Rangel’s Got Competition

I don’t profess to be an expert on Rangel’s long and rocky career as the Representative of Congressional District 15.  I do know that the recent findings about his personal life that are closely connected to his professional life are a bit – eh, questionable. I also know that the man is ballsy as hell… [Read more…]

Weekly Wrap Up – 10/31/08

Thanks for all the feedback on last week’s poll.  The information will help us prioritize the type of information we offer our loyal readers. If you missed the the chance to vote, go here. Top 5 Posts This Week: MoBay Files for Chapter 11 Closed: The Denim Library Wanted Charlie Rangel Poster Moving, The Harlem… [Read more…]

LaBelle is Back

Labelle‘s first CD since their break-up over thirty years ago is in stores today — the ten-track funk and soul throwback Back to Now. The Verve Records production is produced by Lenny Kravtiz, Wyclef Jean, and Kenny Gamble. Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash LABELLE ANNOUNCE “BACK TO NOW LIVE AT THE APOLLO THEATER”… [Read more…]

Weekend News Scoop

You may have noticed that we’ve cut back on posting daily news scoops.  Until we can get a few extra hands to help out on the site, we will offer a weekly news scoop.  This is the first of the new Weekend Scoop. Time to fall back and take care of your semi-annual chores [Redcross]… [Read more…]

Narmer’s Newstand

Council Members Skeptical of Elevator Repair Plan for Public Housing [NYT] Eat well during hard times [AMNY] Banks seek help to forgive some credit card debt [USA] Diabetic Shock in New York at Alarming Rates [NYP] Weekend Post up 25¢ [NYP]

Celebrate Election Night @ the Schomburg

Events: Upper Uptown Parks and Recreation

Friday, October 31, 2008 Halloween Haunted House and Haunted Forest 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Location: Inwood Hill Park Zone 2, Manhattan Category: Free, Nature, Tours Saturday, November 1, 2008 Saturday Fitness Walking Program 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Location: Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan Category: Athletic Events, Free Nature’s Kaleidoscope with the Urban Park Rangers 12:00 p.m.… [Read more…]

Madagascar Exhibit at Bronx Zoo

MoBay Files for Chapter 11

Last week we wrote about the closing of Baton Rouge, the sister restaurant to MoBay.  Today, Crain’s has reported that MoBay could also be in danger of shuttering their doors.  The beloved 125th Street destination has filed for Chapter 11 with the hope of reorganizing the business. MoBay has always done brisk business and received… [Read more…]

Moving: The Harlem Edition

There seems to be a lot of moving around with all of the the rezoning and expansion projects in Harlem. I was rushing around on Monday and saw that Manna will be relocating half a block over.  I wanted to stop and snap a picture, but I was late for an appointment.  Fortunately, Dave from… [Read more…]

The Denim Library

*Ed. note: We later received an email from DL that they are relocating. The Denim Library – purveyor of high end denim wear – has been closed each time I’ve passed the store over the last month.  On my way home from Abyssinian on Sunday I happened to notice that the store fixtures were being… [Read more…]

What’s All This On My Ballot!

It may be hard to notice by looking at all the CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News coverage but your ballot on November 4th will include some other decisions besides who the next President of the Unites States will be. With only 6 days ‘til election day we here at UF want to make sure you… [Read more…]

Narmer’s Newstand

Riverdale toy store owner helps poor Ghanaian children [NYDN] MTA Eyes Bigger Hikes [NYP] Jack White returns to the Home for Retired Racial Stereotypes to find out about Obama’s secret weapon. [ROOT] City Housing Authority to Switch 8,400 Apartments to U.S. Voucher Program [NYT] Cash Strapped NYers Get Library DVDS [NYP] Medicare Battle Looms as… [Read more…]

Winging It In Harlem

First there was Harlem Wing and Waffle.  Then there was word of Doug E.’s Fresh Chicken and Waffles, Atomic Wings, and now New Wing City.  There ain’t no thing like a chicken wing in Harlem, huh? Does anyone have a review of New Wing City?  Please send it to uptownflavor@gmail.com.  Also looking for a shot… [Read more…]

November Coffee Bark

The St. Nick’s Dog Run Coffee Bark happens this Saturday, November 1st from 9am-11am. Come enjoy the Fall weather at the Dog Run with some coffee, donuts and fun while socializing with fellow dog owners and discussing issues concerning St. Nicholas Park and St. Nick’s Dog Run. The St. Nick’s Dog Run is located in… [Read more…]

Wanted: Charlie Rangel Poster

I’m sure everyone who lives or works in Harlem has seen the various political posters that have Barack Obama paired with other local Democrats.  If you are like most, the Rangel/Obama poster is the most irritating.  If you’ve been following the news, you know that Rangel was a huge Hillary supporter who only grungingly decided… [Read more…]

Musiq Soulchild at the Apollo

Musiq Soulchild tickets on sale tomorrow! Musiq Soulchild December 9th, 2008 Tickets on sale tomorrow starting at $35.50! Don’t miss the soulful Philadelphia native on December 9th as he debuts tracks from his new album ONMYRADIO, which will be released on the same day. And if your funds are a little tight you can try… [Read more…]

Postponed: Dreamgirls Auditions

OUT OF RESPECT FOR JENNIFER HUDSON AND HER FAMILY, THIS WEEK’S CASTING FOR THE 2009 NATIONAL TOUR AT THE APOLLO THEATER IS RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2008. Seeking dynamic African American female singers in their 20’s to play the roles of Effie, Deena, Lorrell and Michelle for the new National Tour of DREAMGIRLS! Prepare… [Read more…]

Shoe Shopping in Harlem for a Good Cause

A private shopping event with ladies and friends of the New York Giants Football Organization took place on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Harlem’s designer shoe boutique, Bourgeoisie Shoes. Guests enjoyed 50% off of selected shoes while sipping wine and champagne. A portion of the proceeds benefited the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, an organization that… [Read more…]

Poll: Why I Read U.F.

Dear Readers: We are working on making changes on the blog and want to get your feedback. Please tell us the number one reason why you read Uptown Flavor. We’ll take your feedback into account when we restructure the site. You can add additional comments in the comments section or email them to uptownflavor@gmail.com. Thanks!… [Read more…]

Election Watch Night at The Shabazz Center

Dowoti Désir, Executive Director of The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center (The Shabazz Center), announced today that the center will host an Election Night Watch. The Watch will provide an opportunity for the public to come together to witness the results of the 2008 presidential election. “Voting in the 2008… [Read more…]

Wicked: From Page to Stage

TUESDAY • OCTOBER 28 • 6:30 PM Wicked: From Page to Stage Wicked, the Broadway smash musical and winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, is based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire about two witches in the Land of Oz. Bookwriter Winnie Holzman, composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz, and… [Read more…]

Narmer’s Newstand

Police chief blasts Isiah Thomas for ‘cover-up’ in pinning overdose on daughter [NYDN] 500 guns exchanged for cash in Harlem churches [kentucky.com] Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s ’09 run may be on Democrat line for third term [NYDN] Coke and Meth Use Surges [NYP] Basic literacy remains a challenge in many black communities. [ROOT]

Editor’s Note: Hello Fall

PARK ENTRANCE SIGN, originally uploaded by NARMER. There have been some technical issues with landing on the page today. We’ll be posting tomorrow. In the meantime check out these fall pictures of the new Harlem Piers taken by Narmer. Speaking of the change of season, wet snow in October?  More photos can be found in… [Read more…]

So It Is – Betty Blayton @ Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery

“So It Is With Us“ Betty Blayton: 40 Years of Selected Works a Harlem Galleries collaborative event Canvas Paper and Stone 212-694-1747 Studio Talk: 11/1 4-6PM through 11/22 Essie Green Galleries 212-368-9635 through 10/31 Strivers Gardens Gallery 212-491-0503 through Nov. ****** !Coming Soon! ArtCrawl Harlem III:  East Meets West Sat, Nov. 15, 2008 ****** !Holiday… [Read more…]

Photo of the Week

Uptown and the Bronx, by Paolo Mastrangelo.  

U.F. Weekend Guide: October 24-26

I’m giving another shot at reviving the Weekend Guide.  This time I will narrow the choices down to 5 events each weekend.  If you are promoting local events or know of events that would be of interest to our readers, please send them to uptownflavor@gmail.com. This weekend’s choices are below.  Rain has been forecast so… [Read more…]

Weekly Wrap-Up

Poll Results: Voting for Mayor Bloomberg’s: 50% say it depends on the competition; 33% said yes; 17% said no. Should parents be held accountable for chronic absences: 100% said yes. Bloomie’s conflict of interest: 50% say yes; 42% no; 8% undecided. All polls will remain open indefinitely so cast your vote! Top 5 Posts: Price… [Read more…]

Profile: Harlem YMCA

The New York Times published a fantastic history on the Harlem YMCA.  Anyone who has read their fair share of Harlem Renaissance literature knows what a pivotal role the Ys in Harlem played in providing housing and other opportunities to our renaissance legends. This bastion of black history is the Harlem Y.M.C.A., sometimes called the… [Read more…]

Narmer’s Newstand

Traditional Wedding Dress is Gown for the Count [NYP] NYC Kids not World Beaters in Test Taking  [NYP] Barack Obama’s not the only one being questioned. [ROOT] Black church, researchers join up to fend off cognitive decline [USA] New year to bring restrictions on troops in Iraq [USA] FDA May Revise Warning for Antismoking Drug… [Read more…]

What’s Happening at the Schomburg?

Resistance and Revolt in the African Diaspora The Schomburg Center presents a series of film screenings dedicated to the 2008 commemoration of the Bicentennial of the American Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. 4 PM to 6 PM Free admission. First come, first served. Saturday, October 25 4 p.m. Negroes with Guns: Rob Williams and… [Read more…]

Halloween Children’s Festival

Thursday October 30th, the Jackie Robinson Recreation Center will be hosting the Halloween Children’s Festival, with the help of NY Cares.  The festival will be from 4-8pm. Arts & Crafts – Leaf art, necklace making, mask making, face painting, pumpkin decorating Games – Halloween golf, slime bucket, witches brew Activities – Haunted pumpkin patch, rollerblading… [Read more…]

Poll: Mike’s Third Term

If you haven’t been unplugged from the local news networks, you already know that Mayor Mike has been approved to run for a third term.  Today’s poll question is ‘will you be voting for Mayor Bloomberg in the next election?’

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Seized: Charles’ Southern Style Kitchen

As part of the previous renovations post, I checked up on Charles’ Southern Style Kitchen. To my surprise I saw the gates plastered with bright orange SEIZED signs.  There will be a lot of disappointed all you can eat patrons who have made the long trek up there.

Cash for Guns Today

“Whoever knows someone who’s got a gun, turn it over. Look under those kids’ mattresses. That includes kids. We know you’re sick of having your friends shot,” said Jackie Rowe Adams, a local activist who has lost two sons to guns. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow, the following churches will serve as drop off… [Read more…]

Apollo’s New Oral History Archive

I spent Tuesday afternoon and evening in the World Famous Apollo Theater attending the National Urban Leagues (NUL) Economic Empowerment Tours and Town Hall Meeting moderated by Ed Gordon.  I am always awestruck by the history that the Apollo holds within the confines of its walls, and I truly believe that the Apollo is one… [Read more…]

Local Eats: Under Renovation

It has been brought to our attention that yet another business is “under renovation.”  Last week we reported that Cafe Bon Jour on St. Nicholas was dark with a closed for renovations sign in the window, yet there didn’t appear to be physical signs of construction going on inside of the tiny cafe. The other evening… [Read more…]

Chill Buster Special: 99 Cent Latte

I don’t know about you but I have been freezing due to the sudden drop in temperature.  Mr. Autumn wasted no time shifting into overdrive this year.  Fall is still one of my favorite seasons (spring being the other) so I try not to complain too much.  It helps that Dunkin’ Donuts is selling lattes… [Read more…]

Urban Fiction: From the Streets to the Library

Urban fiction’s journey from street vendors to library shelves and six-figure book deals is a case of culture bubbling from the bottom up. That is especially true in New York, where the genre, like hip-hop music, was developed by, for and about people in southeast Queens and other mostly black neighborhoods that have struggled with… [Read more…]