First: Harlem

Following up on a tip left in the comments section, I stopped by the former site of Back in the Day antiques on Frederick Douglass Blvd and 116th to check and see if a wine shop is indeed going in. It is, as per both the workmen and the retail alcohol permit tacked on a piece of plywood.

The workmen said an opening can be expected as soon as three weeks from now.

In anticipation of the store's future merchandise, the interior walls are painted a velvety merlot.

Second: Morningside Heights

When on my way to the Village Copier print shop behind Columbia, I spotted signs in a storefront for a coming wine shop named Vino Fino on Amsterdam and 122nd.

No one was on site to ask about an opening date, and I could not see behind the paper covering the windows.

Harlem Vintage

I'm happy to see non-bank, non-drug store retail coming into the area, but I have to admit I am heavily biased toward Harlem Vintage, which is just a few blocks up Frederick Douglas. I like the selection, people there, decor of the place, and the fact that they are opening up a wine bar next door which may become that elusive nabe hang out spot I still can't seem to find (although Minton's is close to being that spot).

Also, Harlem Vintage has been there for me when I needed it on a few occasions. Last Saturday is a great example.

Cheryl and I were going to meet up with people I went to school with in Denmark, a couple of whom I had not seen in five years. I thought I would drop by, ask for a recommendation, and head on over to the night's location.

When walking into HV, I was greeted by the Swedish man in the photo, who was giving samples of the pan-Scandinavian liquor Aquavit. How random, but how fitting for the evening. I purchased a bottle, the guy at the register gift wrapped it for me, and Cheryl and I showed up that evening looking like we planned what we brought that night.