Continuing with the ongoing retail-ization of Frederick Douglass Blvd, a reader writes in asking if anyone has word on the new clothing store opening up between 116th and 117th:

On my way home today I passed by the storefront that is 1 store over from the Winery on FDB/8th Ave and saw the contractors working away. I inquired and was told that the space was being transformed into a clothing store. Do you know anything about this? What kind of clothing store I ask? Hopefully it will not offer goods at stratospheric prices like Head over Heels, the "shoetique" at 270 St. Nick, with shoes discounted by 50% from original price of $900+. Come-on folks this is still Harlem.

All knowledge, speculation and hopeful desires will be appreciated.

Posted by Chris at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Ask and you shall receive. Danny Johnson, who works with owner Nobu Otso, writes in to let us know the story behind The Winery, the new wine shop on Frederick Douglass Blvd and 117th St.

Nobu, a New York interior designer, and Danny are neighbors who live just block away from the shop. Since moving to Harlem in 2004, Nobu has wanted to bring more businesses to the nabe. He and Danny kicked around a number of ideas before settling on a wine shop eight months ago. Since then, they have have worked tirelessly to bring the shop to fruition, with Nobu even designing the decor himself.

Nobu and Danny acknowledge that Harlem Vintage is just a few blocks up the street, but they strongly feel that there is room enough for two similar and successful businesses in West Harlem. Plus, the two have carved out what they see as a winning strategy for The Winery.

The idea behind the shop is to bring value wines to the consumer. Face it; there is a global wine glut. This presents an opportunity to bring high quality wines to consumers at prices that are affordable. Wine doesn't have to be priced in the stratosphere to be of outstanding quality. All of the wine at The Winery is priced below 20.00 USD. Nearly all of the wines are from small producers with limited production, (8000 cases and below), and many are organic and biodynamic. By focusing on brands that are not mass produced we are able to bring an outstanding array of different varietals from many of the worlds greatest appellations.

Posted by Chris at 10:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)

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)

Echoing what a commenter wrote on a previous post, I am a huge fan of Harlem Vintage, but I am always happy to see new retail opening up in the nabe. And so it is with this weekend's opening of The Winery on Frederick Douglass Blvd between 116th and 117th.

As you can see from the photo, the shop is cozy with a warm decor.

I was inside waiting to talk to whom I assumed was the owner as he finished up with the customers there before me, trying to get Cheryl to come inside. She was outside trying to tell me she had a headache and would wait for me until I was done. Somewhere along the way communication between us broke down, and we went home.

If anyone did not have the whole inside/ outside/ headache complication to work around and was able to speak to the owner, anything you picked up would be appreciated.

Posted by Chris at 11:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Given that UPTOWNflavor is on vacation running the Missoula, MT Marathon this Sunday, July 15th (Go UPTOWNflavor!), Cimbi and I thought we would fill in with links to the morning's news.

We've only found one article this morning, but damn if Columbia University's announcement that it will not use eminent domain to evict residents of 132 apartments isn't a big one. [Times]

More on the annoucement in The Real Estate.

And what Cimbi missed from yesterday...

Conversion of a long vacant school into condos is causing some to look down their glasses with a disapproving glare while tapping a ruler on the open palm of their free hand. [Sun]

The Daily News had an article on the entrepreneurial undertakings of Broadway stars Lisa Rinna and Brenda Braxton. Brenda started BBraxton, the upscale men's grooming salon in 116th St and 5th Ave. I can't find the article on the Daily News site, so here it is after the jump.

Continue reading "All The Harlem News That's Fit To Click" »

Posted by Chris at 08:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.

Posted by Chris at 07:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

For those of you with conventional children, newly-opened Grandma's Place on 120th and Lenox is there to produce all the "IWANTIWANTIWANT" outbursts you can handle.

It even offers temptations for those with unconventional children, as per this conversation Cheryl and I had when walking past:

Me: Ouuu, a toy store. Let's stop in.

Cheryl: No, I would feel compelled to buy Cimbi something.

Me: No, don't worry; it's a store for children. Cimbi is a small house cat.

Cheryl: I know, but she is still like a child to me.

Interior photo taken while Cheryl waited outside.

Posted by Chris at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Floral atelier Harlem Flo opened on Frederick Douglass Boulevard at 123rd Street. In addition to what one would expect in a flower shop, Harlem Flo carries a good selection of large African cactus, palms, thick aloe, and a strange plant that grows from a board hung on the wall. It's the one in the center picture.

The plant is striking, especially as it grows out of a piece of wood.

I asked the owner the hanging plant's name and confirmed the spelling of what he gave me, Stargon Fern, before leaving. This may be the phonetic pronunciation in another language, as I cannot find it online.

I was hoping to look up some facts on the plant, but seeing as I cannot find it with the spelling I have, I can only relate what the shop owner told me. He said that to water the plant, it has to be fully submerged about once a week.

PROGRESS! Melita tracked down the plant in question. It is a Staghorn Fern.

Posted by Chris at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Non-bank, non-drug store retail Wynn Optics is now open in the Normandie's last vacant storefront space on Lenox and 119th Street.

Given the rate at which they are popping up, I am actually kind of surprised that a newer Aphrodite Cleaners did not open next to the new-ish Aphrodite already in the building.

And for those leaving Wynn who can now see down the block, Halstead has it's new awnings up.

Posted by Chris at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harlem resident and Columbia School of Journalism grad student Neha Singh Gohil passed along her article on wine tastings at Harlem Vintage, the boutique wine shop on Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 121st Street. Neha gave us permission to post the whole article, and we are more than happy to take up that offer.

After reading the article, you will want to check out Harlem Vintage's February events calendar. In addition to Saturday events covering winemakers of color (4:00pm to 7:00pm on the 10th, 17th and 24th), there is a Rose Champaign tasting on Tuesday the 13th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and a Valentine's Day bubbly tasting on Wednesday the 14th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Wine tastings serve as meeting place for Harlem residents, old and new

By Neha Singh Gohil

Just before dinner on a recent Saturday evening, people assembled around a long wooden table in Harlem. Edmund Floyd, a black bodyguard in a beanie, has lived in the neighborhood for nearly 20 years. Next to him, Pablo Joo and Nelson Rosado, Latino roommates who moved in just three months ago, clutched shopping bags from Citarella, a gourmet grocery store. Kyla Kupferstein, a black Jewish educator who freelances for magazines in her free time, stood at the end.

These people hadn't met before, but they all shared this: All are Harlemites, and all love wine.

Wine tastings at Harlem Vintage, a boutique wine shop on Fredrick Douglass Boulevard and 121st Street, have always served as a gathering place for West Harlem locals. In an area where almost everyone has an opinion about the new neighbors, nobody brings up gentrification here. The small wine shop became one of the first places where Harlem neighbors - new and old - can come together to enjoy a sip of wine and a laugh on the weekends.

Continue reading "Sunday Reading: Harlem Vintage" »

Posted by Chris at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Cheryl and I joined a small group of people this evening for a sneak peek of the day spa soon to open on the top floor of Nubian Heritage. Located on 5th Avenue between 125th and 126th Streets, the spa will reside on the second floor in Nubian Heritage's flagship store. The store includes Boma Coffee & Tea, aromatherapy, bath, beauty, and accessories departments, and Vera Moore Cosmetics.

Vera Moore herself lead the day spa tour. The venue will have all of the features of a salon, including hair and nail care, in addition to spa amenities that include a massage parlor, hydro-therapy, and a room with equipment that looked ready to perform dental work.

Many of the rooms had amazing light. The yoga/pilates studio drew in considerable sun even in the late hour through large windows looking South over 125th street. A room for massage and hydro-therapy was also exceptionally bright, as it drew in light from the setting sun through windows overlooking 5th Avenue.

The decor, under the direction of Nubian Heritage's Creative Director Jullanar Barron, is coming along quite nice. Jullanar, whose creative domain also includes product packaging, is in the photo below.

I did not want to ask if the spa will be unisex or not, but I had the question answered nonetheless when the tour entered the men's restroom and changing area. Yes, it will have services for men too. While looking at the women's changing area, I was told that would be the last time I would be stepping inside. That's what they think.

And my reason for questioning the unisex vs. monosex design is not that I think men don't need spa services. A few blocks to the South, in new storefront space on 116th Street between Lenox and 5th Avenues, I have been watching a sign for Braxton with the tag-line "Exceptional grooming for exceptional men." Clearly, this is a salon of the no girls allowed variety.

Posted by Chris at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am getting quite good at finding what I want in Harlem. When Cheryl asked on Sunday where we could get wheat grass to aid our cat's digestion, we tried Karrot on 117th Street between Frederick Douglass and Manhattan Avenues.

Karrot is a small health food store featuring wheat grass, mambo juice, and Jim's Organic Coffee. I passed it when taking Romeo to the Morningside Park dog run.

Have grass it does. Carlos, the gregarious owner, said that when opened, he had a sign out front that read "Best Grass In Harlem." People would walk by, look around, stick their head in and ask things like "do you have that Thailand stuff?"

What we wanted is a little more legitimate. Karrot offers wheat grass shots, both solo and in mambo juice, and the grass itself sold in sizes from a quarter sheet to a full sheet. Carlos said the quarter sheets are popular with cat owners in the area. We took a quarter sheet, which is more than enough for Cimbi.

BONUS: Karrot has flyers for the Hudson Street Proud Pet Parade this Saturday, June 17th at 2pm. Looks like it is something for dogs, so no outting for Cimbi. To register, email cruizroberts@gmail.com or call 646-678-5372. Three top dogs will be crowned. There is a $20 admission fee.

Posted by Chris at 09:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

...and the guest list was hotter than a Chevy tailpipe in summer.

The Chairman of General Motors Rick Wagoner, Mayor Bloomberg, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Congressman Charlie Rangel were all at the opening of Saturn and GM dealerships located at 2nd Avenue and 127th Street today.

For those of you who missed the broadcast, here is the 7 Online link.

I'll have some photos up later. Until then, please accept their stock chart in substitution. It goes very well with the Harlem Fur color scheme.

Posted by Chris at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bonus! Womens Wear Daily, which is not something I normally read, has an article on one of N's designers, Nicole Miller.

Posted by Chris at 10:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

Harlem saw two great openings this weekend, and Harlem Fur was kinda there.

Bonus: If you read to the end, you can find out how a free bag of Innova cat food, courtesy of Posh Paws, can be yours!

Minton's Playhouse
Minton's Playhouse was a raging success on Friday. The jazz was hot, the joint was packed, and the drinks were surprisingly well priced. I know most of this because I took photos like the one below.

I will be posting more shots from Friday night at Minton's on Flickr. Take a peek by clicking on the photos in the right-hand side bar. I have a shot of Mr. Earl Spain, the jazz impresario who did what Robert DeNiro could not and re-opened the birthplace of be-bop. The first person to point out Dean, my co-op's president, wins a Posh Paws logo food lid.

Posh Paws
Cheryl and I made our first purchase at Posh Paws on Sunday. We bought Cimbi a blue Flexi-Mat pet bed for the windowsill. The attractive and durable fabric is machine washable and dryable, which makes it ideal for cleaning before our allergic friends come over.

Cheryl and I also met the owners, Doris and Helen, two warm people who are very knowledgeable about companion animal supplies.

Please don't think Cimbi will eat just any cat food, or Cheryl for that matter. Previously, we tried giving our animal Greenies, as we ended up with 20 or so sample bags from a cat show at Madison Square Garden. Neither the cat nor Cheryl showed any interest in them. Not knowing what to do with the remaining bags, we gave them out to Trick-Or-Treaters last year while keeping straight faces. (We didn't live in Harlem then.) Cheryl is sitting next to me right now saying, "don't worry, it wasn't malicious... the kids couldn't get sick... and if they read what it was before eating it, they could give it to their pets."

Now for the good part, how a bag of Innova cat food, courtesy of Posh Paws, can be yours. If you are a Harlem resident, send a photo or two of your cat with a brief bio and a memorable anecdote to editor [at] (no spam) harlem fur [dot] com. I will post your kitty on Harlem Fur and mail you the bag of food. Please specify regular or lite food.

Posted by Chris at 07:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

This Friday will not only be the re-opening of be-bop's birthplace, Minton's Playhouse, but it will also be the opening of Posh Paws pet store on Frederick Douglass and 114th Street. I am ecstatic.

As a great example, Cheryl and I had to get on the subway to find usable cat litter after 7pm in 2003. Petland, on 117th Street between Lenox and 5th Avenue, was the only place in Central Harlem that carried Feline Pine litter, and its 7pm closing time made it virtually inaccessible during the week. One night when we could not wait until the weekend to refill the litter box, I broke down and purchased a bag of Hartz pH, the only thing offered at three different delis. The stuff gave off enough dust in the apartment to give us both sore throats by the morning. I can't imagine what it did to the cat.

When we moved back to Harlem late last year, I was happy to see that Fine Fare on Lenox and 116th now carries both Feline Pine litter and a large selection of Fancy Feast flavors with gravy, Cimbi's favorite. However, I am more happy to know that Posh Paws, which will carry Wellness, Innova, California Natural and many more products, will be open at the week's end.

Now, all we need is a good vet and groomer.

Posted by Chris at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)