

Works in Progress Art Workshop Schedule
12 – 3pm every Sunday, May 23 – Oct 20, 2010
At the Laundry Room, 143 West 116th St (between Lenox & ACP Avenues)

Suggested donation: $4 but no one is turned away if they are unable to pay

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A Little French and Italian Café in Harlem

Posted on June 1, 2010 by | 1 Comment

SpaHa Cafe

By Icare4Harlem

I read previous reviews about SpaHa and decided to check out the restaurant myself.  I would agree with most comments that the place is cute and quaint.  Yes, it is small but that also adds to the coziness of this French/Italian café.  When you enter, every bit of counter space is filled with goodies that would please a variety of palates.

Fat Free Squares

Hand Made Caramel

Seating Area with WiFi

However, behind the counter I expected to see many types of breads but unfortunately they had sold out of almost everything. Now, that could also be a good sign.  After all, it was late in the afternoon and I didn’t know if they were transitioning into an evening menu.  So I simply selected a ½ portion of Turkey and Swiss cheese on a French baguette.  It was not hard or dry, as noted by a previous reviewer, and contained all the trimmings.   Since I was only looking for a light bite I then moved on to something sweet.  There were pies, cupcakes, tarts, an assortment of other desserts, and fat free Rice Krispies squares.

Although the items were not perfectly uniform as you would find in a large store emphasizing quantity, I rather enjoyed seeing the less conforming red velvet cupcakes supporting each other in the food display case.  Presentation does account for successful marketing but it doesn’t mean that products have to have that template appearance.  I finally chose the hand made caramels.  Soft and more rich than sweet, it was a perfect finish to my savory snack.

SpaHa is a business that supports the local community, environment, and social issues through its presence and bringing together people in a warm and friendly setting.  I hope they will continue to be a part of Harlem.

SpaHa Café

1872 Lexington Ave. (116th St.)

212-427-1707

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Grab a Bite at El Aguila in Spanish Harlem

Posted on April 28, 2010 by | 1 Comment

Harlem Condo Life

By Icare4Harlem

When I first moved into Harlem, I remember surfacing from the No. 6 train station on 116th St. and noticed a “Hershey’s Ice Cream” store sign.  I must admit that I never stopped in but it wasn’t long before the store closed.  Then a hot dog eatery moved in, only to succumb to the high risks associated with the food industry.  In mid 2009, a new restaurant appeared and I’m pleased to say that the business is coming around to the one year mark.

Initially, when they opened, I had passed by many times and finally decided to give it a try.  I ordered two soft shell tacos which turned out to be perfect for a quick snack and very affordable.

Fast forward……After working late one night and too tired to cook, I wondered if anything had changed since my first visit.  I can happily report that business was busy, lively music abounded, and my tostadas hit the spot!  It was a pleasure to see the mixture of people patronizing this restaurant.  In my opinion, food is a universal bond that opens the doors to other cultures.

El Aguila is located at 137 E. 116 St. (NW corner of Lexington and 116th St.)  It is opened 24 hours and serves a variety of Mexican dishes.  You can order single items or full plates.  Fresh juices in large glass vats provide a refreshing relief from those hot summer days.  There are also pastries and desserts to compliment your meal.  If you’re unfamiliar with some of the dishes on the menu, don’t worry, the staff will readily assist you.

I’m always delighted to see a business succeed, especially in these times.  Running a restaurant is an additional challenge.  So hats off to El Aguila as you approach your first milestone!

137 E. 116 St., NY 10029

917-519-1709

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Posted in Harlem, HarlemCondoLife, Restaurant Reviews, restaurants

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What's up with Stephanie in Central Harlem?

Posted on April 16, 2010 by | 4 Comments

HarlemCondoLife

By HarlemGal

Two readers have reached out to us asking que paso con Stephanie, the bodega located on the northeast corner of 116th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd? One reader writes “the corner deli appears to be going through a major overhaul internally possibly to keep in step with their new neighbors on the boulevard.” Maybe so? I just hope they do not change the exterior. I love the colorful signage Stephanie, the corner deli wears. It makes her look unique and colorful. As for the inside, change is probably a nice business strategy in order to generate more customers. If anyone else has the scoop on what is happening with our bodega, diganos! Pronto!

HarlemCondoLife

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Chinese Restaurant on FDB between 116th and 117th

Posted on March 7, 2010 by | 7 Comments

By HarlemHouse

This Photo and info just sent in to us at HCL by a reader.  I quote:

“The shuffle of businesses continues on the east side of FDB between 116 and 117! Looks like a Chinese restaurant is slated to fill the spot left by the dry cleaner’s move to the ex-Winery location.”

Stay tuned for more information as it develops.

Thank you for the tip!

HH

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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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Fela! on Broadway, musical elements on Harlem's 116th Street

Posted on December 1, 2009 by | Leave a comment

By HarlemGal
On 116th Street from Frederick Douglass Blvd to Lenox Avenue, there is always African music playing throughout the various stores. The music plays just right, not loud. It’s pleasant enough to where you notice and say to yourself, is that Fela! music I hear? If you live or have walked along this portion of Harlem before, you know exactly what I am talking about. It’s this Harlem experience along 116th Street that sparked an interest for me to go see Fela!-the Broadway musical.
I ventured down to the Eugene O’Neill Theater to see the show about legend Kuti in its first week of opening. All I can say right off the top is “this is not your standard musical.” This show ain’t no Mary Poppins or Lion King – quite the contrary. Fela! is a show where you will find yourself saying “yeah, yeah” or moving your hips to three o’clock and nine o’clock at the instruction of the lead actor or wanting to dance or stare in awe at the dancers and their AMAZING bodies. The dancers are spectacular! When you see the show, you will know what I mean by all these descriptions.

HarlemCondoLife

The creme de la creme of Fela! is the lead actor, who sings, dances and plays two different musical instruments, the trumpet and saxophone, in the show. The lead actor sings and plays the saxophone most of the time. The evening I went Sahr Ngaujah was the lead and watching Sahr was pure enjoyment. However, don’t take my word for it. I am just a blogger from Harlem. Read the reviews in New York Magazine about Fela! and decide for yourself. But do take my word that elements of Fela’s music are alive and well along 116th Street in Harlem. See you at the Shrine!

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Harlem is backdrop for FX's Rescue Me

Posted on October 19, 2009 by | Leave a comment

By Austin2Harlem
We went and checked out the filming of Rescue Me this morning since we saw the notices along 116th Street over the weekend. The crew were filming right at the intersection of 116th Street & St. Nicholas & Adam Clayton Powell.
Here are a few pictures from the site. We believe we have Denis Leary in one of the photos below! If that’s not him, it certainly looked like him!

HarlemCondoLife

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Harlem's Baptist Temple Church condemned?

Posted on September 26, 2009 by | 4 Comments

By Austin2Harlem
I was on my way to Spanish Harlem the other day to pick up my truck that’s being worked on and I noticed this place of worship being operated on. I wondered what happened. I went online and read that this lovely church on 116th between Lenox and Fifth Avenue is actually meeting the man upstairs…in the sky! Safe journey.

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NBC's Law & Order Filming in Harlem

Posted on August 27, 2009 by | 2 Comments

By Austin2Harlem
When I lived in Austin I enjoyed watching all of the various versions of Law & Order. Today, walking around in my new adopted city and neighborhood, Harlem, I came across the film crew of Law & Order. They are filming the Emmy Award winning television series in Central Harlem today August 27th and tomorrow August 28th! The crew is on 116th Street between Frederick Douglass Blvd. and Manhattan Avenue!

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NBC’s Law & Order Filming in Harlem

Posted on August 27, 2009 by | 2 Comments

By Austin2Harlem
When I lived in Austin I enjoyed watching all of the various versions of Law & Order. Today, walking around in my new adopted city and neighborhood, Harlem, I came across the film crew of Law & Order. They are filming the Emmy Award winning television series in Central Harlem today August 27th and tomorrow August 28th! The crew is on 116th Street between Frederick Douglass Blvd. and Manhattan Avenue!

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Push Carts on FDB in Harlem

Posted on May 30, 2009 by | 2 Comments

By Icare4Harlem

HarlemCondoLife

HarlemCondoLife

For quite some time only a handful of push carts were visible in the early morning.  On the NW corner of 116th and Lenox Ave., a coffee and pastry cart was based at the entrance of the subway station.  In the past two months a few more have sprung up on Frederick Douglass Blvd. and 110th and 116th.  Fruit stands are also present in these areas.  As the neighborhood grows it’s nice to see the diversity that accompanies this expansion.

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Harlem’s N Boutique moving

Posted on May 14, 2009 by | 1 Comment

By HarlemGal

imagesWondering why N Boutique is closed and no signs of shopping life inside? They’re moving “a few blocks away” from their 116th Street flagship store. They are planning “a new store opening and celebrity-filled relaunch event.”

Good for them and glad t o hear they are staying in Harlem! I purchased a lovely summer dress there last season. It was very convenient to shop at N Boutique since it was centrally located in Harlem. Didn’t have to go downtown.

Looking forward to hearing more about their new location. N Boutique, if your reading HCL tell us exactly where your moving!

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