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It seems that Harlem has joined the flux of the typical Manhattan restaurant business game of now you see it, now you don’t.  First the news about Earl Monroe pulling out of his restaurant deal and now the news that Chocolat has shuttered it’s windows and bolted the doors for good after only a year.  I’d just read a Gawker piece from February ‘05 about Toccara from America’s Next Top Model being spotted in the formerly trendy lounge for their opening festivities.  Then today, Mike Street of the Greasy Guide informed me that they had closed.  The phone number has been disconnected with no referring number but the website is still live.  If there are any readers who happen to know the back story send an email to  uptownflavor[at]gmail.com.

I dropped by Nubian Heritage this afternoon and was surprised to see the many changes they have made to the store’s layout.  Most of the merchandise has been cleared out and Boma cafe had taken over half of the store.  Boma has expanded their menu items to include a selection of South African wines.  A couple of months back Reef had mentioned a wine tasting but I thought it was just a one time event.  Apparently not.  In addition they have a small selection of beers, as well as their African inspired blends of coffees and teas.  Boma will also be the headquarters for the upcoming Harlem Public Art Fest later this summer.

Boma is located at 2037 Fifth Avenue.  Call (212)427-8668 

A few blocks over on West 124th Street and Lenox Avenue I finally got the chance to investigate the mysterious South Beach Cafe.  Regular readers know that the brightly colored, island exterior caught the eye of our editor back in April. As it turns out they are presently closed but plan to open sometime later this month.  They didn’t have a menu yet but did have an attractive menu of smoothies and juices.  Fresh squeezed juices will come in two sizes, small for $2.75 and a large for $3.25 in flavors like AM Lift, Detox, Green Goodness and Purple Passion. They will also offer organic coffees and teas at reasonable prices and a selection of smoothies ranging from from $3.00 to $4.00.

South Beach Cafe is located at 100 West 124th Street and Lenox Avenue (212)222-1995/222-7290.  The hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and they will offer delivery with an $8 minimum.