Adding a bit of recent news to the The Harlem Tea Room's complications and questionable service long tracked on UptownFlavor, a reader sends in his sighting of a different kind of tab:

So on my way to work this past Friday at about 8:30AM what do I see taped onto the front door of the place but a LATE RENT NOTICE. It was in the amount of $13,300 and change. The wave of schadenfreude that swelled up inside me would have been less intense had my wife and I not had so many mediocre experiences at that place. Anyhoo, just couldn't resist sharing.

I wonder if that includes an 18 percent gratuity?

Posted by Chris at 12:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

So I'm going through photos I snapped this weekend of soon-to-open or recently opened venues, looking to pick a few to post on, and I notice that the number of new unique places, in comparison to new chain stores, really isn't as bad as what one might think. (Or even what I might think.)

Granted, I am not including shots of the new Starbucks in SoHa 118 on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, the new Starbucks on 125th St and Adam Clayton Powell, the new Dunkin Donuts on Frederick Douglass and 113th-ish, or the new Dunkin Donuts on Frederick Douglass and 124th-ish. However, as best as I can remember, only the Dunkin Donuts on Frederick Douglass and 124th-ish replaced a unique neighborhood joint (La Marmite, which relocated). The others mostly filled vacant space. (I think the Dunkin Donuts on 113th-ish replaced a Curves, which is kinda funny, as if people just gave up and went for the donuts anyway.)

Now we will soon have Cafe Latte filling vacant retail space on Lenox and 122nd-ish near Settipani and Louise's Family Restaurant, as well as SVNTN Below and Subway coming into virgin retail space near Tribal Spears on Frederick Douglass and 116th. Cafe Addis on 125th and Amsterdam is open, and the Ethiopian coffee is good. (Neighbors let us know that the food is not spiced to tradition, as they had to ask for salt to give it some flavor.)

Posted by Chris at 09:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

Lolita's Cafe brings to the neighborhood the kind of restaurant South Harlem needs: solid portions of good food for a reasonable price in a relaxed atmosphere. Serving Mexican cuisine from the state of Morelos, a variety of a la carte tacos (pictured) start at $2.75, and dinner entrees range from $8 to $12. Pina coladas are less than $4, but only served virgin until the liquor license comes through. Until then, patrons can bring in their own beer and wine if they have a receipt. In addition to the indoor seating, Lolita's Cafe has three tables outside in a small gated area.

The food was really enjoyed. I rated my chicken burrito 'Mexcellent,' and my new-ish Harlem neighbor's order of 4 enchiladas (two chicken, two beef), looked good enough for me to return the next day with Cheryl and order it for myself. Cheryl said her flautas were made 'the real way,' and having refined her taste for Mexican food when living in Texas, she can be picky.

The story behind the cafe's name is touching (in a good touch way). Prior to meeting up, my neighbor and I made Humbert Humbert (he got it!) and Clare Quilty (I didn't get it!) jokes. When we asked about the name's origin, the owners told us it is named after their mother, whose nickname was Lolita. She had hopes of starting her own restaurant, and after her passing, they opened Lolita's Cafe in her honor. Her photo hangs proudly in the dining room.

Posted by Chris at 08:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Some of our readers have written in to ask if life in Harlem is all about couture fashion, which wine shop to choose, or culinary explorations. Yes, we regret to inform you, Harlem is all about that. However, there are discounts to local businesses as well as a comprehensive directory to shopping and dining in Harlem at Experience: Harlem. You may find, among other things on the site, the veterinarian hospital check-up and pedicure discount to your liking.

Posted by Chris at 11:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Okay, I know that other places may have served sushi around here, but as far as I know, Charlie's Place on Madison between 125th and 126th is the first regular sushi joint in the area. By regular I mean one can run in after work and pick up a $4 tuna or spicy salmon roll to go.

I find this to be a pretty significant entry on the central Harlem food scene. Myself and many others have long complained that options for quick take out, the kind one is looking for on a weekday evening when getting home, usually lean heavy on the unhealthy side. As I understand it, normal Chinese takeout is worse calorie and fat wise than McDonalds, and normal Chinese takeout is about it for quick delivery in central Harlem. (I do champion the Boar's Head sandwiches at the deli on 116th and Lenox as a quick and not unhealthy choice, but one can only do that so many times.) Charlie's Place does offer some of the fried options, including fried fish and chicken, as well as teriyaki, but they do have the sushi, and at normal prices.

Cheryl and I tried the sushi, her the spicy eel and me the spicy salmon, and were quite satisfied. (The photo of the sushi to go section was taken near the end of the day- it had a much better selection earlier on.)

The only complaint I do have is about the current hours. Charlie's is open from 11:30am to 8:00pm. I can understand sushi not being fare many would consider for breakfast, but I was looking forward to a new option for when I get home late. Eight o'clock is too early. I did talk to two of the employees about any plans to push the close time back, but they don't think any changes on that front will be happening son.

They do deliver, and the number is: 212-410-0277.

Posted by Chris at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

I've been kinda quite over here for a while; you can blame New York Cyclist for having done an amazing job tuning up my bike. The new, smooth ride, combined with nature's top notch showing, has had me spending my free time outdoors.

But this news brings me back to The Fur: A reader reports that Cold Stone Creamery has a sign up next to the Body Shop at 125th and 5th. With all of the exercise I am getting, I should be able to eat about a gallon a day without putting on any weight.

You know what kind of ice I will be showing off this summer.

Posted by Chris at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Native is not dead.

Native, the restaurant pretty much running the show on Lenox Ave in South Harlem, began a phased reopening last week. Selections from the newly developed cocktail menu were introduced Monday and Tuesday, followed by rotating menu selections Wednesday thru Sunday. The grand reopening is set for Wednesday, May 9th. Based on a sneak peak, the time used to remake the restaurant was time well spent.

Stepping inside, one instantly sees that the interior decor has been refined. Someone took care to sweep out the dingy feeling the venue used to have. Solid colors and clean lines replace what I remember as a gradated scheme. The bar is now a concrete-top structure that contrasts nicely with the surrounding solid colors by using washed hues of strong blues. Also, the new bar placement, snaking along the wall back from the door, gives the area a bit more of an open feeling. The former placement could leave guests entering and exiting feeling cramped.

The menu another Harlemite and myself saw Thursday evening is a little disjointed; one would have a hard time determining exactly which native the restaurant was modeled after. However, the entrees we enjoyed were good enough to classify the selections as 'eclectic,' rather than 'schizophrenic.' Appetizers included bar staples such as buffalo wings as well as mainstay staples such as fried calamari. Entrees also ranged from the more casual Red Beans and Rice (with sweet plantains and garlic spinach) to the formal Grilled NY Strip Steak (with stewed tomatoes, black-eyed peas and tostones).

I tried the Basil Curry Chicken (with spicy pan asian sauce and coconut rice), which I found to be excellent. Even after keeping the dish under a warmer while I ran home to grab a camera battery, the chicken was tender and no where near dry. The rice was also good, and tasted like I wanted it to. I would have enjoyed the sauce more if spicy had been left out of the name, as my idea of spicy looks for a bit more kick. The Harlemite I was dining with tried the Moroccan Fried Chicken, which he also enjoyed.

All in all, I was very happy with the fare, and I am looking forward to seeing the full menu on Wednesday.

Posted by Chris at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

It's one of those classic tales of missed connections in New York.

A Jewish girl from Indiana navigates the maze of New York real estate and finds herself living in Harlem, searching for a bagel. She holds steady in her quest, even after being groped. But one day she is knocked to the ground by a drunk man wielding a bag of cans. She decides it is time to let the quest go. And peeking out from her shadow as it recedes down the street are H&H bagels, now being served at Saurin Parke Cafe on 110th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard.

When the campaign was over this month, I was surprised to read that Bagel in Harlem had moved, despite her propensity for doing so. I was also surprised to learn that Rob Freeman had sold Saurin Parke.

While some of the changes under the new owners are welcome, such as H&H Bagels, one change seems to have had a noticeable negative impact. Although there is still free WiFi for patrons, the new management is no longer offering free electricity, and the outlets are covered up.

When I stopped by recently, expecting there to be the normal crowd of people on laptops, only three customers total were in the place.

Thankfully, unlike the search for dough with a hole in Harlem, the search for free WiFi with an outlet is much easier. A sampling of hot spots with electricity on Frederick Douglass Boulevard alone includes:

Society Coffee at FDB and 114th
· Society Coffee Celebrating Its One Year Anniversary Next Month [Harlem Fur]

Tribal Spears Gallery and Cafe at FDB and 117th
· Tribal Spears Gallery and Cafe [Official Site]

Patisserie des Ambassades at FDB and 119th
· Culinary Plenipotentiaries: Patisserie Des Ambassades [Harlem Fur]
· Patisserie des Ambassades [Official Site]

Posted by Chris at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

So concludes another campaign with another victory. And this being the case, this is the third instance in a year's time that I am reassuring ConEd that I will not forget to pay the bill, pleading with the credit card company not to charge a late fee, and re-introducing myself to Cheryl and the cat. ("Seriously, you know me. I live here, with you. We sleep in the same bed.")

Thankfully, my being around has absolutely nothing to do with Harlem rockin' along. Here is some of what I missed posting on:

Zoma, the Ethiopian restaurant on 8th Ave at 113th Street is now open, and Cheryl and I had a very enjoyable dinner last month. Inside, the decor has a refined simplicity, which was complemented by the noticeably attractive staff and clientele. Also, the chic minimalism sets a nice, even background for the complexity of flavor and spice found in every dish we enjoyed that night. I ordered the Tibs Wett, strips of sirloin simmered in a spiced stew with berbere, kibe, garlic, cardamon, coriander and more. Cheryl ordered the Zoma Tibs, cubed filet mignon pieces marinated in Tej, green peppers, red onions and a special sauce. Both entrees tasted pleasantly authentic, not watered down for wider appeal. But be warned, as someone who often measures what I eat in pounds, not servings (serious), even I was challenged by the rich flour-less chocolate cake.

· Zoma [Official Site]
· Zoma Review [via UPTOWNFlavor]

Harlem Vintage, whose recommendations were enjoyed by guests at both our housewarming and New Year's parties, will soon be opening a wine bar next door to their location at Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 121st Street. Following up on rumors found online and in the Harlem Fur inbox, a rep did confirm that the construction next door is their's, and the bar's projected opening is this summer.

· Harlem Vintage [Official Site]
· Harlem Vintage Grows [Curbed]

And everybody is still building stuff all the time everywhere.

· Around the Block Construction [WATPA?]

Posted by Chris at 05:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Signs are in the windows at 113th and Frederick Douglass Boulevard for Zoma, a new Ethiopian restaurant.

I called the number on the awning, but no answer yet.

Posted by Chris at 08:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I called Harlem historian Michael Henry Adams yesterday to break the news when I saw the sign at 124th St. and Manhattan Avenue announcing that a Chuck E. Cheese's will soon open. "Oh lord," he said. "First an IHOP, now Chuck E. Cheese's."

Michael has long predicted that Harlem's revival is being managed in such a way that the neighborhood's history will be lost, and we will end up with Paramus, NJ. I'd say that with the opening of Manhattan's only Chuck E. Cheese, above a Nine West Outlet, he has hit the nail right on the head.

I tried to get a colorful quote from him on Chuck E. Cheese's, encouraging foul language, but he is good at sticking to message. Michael said that he laments places like IHOP and Chuck E. Cheese's opening up when Harlem is loosing its cultural treasures. He readily gave two examples. The Museum of the American Indian moved to the Financial District, and St. Thomas the Apostle, on 118th between St. Nicholas and Frederick Douglass, lost its side alters to St. Patrick's Cathedral, and its main alter to a jackhammer.

When asked why he thinks this is happening, Michael does not hold back. "It is just an inevitability when you have people like the mayor and other politicians who see Harlem as the lowest common denominator." He compares them to a marauding army of the past taking spoils.

Well, at least Bill Perkins, who made the rat problem a central issue, is runnign for office again. Perhaps he can go after this rodent on day one.

Anyway, Michael's day was not all bad. When I called, he was preparing for a photo shoot with the Times for his role in the Museum of the City of New York's upcoming exhibit "Black Style Now." The exhibit, which opens September 9th, explores the history of African-American style and its influence on design. Michael will of course be at the reception September 8th.

Ed's note: I was holding off on this post until Curbed returned from vacation in a week, but UPTOWNflavor, via Greasy Gudie, beat me to the punch.

Posted by Chris at 08:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Billie's Black, a new gourmet soul food restaurant on 119th between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and St. Nicholas Avenue, opens today, Friday, June 23rd.

UPDATE: As per a photo taken this morning, it seems Billie's Black still has a ways to go before opening.

UPDATED UPDATE As per Harlem Fur tipster flip, Billie's Black did open on Friday, and hosted a packed house!

NEXT: On Saturday, June 24th, Tribal Spears Gallery at 2167 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, between 116th and 117th Streets, holds an opening reception in both galleries from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

The Tribal Gallery features sculptural artists Keith Anderson (California) and Yuko Ueno (Japan). The Johnson-Byrd Fine Art Gallery features abstract artists Derrie Clemmons (Chicago), Spencer Eldridge (Harlem), and Va Ronique Paronneau (France).

Tribal Spears Cafe offers a solid selection of coffee, tea and small edibles good for both gallery goers and those looking for place to access a free Wi-Fi connection.

Posted by Chris at 08:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Harlem Fur tipster John let us know that Melba Wilson, of Melba's on Frederick Douglass Blvd. and 114th Street, is the person buying Native on Lenox Avenue and 119th Street. Melba tried to re-open Minton's Playhouse with Robert De Niro in 1999. Will she have better luck with Native?

Posted by Chris at 03:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Harlem Fur tipster Sebastian from Street Easy wrote in yesterday to say that Elle & Lui, the Moroccan restaurant on 119th and Frederick Douglass, closed. Although Cheryl and I expected this to happen, as the place was almost always empty, it still put a pain in our hearts. Elle & Lui was by far our favorite restaurant in the neighborhood.

This restaurant should have stayed open. The dishes were expertly prepared; different olive flavors would come through in the homemade hummus, the fragrant lamb tangines was amazingly tender with robust accent flavors from the honey nutmeg sauce and caramelized prunes, and even the tea had an air of being carefully selected by the chef.

Cheryl and I talked with the owner and chef on a couple of different occasions and asked why he thought attendance was so low. He said, in his opinion, people still see Harlem as a bedroom community. There may be many people here with million dollar plus residences, but they still work and go out in other neighborhoods. It's not like he didn't do his groundwork in promoting Elle & Lui. The owner attended community and police precinct meetings and came to know the heads of at least two neighborhood home owners' associations, one with more than 400 members.

As for the restaurant moving into the space opening June 23rd, Sebastian says it will be serving gourmet soul food. Uptown flavor dug up the low down on the details. Billie's Black is the name of the new restaurant. They have kept the same phone number and have a website up here. In all seriousness thou, I would like to echo Uptown's sentiment that another soul food restaurant, gourmet, pedestrian or otherwise, is not what Harlem needs.

Here is to hoping that Elle's chef will soon be using his talents somewhere new.

Posted by Chris at 11:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Posted by Chris at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I've walked past Society Coffee on Frederick Douglass Boulevard at 114th Street many times without feeling compelled to stop in. Although it has a well appointed interior with exposed brick, leather chairs and a plush leather banquette, something about naming it Society seems a bit forced. The choice of name reminded me of the kid in first grade who walked around telling everyone he was tough, because he wasn't. But a couple of people asked me what I thought of the place, so I stopped by.

Society has a decent website in development, with photos of the venue, so I thought I would try a short video clip panning the interior to offer something different.

The first thing that hit me was the attractiveness of the staff, both male and female. Whereas last night I felt underdressed, at Society I felt undersexy. This was not just my observation. A friend who joined me later made mention of the same thing.

The next thing that hit me was that Society has wait staff. Starbucks has ruined me. I now always assume that there is register service at coffee houses, even at Settepani, where I have been many times. I always walk up to the register and then feel like an ass when told that there is service at the table. The same thing happened at Society. I was politely told that someone would soon see me at a table.

Once at the table, I talked briefly with the server. He let me know that the venue will be celebrating its one year anniversary next month, I believe on the 9th. He said to expect notice in the next week.

The final big realization of the visit was that Society offers more than coffee and small cakes. Also on the beverage menu are smoothies, beer, wine, and on the food menu are breakfast items, panini sandwiches, and small plates. The lunch options nicely extend out to a lite diner option, and the breakfast menu becomes brunch on the weekends.

Posted by Chris at 07:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I'm not sure what this place is actually named. "Les Ambassades" is on the menu and signage out front, and "Patisserie Des Ambassades" is the name for looking it up on Switchboard and Yelp. Who cares. It's a high diplomatic mission of Senegalese flavor to the French pastry kitchen. The place deserves nomenclatural immunity.

Plus, the restaurant also has breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch.

Whatever the official name, it's at 2200 Frederick Douglass Blvd, right around the corner from Elle & Lui.

Gratuitous confection photos after the jump.

Also, UPTOWN flavor spots a new restaurant on 145th, El Puerto, and is looking for reviews.

Continue reading "Culinary Plenipotentiaries: Patisserie Des Ambassades" »

Posted by Chris at 10:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Last Saturday, when I was walking Scott's dog to Morningside Park, I passed Elle & Lui, a Moroccan restaurant on 119th Street between Frederick Douglass and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevards.

Cheryl and I decided to stop in tonight, and it was the best random decision we have made in a long time. The place looks great, and the food was incredible. Elle & Lui is worth it for the hummus alone, and they have a hookah if you decide to stick around.

I have photos of the interior and our excellent dinner after the jump.

Continue reading "Elle & Lui Is A Real Moroccan Delight" »

Posted by Chris at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)