New Harlem East -- Another Nickname for East Harlem?

We just recovered from SpaHa (short for Spanish Harlem) and now the Wall Street Journal notes that new business owners are starting to call the eastern side of 125th St, where new businesses are popping up like Wild Olive Market and Sade Skincare, "the New Harlem East." "It contrasts with the many cellphone-, linen- and sneaker-store-lined strips nearby."

Neighborhood nicknames always remind me of an episode of How I Met Your Mother where two characters are convinced of the merits of a certain area of New York City called DoWiSeTrepla. They are told it's "the hottest neighborhood in NYC. The deals are amazing. Much more affordable than Dumbo or Tribeca." They later find out DoWiSeTrepla stands for "Down Wind from The Sewage Treatment Plant." Neighborhood nicknames make me nervous.

Read about the new businesses in New Harlem East, East Harlem or whatever you want to call our neighborhood here.


I love the new stores, but I'm not sure about the new name. What do you think about SpaHa or New Harlem East? Do you like these nicknames or does East Harlem work for you?

The New New Harlem in New York Mag

File this under: Not quite East Harlem, but it's still nice to see uptown getting some love. After spending an evening at Harlem's Bier International, I was excited to open my new issue of New York Magazine and see an extensive feature on Harlem. Bier International (definitely worth heading over the west side and checking out), Red Rooster, Aloft Harlem hotel and dozens of other hot spots are reviewed. The issue is worth picking up so you can explore the other new new Harlem.

Two Sides of East Harlem

No where else in East Harlem is the area's status as emerging neighborhood more clearly defined than it is on Lexington and 110th Street. An abandoned building, with boarded up windows, sits around the block from one of the largest, and for lack of a better term most luxurious, luxury buildings around. The juxtaposition always startles me.

Cafe Saint Germain, Your New Brunch Spot

You could easily miss Cafe Saint Germain's store front as you walk down Lexington Avenue. It's quite tiny and the scaffolding currently covering the shop doesn't help with their visibility issues. But, this cafe is worth finding. The look inside is Harlem Renaissance with dark wood and prints from the 30s, like the one of Josephine Baker. The food is modern, healthy and super fresh. Try one of the salads -- I love the La Chevre. The sandwiches and breakfast options are also great and change often.

This restaurant seems to still be getting it's footing; when I visited the credit card machine was down and although 'Wi-Fi' was boldly printed on the front window, it will not be working until later in the week, I was told.

Other than the food, the eclectic tunes and truly fascinating owner, Mario Douge, are worth taking in as well. I can definitely see myself coming here often for brunch, and maybe once the Wi-Fi is up, spending the day sipping a cappuccino, surfing the web and chatting with Douge.

Cafe Saint Germain
1695 Lexington Ave. (bet 106 and 107th Sts)
(212) 286-2466
Mon - Fri:
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat - Sun:
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Cafe Saint Germain Facebook Page

Will Wallmart Join the Big Box Stores in East Harlem?

Crains New York Business reports that Wallmart is looking at store locations accross New York City. “They're looking all over,” says Faith Hope Consolo, chairwoman of Prudential Douglas Elliman's retail group to Crains New York. “This is aggressive now. This is not just thinking about it and dabbling. They're dancing around the city.” It appears that real estate in East Harlem and East New York, Brooklyn, are in the running...Which of the Easts will get a Wallmart?

What do you think of all the big box chain store development in East Harlem?

East Harlem Pride Cemented

amNew York Features East Harlem

This post is a little late, but in case you missed it: East Harlem was featured in the City Living section of amNew York early last month. The section was written by one of this blog's first readers, Levi Gibian Fishman. Levi interviewed me for the story and included a quote from me, "The area feels real. It's the sort of area that I always imagined living in when I thought about living in New York City." The section covers some of the haunts you've read about in this blog and a few new places you should check out. Take a look at the full article in amNew York (PDF).

Great article, Levi!

East Harlem Rated 54th

East Harlem was ranked 54th out of 60 neighborhoods in New York Magazine's Best Places to Live listing. I've always thought of East Harlem as an "up-and-coming" place to live, so I was surprised it was so low. To me the neighborhood gets points for diversity, Mexican food, Central Park and the museums. Why do you love East Harlem? What makes it the area for you?

Local Stop: East Harlem

Earlier this week the New York Times covered East Harlem in their Local Stop section. They visited El Paso Restaurant, the Graffiti Hall of Fame, Metropolis Studios and the Raíces Latin Music Museum, among other stops. I think I would have chosen the Museum of the City of New York and a more off-the-beaten-path restaurant, but nonetheless it's great to see the hood getting some coverage.

What East Harlem stops would you have covered?


Take a look at their slide show of East Harlem haunts.

Photo: Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times

Hat Tip: Levi

Super Weather: Spring is Almost Here

This weekend gave us the most amazing weather. Walking around Saturday at dusk it almost felt like spring. Lots of people were out and about, music playing from open windows mixed with the sounds of a basketball game. It almost made me want to plan a barbecue or slip on my flip-flops. Almost, almost, spring is certainly close.

James De La Vega, "Become Your Dream"

A little snow didn't stop James De La Vega from hitting this old bookshelf with his signature tag, "Become Your Dream." I'm dreaming of another snow day...



Spotted on Lexington and 103rd.

Has anyone else seen De La Vega's work? Let us know where.

A New 24 Hour Mexican Restaurant to Open in East Harlem

Maybe you've noticed that shuttered restaurant just as you head up from the 103rd 6 train. It used to be a 24 hour diner -- a rare place to get a late-night bite in the area -- until last summer when it closed. But, by next week we should have a place for our midnight-snacks once again. I've been noticing some movement going on in the restaurant for the past couple of weeks, and today my suspicions were confirmed when I popped my head in to ask what was going on: the restaurant will be opening next week. It will now be a Mexican restaurant, but it will continue to be open 24 hours. Let me know if you visit La Fonda on Lexington and 103rd and what you think of the new place.

The Sidewalk Philosopher Strikes Again

On my last posting about The Inspirational Marker Wielding East Harlemer, Joe commented on the postletting us know that the artist was James De La Vega. Here's another one of De La Vega's masterpieces that I spied this morning on my way to work. Now, you or I might see mattress on the sidewalk and think, "Eeek, bedbugs!" But De La Vega thinks, "Canvas!" And I love him for that.



Spotted on 102nd St

Costco Opening Video from Northhattan

After Long Wait, East Harlem’s Costco Opens from Bradley Gallo on Vimeo.

Thanks Bradley!!

Become Your Dream....

The Inspirational Marker Wielding East Harlemer (possible code name "IMWEH"?) was out again last night, and I spotted these words of wisdom this morning.



Check out IMWEH's previous work.

No Smoking in East Harlem

Turns out that huge apartment building I've watched going up on Lexington between 97th and 98th St will be a non-smoking apartment building according to WCBSTV.

The building is located at 1510 Lexington Avenue and is set to open early next year.

Art and Booze Make Change

101st St Near Lexington

The Wait Is Over: Costco Is Open!

Has anyone checked it out yet? What did you think?




Found this cute video online of opening day.

Also see NY1's video and article.

And here are some photos. This place looks HUGE!

EnJoy!

After a grueling, yet disappointing volleyball game my team hit Joy Burger for some burgers and beers. The joint has a great 1950's vibe -- vintage Coke ads, retro bar stools and the guys working the grill line have these great mechanic jump suits that are right out of Grease. They serve classic "road side" burgers, but if you're interested in mixing it up a bit order one of their sauces like garlic mayo. The team loved the burgers, the milkshakes and the fantastic prices. The burgers start at $3.50 (they come in three sizes depending on your craving) and the beers are $3.75. We also got some Patatas (they're sweet potato fries served with maple syrup) on the house. Score! Our dinner was way more successful then our game!


Joy Burger
1567 Lexington Ave at 100th St
(212) 289-6222

The Debate is On

East Harlem's Museo del Barrio, which is reopening later this week, will host the First Mayoral General Debate tomorrow night.
The debate will be aired live on NY1 and NY1.com.