Happy New Year!

Narmer’s Newsstand

As Gov. David A. Paterson attempts to raise his stature in preparation for his election run next year, some of his close supporters are saying that people should stop calling him by his first name, saying it diminishes him and fails to reflect the prestige of the office he holds. [NYT] In Harlem, Reflections on… [Read more…]

New Years Eve at Gospel Uptown

Who will bid $1 for this Manhattan home? – Crain’s New York Business

Who will bid $1 for this Manhattan home? – Crain’s New York Business Posted using ShareThis

Remember: Percy Sutton

Via AP and ACJ Percy Sutton, attorney to Malcolm X and a pioneering media mogul, has died in New York. He was 89. Marissa Shorenstein, a spokeswoman for Gov. David Paterson, confirmed Sutton’s death Saturday. The son of a slave, Sutton became a fixture in Harlem after moving to New York City following his military… [Read more…]

This Christmas

This Christmas in Harlem Related: Last year’s video

Habari gani?

Christmas Night in Harlem

Play: Christmas Night in Harlem by Louis Armstrong

A Harlem Kwanzaa celebration

Where are buyers backing out in Harlem?

The Real Deal took a  look at 20 NYC buildings that have seen the highest percentage of contract disputes since the start of the downturn. Two are in Harlem falling in at number 5 and 8 respectively.  While we have not been to look at 5th on the Park, the monstrosity that sits on the site of… [Read more…]

Favorite Things: Joe’s Home is the Essence of Christmas

As I’ve said before, I love Christmas music – especially when it is sweet and soulful. Who better to deliver sweet and soulful than Joe?  You might remember I posted about Joe last year when he delivered his new CD A New Man. He’s back on the scene and in the holiday spirit. Download the… [Read more…]

Harlem native voices villain in The Princess and the Fro

Harlem born Keith David gives voice to the villainous Dr. Facilier in the latest Disney animated feature The Princess and the Frog. David, a Julliard trained thespian,  has starred in hundreds of roles on stage and screen.  Before attending the prestigious High School for the Performing Arts (The Fame school) David was under the tutelage… [Read more…]

Say What? Pistol Whippin’ Woman

We haven’t had a ‘say what’ in a while, but when I read this story I couldn’t resist reposting it.  From the NY Post Daily Blotter: A middle-aged woman pistol-whipped an acquaintance during a robbery in Harlem, authorities said yesterday. Gun-toting Delores Hill, 45, allegedly whacked the woman in the head on Frederick Douglass Boulevard… [Read more…]

Top 10 Stores to Pick Up Last Minute Gifts in Harlem

“If it weren’t for the last minute, I wouldn’t get anything done.”  No need to worry,  Uptownflavor has compiled a quick list of the 10 top places in Harlem to pick up a last minute, yet personal gift for your friends, family, and loved ones. Bebenoir Carol’s Daughter N Boutique The Studio Museum Gift Shop… [Read more…]

Favorite Things: The Only Regret Tee

One of my favorite things is my natural hair which has been virtually relaxer-free for about ten years now. One of my other favorite things is when I find a tee-shirt that affirms the beauty of living with “kinky, curly, coily” hair. Enter fly girl Andrea Pippins, who designed the I Love My Hair line.… [Read more…]

Narmer’s Newsstand

Schools shortchange special needs kids, sending them home early [DN] Thompson Won’t Rule Out Pursuing U.S. Senate Seat [NYT] Seleno Clarke: Bringing The Music Back To Harlem [ABJ] Flahooley: The Harlem Repertory Theatre at Theater for the New City [BACKSTAGE] Harlem Tenants Struggle as a British Landlord Goes Bust [NYT]

What’s Up: Wild Olive Market

We asked and you responded. The other day we put out a call for some What’s Up inquiries. One reader submitted the following: Any news on the Wild Olive Market on 125th Street between Madison and 5th Avenue? They bought a couple of storefronts and have an awning up. Would love to know what types… [Read more…]

Settepani Mediterranean Sundays

Narmer’s Newsstand

Stage Set for School-Closing Showdown [CR]  Hou$ing ax freezes out 3,000 poor families [NYP] A Wall in East Harlem Speaks: Stand Up and Be Counted [CR] Kwanzaa celebrations continue, but boom is over [BUFFALONEWS] More City Agencies Hold Millions in ‘Hidden’ Accounts [ NYT] Latin Jazz Is Staple, but Others Are Invited [ NYT]

Favorite Things: Butter by Keba Gift Set

Last year Uptownflavor readers were introduced to Butter by Keba, a unique blend of shea butter and aromatic oils that creates a delicious olfactory experience that you will not find in your local body shop. Based in floral scents and rich spices, Butter by Keba is perfect for keeping your skin smooth as silk during… [Read more…]

Fresh Flavor: Ocean

  Spotted a newish Chinese-Japanese place on Lenox. Stood out because Harlem is very light on Japanese food. Downside is the the Chinese side of the menu is heavier than the Japanese side. Expect to see only sushi and teriyaki.  They also seem to be a few smidge more expensive than the other Chinese restaurants… [Read more…]

What’s Happening uptown for the holidays?

A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS Sunday at 4 p.m., a reading of this Clement Clarke Moore poem by the actress Tamara Tunie, followed by a procession to Moore’s grave site in nearby Trinity Church Cemetery. Church of the Intercession, Broadway at West 155th Street, Washington Heights , (212) 283-6200, trinitywallstreet.com. CELEBRATIONS IN CENTRAL PARK On Saturday… [Read more…]

What’s Up….

What’s up with the “What’s Up” section?  We haven’t had any in a while. If you have a tip about a development or a question about something happening in Harlem, please submit it to uptownflavor at gmail dot com and we will post it as a “What’s Up” inquiry.

Harlem Hip Hop Stroke

“F” is for the Face “A” is for the Arm “S” is for the Speech “T” is for the Time Time to do what? “Call 911!” Time to do what? “Call 911!” Thanks to the vision of an HHC stroke expert, lively hip hop music has brought life-saving information to over 1500 young children in… [Read more…]

More fast food coming to 125th Street: Checkers

 As most thoroughfares in America do, 125th Street has no shortage of fast food joints. Add one more to the roster: Checkers. Checkers, the national chain more associated with drive-ins in the suburbs (also known as Rally’s in some states) than busy urban streets has been steadily making its way into New York. One of… [Read more…]

Put on Blast: Harlem’s chain stores vs. small businesses

Over the past 3 years, Uptownflavor has been about promoting and highlighting small businesses in Harlem. As Harlem becomes more “mainstream” and more chain stores and big box businesses are opening up in our community, UF is considering adding a new section called “Put on Blast.” A few readers suggested that we add this feature… [Read more…]

Favorite Things: Kimberly Nichole

The Yellow Brick Journey is my favorite album of the year; And this is coming from someone who listens to a lot of music. After all, I’m opening a CD store, for cryin’ out loud. I have heard huge commercial releases like Jay’s The Blueprint 3, The Black Eyed Peas’ The E.N.D. and even Adam Lambert’s… [Read more…]

Tree Lighting at Jackie Robinson Park Today

The Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy, Inc., in partnership with Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. and Capital One Bank/145th Street Branch will presents The 12th Annual Jackie Robinson Park Lights of Hope Tree Lighting Ceremony tomorrow, December 17, 2009 from 4pm – 6pm at the Jackie Robinson Park & Recreation Center Jackie Robinson Park and… [Read more…]

3 Mo’ Divas at The Apollo

3 Mo’ Divas Created by Marion J. Caffey Sunday, December 27, 2009 @ 600 pm Apollo Theater Marion J. Caffey’s celebrated production returns to the Apollo by popular demand. Starring Nova Payton, Laurice Lanier and Jamet Pitman, 3 Mo’ Divas is a musical extravaganza that captivates audiences with thrilling performances that include soul, opera, jazz,… [Read more…]

Harlem Park to Park December Events

Kwanzaa Book Giveaway

December is the season of giving and sharing. In that spirit of sharing we are offering three sets of  Kwanzaa books for our readers! Each set includes 5 books published by the Hachette Book Group. The Boy Next Door By Irene Sabatini Mrs. O By Mary Tomer Role of a Lifetime By James Brown ,… [Read more…]

New York City Profile – Beeline Interview: Anthony Lobosco

New York City Profile – Beeline Interview: Anthony Lobosco.

Narmer’s Newsstand

New York Finds Extreme Crisis in Youth Prisons [NYT] Drastic Cuts Are Expected as M.T.A. Unveils Budget  [NYT] Activists plan action against proposed DOE school closures [AMNEWS] Poll workers who worked Election Day in November want payday [DN] Parents rip MTA plan to ax student passes; kids would pay full price by 2011 [DN] NYC… [Read more…]

Chester Gregory: Ready, Willing and Able

joseph riley land I have known Chester Gregory for a little over a year, but have never had a chance to see him perform live. Last week, however, he headlined a charity event at Gospel Uptown and I finally got a chance to hear him. Now I see what all the fuss is about; he… [Read more…]

Favorite Things: Soapology’s Soy Wax Candles

 Soapology is a little company based out of Brooklyn that offers wonderful bath and beauty products. They used to sell a walnut scrub that was as finely ground as sand on a island beach. My pick for this holiday is the soy wax candles that turns into a warm scented massage oil. Simply blow out… [Read more…]

Won’t you bee my neighbor?

Great news! Uptownflavor’s content is now being syndicated on neighborbee NYC. What is neighborbee? neighborbee.com is the first website in New York City to bring neighborhoods together by connecting its members (people, businesses, community organizations, etc.) by providing useful, interesting and helpful content about your neighborhood. neighborbee.com started 2 years ago as a New York City… [Read more…]

Fresh Flavor: Island Salad Opens

For the decade that Milo Meed has lived in Harlem, he has been frustrated with the lack of healthy food. Watching his 11-year-old son, Danny, grow up, he grew even more concerned, as he noticed far more obese children north of 96th Street. For a few years, he tried to convince other businesses to fix… [Read more…]

Favorite Things: Christmas in Your Arms

We are officially into the 12 days of Christmas and kicking off a new series called ‘Favorite Things’ is a newly released holiday song by former American Idol Ruben Studdard. I may have mentioned it in past years, but Christmas was my mother’s favorite holiday so we always went all out with the decorations, music,… [Read more…]

The Black Nutcracker

Uptown Saturday Night at Applebee’s

Saturday night was filled with good times and good people. The ain’t no party like a Harlem nights party!  The new Applebee’s located on 125th Street was filled to capacity as Harlemites came out in full force to welcome it to the neighborhood. For a $10 donation (that will be reinvested into the community) guests… [Read more…]