Carrot Cake Cafe

I love that New York City can support entire stores and districts devoted to such specific products; there's a flower, lighting and restaurant supply district in Manhattan. Not to mention the a Phlli Cheese Steak shop and the Cheese Cake bakery downtown. East Harlem is no different, over here it's our carrot cake cafe, Lloyd's. Lloyd's prides itself on its fresh ingredients, according to their Website, "In a world of artificial industrial mass-produced products, Lloyd's Carrot Cake stands out as one of the few all-natural wholesome and artesian bakeries worth fighting to preserve."

I picked up one of these all-natural wonders a few weeks ago for an early Halloween party. I knew the cake was dense right away as it made my short walk home very uncomfortable while carrying my small but heavy cake. It was worth it; the cake was a huge hit at the party, moist and perfectly frosted. Now, this could be a plus or minus for some folks, but in the past I've had a few carrot cakes that have had strings of carrots throughout the cake, I'm not the hugest fan of this, and I liked that this one was more blended more cake-like less actual pieces of carrot. If you are a fan of this cake-like style definitely think of picking up a cake for Thanksgiving, it's such a perfect fall dessert. If you can't finish a whole cake they also sell slices at the shop.

Lloyd's Carrot Cake Cafe (note the East Harlem shop is not on the site)
2051 Second Ave
212-831-9156

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

Virtual Tour of the New Museo del Barrio

Rendering of the new El Museo del Barrio New York. Reopening October 17, 2009.
Courtesy of El Museo del Barrio, and Gruzen Samton Architects.

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.

Sunday Walk the Cusp of Fall

One Tough East Harlem Cat on the Prowl.


Live Free


Flower in the Ruff.



A Place to Put Up Your Feet.

The Scoop on the East River Plaza

A Target Just for East Harlem


You're Invited! East Harlem Costco Opens


East River Plaza Reader Update


East River Plaza Update


East River Plaza

Anyone else have any details on store openings or other East River Plaza news? Let me know.

East River Plaza Reader Update

Costco is Coming!

I recieved an email from a reader the other day about the East River Plaza:

"I spoke with one of the construction workers yesterday who said that Costco will be open in November at the East River Plaza but that Target wouldn't be open till 2010. Applications are being taken for memberships and jobs on Pleasant between 117th and 118th Streets."

Thanks for the update Maria!

This is really exciting news, November is just around the corner.

East Harlem is Fit for a Queen

Earlier this week, "Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman today met with students and staff at the highly successful Young Women's Leadership School in East Harlem to discuss the important role that quality education plays in improving children’s lives," according to a UNICEF press release.
Read the full press release for Queen Rania Al Abdullah's visit.

Recession Advice from an East Harlem Couch

You are your own best investment. Spotted on 102nd.

Spend the Last Warm Nights of the Season at Moustache

It's officially fall, but there are still some warm days left, I hope. After warm days come warm nights and those should be spent at Moustache. I spent one recent warm Sunday night sitting at their outdoor area drinking wine and enjoying the great tunes. I've only eaten there once (I usually like to go a few times or try a couple of dishes to write a review), but I wanted to make sure you hit their outdoor space before it got too cold. The East Harlem Moustache is one of three Mediterranean Pitza Restaurants around Manhattan. I tried the Moustache Pitza, a fresh pita covered in roasted red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, parsley and mozzarella. It was great combination of flavors and a unique twist on a classic pizza pie, . My waitress was an East Harlemer excited to discuss her favorite haunts around the hood (which, of course I love to discuss too). Be sure to hit Moustache soon and let me know which dishes you try.

City of Haarlem

Although I was in a different borough at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, my mind was on Harlem it would seem.





City of Haarlem is a type of hyacinth.

Central Park Staycation

The New York Times has a great article about "staycationing" in Central Park this Labor Day weekend. Lots of uptown spots to try.

Here is the full article and the slide show.

Happy Labor Day!

In Focus

Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day. Here are some shots from my visit to The Conservatory Garden in Central Park, near Fifth Ave and 105th St.

A Rainy Museum Weekend

It's supposed to be a rainy weekend, perfect for a museum visit...here are some suggestions:

Friday @ The Studio Museum Harlem
144 West 125th Street
New York, New York 10027
Uptown Fridays: “Afro-Latin Style” with Geko Jones & Ethegy
"Dance to the worldly beats of Global Ghetto Technician, Geko Jones, along with a warm-up by up Eclectic Technician Ethegy. Experience this high-energy party flow into paint as visual artists create Afro-Latin inspired work live to the beats! Don’t miss this fun and festive evening of culture in Harlem!"
$10 admission for all before 8 PM

After 8 pm - $15 general admission/ $10 Members, seniors, students

Saturday @ The Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
New York, NY 10029
Mannahatta/Manhattan
I haven't been to this exhibit yet, but my friend Elizabeth Griffin wrote a great article on the Mannahatta Project for The Daily Green.
Tell them you're an East Harlem resident (if you are one, of course) and you get into the museum for free.

Sunday @ The Studio Museum Harlem
144 West 125th Street
New York, New York 10027
Target Free Sundays
They have a few great exhibits there right now; I definitely want to check out Expanding the Walls: Making Connections between Photography, History and Community.

East Harlem Farmers' Market

On Sundays from July to November, from 10am to 4pm, at 106th and 3rd Avenue, East Harlem has its own farmers' market.



According to Scott Stringer's (our borough president) blog:

"East Harlem, a “food desert,” lacks access to fresh and local fruits and vegetables on the weekends. The first ever weekend Farmers' Market in East Harlem is another way in which Go Green and the Borough President are actively combating issues of food equity and environmental justice."



The market is small, but the vegetables were fresh and extremely inexpensive. Come out on Sundays and support the market. Go Green East Harlem!