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Update your feeds, links and bookmarks to: www.uptownflavor.com for our official relaunch, coming May 2007
If you thought it was hot during the recent heat wave then try following the steamy hot Harlem real estate market. New post on what’s happening in Harlem over here. Be sure to change your bookmarks and pardon the dust as we settle into the new digs.
Sending a heartfelt thanks to all the readers who took the time to vote in our recent poll. It is great to know that there are so many Harlemites using our site as the premier source for up-to-date information about the uptown community.
As we noted before we want to provide our readers with a better online experience. This will our second move in 6 months and although our new location still isn’t ideal we are moving closer to the type of site that we envision. You can help us out by either purchasing a tee shirt from our online store or making a donation using our secure paypal account. All donations and proceeds will be used to build our own unique domain. You can also help by clicking the links to our advertisers every time you log on. Every little bit helps.
We are also still seeking advertisers, regular contributors, photographers and publicists to join our team. Contact us if you are interested at uptownflavor[at]gmail.com or by calling 718-514-2845.
Thank you again for your support and be on the look out for a link to the new site soon.
We haven’t lost our flavor but we are improving on the recipe. Look for more hot and spicy UPTOWN flavor this fall. Sign up for email updates to be notified about posts on the hottest trends in Harlem.
Thank you to all our subscribers and supporters. If you have comments, questions or complaints please address them to: uptownflavor[at]gmail.com or call our 24 hour tipline at 718-514-2845.
We are looking for donors, supporters, advertisers, contributors, photographers and publicists to join our team. Contact us if you are interested.
Or the guide that wasn’t. Wow, the end of the week and the beginning of a new month. For those staying in the city over this extended weekend there should be plenty of events to enjoy. Whatever you decide to get into enjoy yourself and we’ll see you in July.
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Harlem Meer Performance Festival Presents: SWEET GEORGIA BROWNThe Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
Inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues
The Harlem legend billed as "The Last of the Red Hot Mamas" specializes in down-home blues, jazz, and R&B. The power and energy of her voice are guaranteed to have any audience on its feet, stomping, clapping, and dancing to this soulful song stylist.
For a list of events happening around Harlem visit Harlem One Stop
It seems that another Harlem restauranteer possibly couldn’t stand the heat and (may have) hauled it up out of the kitchen. Bayou, the inconspicious second floor establishment specializing in Louisiana Creole cuisine seems to be in questionable status is closed. Each time I pass that way it seemed to be closed. I tried logging onto their website earlier today and it was down but as of a few minutes ago it was active again. Their phone is definitely disconnected with no forwarding number. I emailed the owner to see if they are open or closed, so if any knowledgeable tipsters have the inside scoop email us at uptownflavor[at]gmail.com.
Update: It seems that the kitchen was too hot for Bayou as evidenced by the commentary in this thread on Curbed.com.
After the play "The Winter View," a friend and I decided to have a bite to eat and a cocktail before calling it a night. We knew that we were a little underdressed for the Harlem Grill so we headed over to The Den. After seeing the gathering of people waiting for tables outside The Den we continued walking down Fifth Avenue to 125th Street. We would try either MoBay or Bayou (more about Bayou in the next post) as a last chance effort to cop a cocktail and appetizer.
As it turned out, the wait wasn’t too long at MoBay so we waited until seats at the bar became available and ordered our cocktails. My friend and I decided to have appetizers instead of entrees so we stayed at the bar which was lively and energetic. The band played a long R&B set and people seemed to be enjoying themselves on the warm pre-summer night.
I ordered their special rum punch and my friend ordered a "Change of Attitude" cocktail. Both of us enjoyed our selections. The bar has seating on both sides so it made it easy for us to converse with other patrons. We compared food items and everyone around us enjoyed what they had ordered.
A young lady sitting across from us ordered jerk chicken wings that were a bit too spicy for her palate, but she said they were very good and ate them all in spite of her scorched taste buds. Another young lady ordered cod fish cakes and her friend the catfish strips. My friend and I ordered crab cakes. The wait was reasonable and the crab cakes were quite good. The outside crust was perfectly browned and crunchy while the inside was full of tasty, well-seasoned crab meat.
Sitting next to us was an Aussie turned Harlemite jazz musician who was listening in on the set of a fellow musician. The vibe was loose, light and less pretentious than expected. I still felt a little underdressed but soon forgot about it amid the conversation and good libations.
Would I go back? The answer is a resounding yes! I found MoBay to be a nice hang out spot great for listening to live music and enjoying well mixed (though pricey) cocktails before or after another event. How would I rate my first visit to MoBay? I give them three stars out of four for their service, food and ambiance. How was your experience at MoBay?
Related: Bar Buzz :: Menu :: JC and the Jazz Hoppers
Summer is the perfect time of year to grab a snack on the go from local street vendors. Fresh fruits like juicy, peeled mangoes, oranges and melons help to beat the oppressive summer heat and keep your body in shape for those sexy summer fashions. The Village Voice features the best snacks available on the streets of East Harlem.
First sniffed out by the lovable Harlem Fur, Posh Paws has caught the attention of the downtown hipsters. This week’s Village Voice mistakenly reported that the luxury pet store opened last week. That’s funny, I could have sworn that the furmeister reported they had opened weeks ago….
Remember when Curbed mentioned this building the other week. Well, here is another post-modern doozy soon to grace the skyline of Harlem. What do you think? Yea or Nay? (click the links to view.)
First spotted last month the new Harlem Quiznos has quietly opened at 2530 Frederick Douglass Blvd (8th Ave, between 134th & 135th. Interestingly enough, as the franchise seems to grow the company has changed their tag line from "MMMM…Toasty!" to "Eat Up!"
Here is a portion of a note sent by the Harlem franchise owner Rob Stevens:
"First, I want to thank everyone for their well wishes, prayers and support this past week.I opened quietly last week to get my team and store up to speed. We have worked out most of the kinks, and it has been very trying but [what] in life worth having isn’t.And of course we cater. Delivery forthcoming"Rob Stevens
CEO- Power Company Inc.
Better late than never. We’re keeping it short and sweet this week. Lots of outdoor activities happening this weekend. Check here and as always Harlem One-Stop stays on top of what’s happening in Harlem. Monday starts the annual Jazzmobile season. There certainly seems to be no shortage of Jazz around Harlem these days. Looking for something to do in Spanish Harlem? Check the Mosaicos website for a list of upcoming events. As always, enjoy your weekend. Weekend subway advisory.
We welcome our Curbed, Eater and Greasy Guide readers this week! Harlem Fur always on the prowl has followed up on a couple of spots mentioned earlier.
Don’t forget to sign up for email notification.
I was working on putting together a post about the many specialty boutiques and retail shoppes that Harlem has to offer, but this writer beat me to the punch. I have already posted about N Boutique on 116th Street and I also mentioned Montgomery in a past post.
My piece was going to talk about shops mentioned in the article like Denim Library and B. Oyama both located along 7th Avenue. Pieces neatly tucked away on 135th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues mostly offered an array of fashionable tees when I visited the store shortly before Memorial Day weekend. Harlemade is easily overlooked due to scaffolding outside of building but they offer a unique selection of branded gear and accessory gifts. They have recently been joined on the block by Purple Reign, a children’s shoe boutique.
Three stores that were not mentioned in the article that are worth knowing about are Purple Reign, located on Lenox Avenue; Xukuma which is also on Lenox Avenue; and Progressive Unlimited located on 125th Street for years. Features on these boutiques will be forthcoming.
If you have a favorite store that wasn’t mentioned please let us know in the comments section or via email uptownflavor[at]gmail.com.
Related: Style Profiles :: Sistahs :: Harlem Underground :: Luring Fashionistas :: Budget Fashionista
Photo: Model featured is Jade from "ANTM"
Last week we promised good news that our readers could use. We just saved a bundle on our…wait, that’s not the news. But we do have tips for how you can save a bundle.
Some of your favorite places in Harlem including restaurants, salons and stores are offering discounts to customers who come in with gift certificates from Experience Harlem. Experience Harlem is a "premium direct program and a soon-to-launch website. [The] Experience Harlem gift certificate booklet will soon arrive in the mailboxes of Harlem’s growing well-heeled consumer base." Angie Hancock of Experience Harlem tells us:
"The gift certificates are free to consumers. They are mailed to 10,000 households once a quarter as well as available via the internet."
So, how can UPTOWN flavor readers take advantage of the deals? Click the link and start spending!
As was previously mentioned, the Original Soupman has opened up a shop farther uptown and is offering 10% discounts to readers of local papers like the Harlem News. You can pick up a free copy of the Harlem News in stores all around Harlem. The Soupman has taken out a full page ad that reads, "You came to my store on 55th Street off Eighth Avenue, and now I am coming to Harlem." The offer expires 8/21/06 so hurry or there will be "no [cheap] soup for you!"
Related: Experience Harlem :: The Original Soupman ::
Summer is on and popping! Although the official first day of summer isn’t until the 21st we are already sizzling with lots of fun activities jumping off all over the city. Summerstage starts this weekend, Celebrate Brooklyn, Bryant Park’s film festival and concert series and more have already set the bar high for a summer that promises to be muy caliente. We hope everyone gets a chance to go out and enjoy themselves this weekend whether you are spending time with your Father or simply hanging out alone. Here are a few end of the week links to hold you over until Monday (ummmm, links! Anyone know of a backyard cook out I can crash?)
Magic Johnson’s 9 screen theater has been the only functioning movie house in Harlem since 2000. That will change with the arrival of Imagenation’s Soul Cinema which plans to be operational by the end of 2007. Imagenation plans to open an independent 3 screen art house cinema with a cafe in the new Kalahari development on 116th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues. Although the theater will not be in the prime foot traffic heavy 125th Street corridor, the Kalahari will offer a custom designed, state-of-the-art facility with the added bonus of eliminating the headache of bidding for space in the historic Loews Victoria 5 Theatre.
Established in 1997 by Moikgantsi Kgama and Gregory Gates, Imagenation has actively promoted independent black films through screenings, film festivals and most recently the Revolution Awards. This year’s awards were part of an effort help raise $1 million towards the new cinema tentatively called the Micheaux Film Center. Oscar Micheaux, for whom the center is named, is known in film circles as the founding father of independent black cinema.
Business and marriage partners, Kgama and Gates have envisioned this project since they started Imagenation almost 10 years ago. They promoted their vision through community events and poety readings, hosted by Gates, throughout New York. Within the last few years they have been responsible for organizing a successful film festival that is now an integral part of Harlem Week.
Unlike the Magic Johnson Theaters, Imagenation will not focus on blockbuster hits like the recent Mission Impossible 3 premiere. Instead their mission is to "counteract negative images and stereotypes that are propagated about people of color, through mass media; and, to establish a chain of independent art-house cinemas dedicated to cinema of the African Diaspora." With the support of grassroots artists including Erykah Badu, Chuck D, India.Arie, Dead Prez, Roger Guenveur Smith, Talib Kweli, Malik Yoba and Dream Hampton, their mission is definitely possible.
Related: Allhiphop.com :: Imagenation :: Hollywood Reporter :: NY1 ::
Pronunciation: al-’fres-(")kO
Function: adjective or adverb
Etymology: Italian
: taking place or located in the open air : OUTDOOR, OUTDOORS <an alfresco lunch> <an alfresco restaurant>
-Merriam-Webster Dictionary
As we quickly move from spring into summer the thought of being stuck inside is suffocating even when the ambiance of the restaurant is lovely. Until the new ViVa restaurant row is completed, here is a list of places in Harlem to dine alfresco. Mangiare bene!
Where do you go to dine alfresco in Central Harlem? Links to restaurants are located on the right sidebar.
Related: A chowhound asks about the bar and grill at 105th and Riverside.
Hudson Beach Café
Riverside Park at 105th Street
New York, NY
(917) 370-3448
http://pdohurleys.com/page/rknf/Hudson_Beach_Cafe.html
Our favorite foodie website Eater is notorious for their surprisingly accurate deathwatches of New York restaurants. Although we don’t want to step on anyone’s toes the recent closings we have reported lead us to present our own exclusively uptown predictions. A tipster is anticipating the next closing to be Native. As a matter of fact, their website is already down. Due to the fact that I haven’t heard a lot of good reports about this restaurant he could be onto something. What would be even more interesting is the fact that they were recently mentioned in the New York Times article "Where to Eat" back in April. Has this 4 year old restaurant succumb to the tough audiences in Harlem or is it a false alarm? As usual, readers are welcome to chime in on their dining experiences at Native.
*Edit: An intrepid tipster simply known as Flip has informed us that indeed, Native is the next uptown restaurant on the deathwatch. He found a real estate listing that includes the following information, "Currently operating as the French Moroccan bistro Harlem Native, this restaurant sits at the corner of 116th and Lenox Avenue in the Heart of Harlem…an art gallery is reportedly opening on the block, as is a bakery. Sorry, no nightclubs or bars." Thanks for the great detective work Flip! (see comments section for the rest of Flip’s tip.)
**Edit: In a strange twist of fate, Harlem Fur reports that a tipster informed him the new owner of Native happens to be none other than Melba Wilson of Melba’s! As if that connection isn’t close enough Melba also happens to be the niece of Sylvia Woods of Sylvia’s.
A newcomer that soon may be added to the deathwatch is Baton Rouge on 145th Street. It is co-owned by the same people who own Mo Bay and is located in the brownstone formerly known as the Sugar Hill Bistro. Nothing good has been said about this restaurant on sites like Chowhound and today I noticed that they placed fliers under the windshield wipers of cars in the neighborhood - to drum up business??? Even if the food isn’t any good the drinks sound lovely (see their website). Anyone who has tried Baton Rouge please add your thoughts. Do you think that it can survive the unforgiving palates of Harlemites?
Back in April Harlem Fur wrote a lovely review of a little known restaurant called Elle & Lui near 119th Street. A tipster on his site recently delivered the sad news that Elle & Lui are no more. June 22nd is the scheduled opening of a new "gourmet soul food restaurant." Oh boy! Just what we need in Harlem! As a lover of soul food and one who grew up with the savory goodness of homecooked greens and spicy red beans, I am not a huge fan of "gourmet" soul food cuisine. As a writer and a general optimist, here’s hoping for the best. No name has been given to the new restaurant as of yet. Naturally, we at UPTOWN flavor will keep you posted.
*update: the new owners kept the old phone number and have a message stating that the new name of the restaurant is Billie’s Black. Their website is: Billie’s Black.com [website]
Also in April we wrote about a new restaurant called Butterfly Blue but it has pretty much under the rader since then. If any readers have been to B.B. please let us know about your experience. We found the following from February:
"A cute little cozy restaurant just opened called " Butterfly Blue,"
Located at 1813 Amsterdam Avenue (Near 150th Street) on
Thursday’s, Live Jazz …real Jazz …Great Food! Great Drinks! GREAT
MUSIC! Friendly Atmosphere! You never know who you will see in this spot! 7:00pm - 10:00pm on Thursday’s"
Butterfly Blue Caribbean Style Restaurant
1813 Amsterdam Ave. (Corner 150th Street)
(212) 234 - 5334
No Cover Charge!
Looking for something fun and interesting to do this weekend? Well, with the plethora of events already posted on the site, Harlemites and Uptown Hounds alike should have no problem finding something to get into this weekend. Be sure to check back on Monday for more UPTOWN flavor or sign up for email notification .
Welcome readers from Eater and A Guy in New York!
Enjoy!
No, not the dance craze but the real estate game here in Harlem. Many readers already know about the displaced residents who lived in Mitchell-Lama housing and now the whole controversy surrounding Pinnacle. Those are just the stories that we hear about in the news.
My next door neighbor is moving today. As it turns out she and several other neighbors were moved into our renovated building temporarily three years ago while their building at 126th Street and Saint Nicholas was being renovated. She is now moving back downtown into her old building. She was one of the few who put up with the shuffle game but think about how many more have just thrown in the towel. A few months ago the New York Times and Amsterdam News wrote articles about the number of African Americans leaving New York. Part of the reason is the fear of being displaced or outpriced after years of tolerating less than adequate services and accommodations. I’m sure there will be more stories of this sort emerging as Harlem continues to gentrify.
If today’s New York Daily News article is any indication, things will not be improving for long time Harlem renters any time soon and buyers aren’t in a better position according to this article.
Related: Amsterdam News :: Protest in Garvey Park ::
In one of yesterday’s posts we tried to get the low down on the South Beach Cafe on the corner of 124th Street and Lenox Avenue. An in the know reader was kind enough to give us the back story:
"I live right around the corner from South Beach and we chatted with them a few times. They have been waiting for inspection clearance from the state of NYC so that they can open up. It’s been difficult to keep a spot open on the corner. The name and management has changed 3
times sinces I’ve been in NYC. It was DME’s, then Stono’s, so now
it’s South Beach but who knows when they will ever open."
In a previous post we unearthed a treasure trove of hidden cultural gems in Harlem. On a sunny afternoon I happened to stop into what might be considered a cultural gold mine. If you think that the only culture left in Harlem is safely enclosed behind the walls of the Schomburg or within the halls of the Studio Museum you haven’t been to the Genesis II Museum of International Black Culturel.
Tucked into a narrow doorway off of Seventh Avenue, Genesis II is a labor of love curated by Andi Owens. Although I wasn’t able to tour the museum the day I dropped in, I did chat briefly with Mr. Owens. He informed me that he had just closed an exhibit called "Black Goddesses: Achievements Against the Odds." The exhibit focused on women like Ida B. Wells, Zora Neale Hurston and Josephine Baker.
The museum houses multiple galleries and exhibits including the African Sculpture Court, The Artists Gallery, The Archives Collection Store Room and the Museum Store.The museum also offers traveling exhibitions for loan to libraries and schools.
Genesis II is located at 2376 Adam Clayton Powerll Boulevard at 139th Street. Phone (212)690-3800. Public viewing hours are Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission is $5.50 and $1.50 for children. Use Hop Stop for public transportation directions.
Someone recently entered a search query for the "Best Bakery in Harlem." Of course the "best" is totally subjective and up for debate. It also depends on what type of baked goods you are looking for.
The editor’s choice for the best Red Velvet Cake in Harlem hands down is Make my Cake on Seventh Avenue. Others, (like Oprah’s best friend Gayle King), prefer the Coconut Caramel cake at Wimp’s and now there is a new contender T&J’s offering their own selection of specialties.
There has also been quite a bit of discussion about the virtues of Settepani on sites like Bagel in Harlem, and Curbed. Since this Harlemite has not tried their baked goods I will have to defer and ask the readers to chime in on this topic.
UPTOWN flavor is always interested in the places readers love to frequent in Harlem. As a change of pace we decided to have an editor’s choice. Ever so often the editors will be posting their personal favorites in Harlem.
Coffee/Tea: Sugarhill Java and Tea Lounge
Believe it or not they don’t pay me to keep singing their praises. This is a lovely little cafe with a cheerful, friendly staff and great food and beverages. Engaging conversation and a nice atmosphere make this my favorite "3rd place," to borrow the term from S’bucks.
Beauty products: Carol’s Daughter and MAC
I first become a fan of Carol’s Daughter products while living in Brooklyn. The refreshing scents and blends of shea butter and other natural oils make them a favorite from head to toe. MAC, also on 125th Street is my first stop for make up. I used to go downtown to replenish my supply but the opening of the location on 125th was a smart decision on the part of the company for serving their uptown clientele.
Beauty Services: Praba Salon*
Praba is a hidden treasure tucked in the middle of the block between 99th and 100th Streets along Third Ave. The shop specializes in threading, sugar waxing, henna tatoo, massages, facials, treatments and more. They also sell interesting Indian jewelry and accessories. Prices are reasonable, service is efficient and regular customers receive a free service after their 9th visit. Praba Salon accepts cash only so be sure to stop at the ATM before you go. (212)996-1740 Visit Official website.
Find a unique gift: Nubian Heritage, The Scarf Lady, Jolinda by Montgomery
Nubian Heritage is chock full of interesting books, decorations and gifts. Another favorite carry over from Brooklyn, Nubian Heritage’s Harlem flagship store is my first stop when looking for the perfect gift. They also feature a cafe and spa.
The Scarf Lady offers wonderful accessories like pins, scarves and handmade items beautifully displayed in her regal purple haven at 408 Lenox Ave. 212-862-7369
A recent discovery is Jolinda by Montgomery. Although they have been in their present location for over 3 years and I have past their store innumerable times, it was just recently that I took the time to stop in to have a quick chat with the owners. Their designs are unique and one of a kind. Get a feel for their style by visiting the website or dropping in to take a look around. They are launching a new website that is currently in development at www.jolindany.com
The countdown has begun for the relaunch of UPTOWN flavor. Same great content with a sexy new look! Growing and moving UP in this town! Sign up for email notification of the new launch date.
Many New Yorkers will be going out of town for the unofficial launch of summer, so we bid safe traveling wishes to all of those who will be on the road, rail and air. For the Harlemites staying in town be sure to check the Exhibits & Events section for something to get into during this long holiday weekend. Also check out the sidebar chock full of links to restaurants and lounges.
Be sure to check back here because there will be site updates over the weekend including:
First reported back in March as an anomaly on 116th Street, N Boutique has since proven itself to become a surprise success along the burgeoning strip best known for African cuisine.
Monday night saw the grand opening celebration of "N" featuring big names like Nicole Miller and Iman. Harlem Fur was there and able to snap some shots of the event.
According to fashion website WWD.com,
"Initially, Miller’s company had planned to open a freestanding store with Nikoa Evans, one of N Boutique’s owners. After a prime spot near Fairway’s West 132nd Street location fell through, Evans and her partners decided to go with a multibrand boutique, said Bud Konheim, chief executive officer of Nicole Miller."
"The average Nicole Miller retail purchase at N Boutique is $650, Konheim said. Nicole Miller accounts for about 25 percent of the women’s apparel sold in the store. The designer’s party dresses retailing for around $300 are popular with N Boutique shoppers."
N Boutique is located at 114 West 116th Street in Harlem.
Related:
Amsterdam News :: WWD.com :: Open for Business :: Harlem Fur :: Curbed ::
Rapper Juelz Santana continues to make moves with his forthcoming project of mega proportions. But his biggest project to date is not his next CD, it is the Hiphopsodashop, a chain of fast food restaurants that offer a healthier alternative to McDonalds and other fast food chains that dominate Harlem.
Back in February, Vibe magazine wrote, "each branch in the chain of HipHopSodaShops feature a quick-service menu, memorabilia, plasma screens and an area devoted to competitive CyberSports."
Santana and business partner H3 Enterprises have teamed up with with notables such as entertainment impresario Lou Pearlman and most recently Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls. According to the hip hop website SOHH.com,
"Santana and Gordon are set to make an official announcement at a press conference in Manhattan this Thursday (May 25). Launched in partnership with H3 Enterprises, the store will be located on Harlem’s 125th Street. Gordon and Juelz will be the main partners. Gordon joined Team H3 to launch "BG7," his White Tea Energy Drink last week."
Related: Hiphopsodashop :: SOHH.com :: Vibe ::
The premiere source for finding out what is new in the Harlem community. If you have tips about new projects, businesses or events (whether they are fact or rumor) let us know at:
uptownflavor[at]gmail.com
I think I remember it being $8/ hr or something.
The website hasn’t fully launched yet but when it does you can check them out at VSHarlem.com
VS Harlem Gaming Lounge
480 Lenox Ave Between 133rd and 134th St
New York City, NY 10037
212-690-8081
Directions:
By Train - take the 2 or 3 train to 135th. Walk 2 blocks south
"New cafe/bakery just opened in this neck of the woods: TJs on ACP and 148th. Their business seems to be mostly about the bakery (sweet potato pie, cheescakes, chocolate tarts, etc..) and they also have baguettes, coffee, salads, and sandwiches. A welcome addition to this cafe-starved part of Manhattan."
The grand opening of a new seafood restaurant Pier 2110 was on Thursday. Was the fish fresh? Send an email to uptownflavor[at]gmail.com.
The (re)grand opening of the legendary Minton’s Playhouse will be on Friday. Harlem Fur has the details and a preview of the beautifully restored interior.
Rudel (Rudy) Drears is the son of jazz living legends Marjorie Eliot (piano) and Al Drears (percussion). Each weekend Marjorie is the host to strangers who quickly become family members in her modest parlor on Edgecombe Avenue. Rudy often sits in on these jam sessions to the delight of the diverse and eclectic audience of jazz lovers.
Watching Rudy play is like witnessing a love affair between maestro and music. It is a wholistic experience that involves his body, mind and spirit. A few years ago Rudy was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the annual Jazz at the Mansion concert that takes place each August on the front lawn of the historic Morris-Jumel Mansion. An accomplished pianist in his own right, Rudy is now featured every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-6 pm at Big Apple Jazz. Swing through and watch him as he "burns some keys."
As an aside, Rudy is also mentioned in the upcoming stage production of The Winter View opening at the H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players theater next Friday, May 26th.
Big Apple Jazz [website]
Related: Theater ::Marjorie Eliot ::
I just noticed that there is an awning over a juice bar on 135th Street and 7th Avenue. If readers know more about it send an email to uptownflavor[at]gmail.com
The approach of summer in Harlem is signaled by open fire hydrants, the sound of double dutch ropes slapping the ground and the smell of charcoal on the grill. Harlem is reknown for sidwalk cookouts and one of the season’s first "sidewalk chefs" has been spotted by cycling Chowhound, Boots. Chef White sells everything from crabcakes to burgers at 117th and 7th Avenue every Saturday.
Do you have a local sidewalk chef? Let us know! If you’ve spotted a sidewalk chef in your area send an email to uptownflavor[at]gmail.com or you can add your shots to the photo pool on Flickr.com
Chowhound [website]
There are still a few secret jewels tucked into the fabric that makes Harlem the cultural treasure that it is. Over the past few years, we have witnessed the rise of Hue-Man Bookstore, Harlem’s answer to a blatent snub by a mega chain bookstore. Much attention has been given to Hue-Man but one would think that they are the only bookstore in Harlem. After a bit of digging around, I discovered these hidden gems: