ENJOY BRUNCH AND MUSIC GROOVES AT THE CECIL, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 2PM – 6PM WITH OUR FIRST DJ BRUNCH FEATURING LEGENDARY DJ BOBBITO GARCIA (A.K.A. KOOL BOB LOVE) SPINNING WORLD / JAZZ / SOUL MUSIC SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 THE CECIL 210 WEST 118TH St., HARLEM FROM 2PM – 6P AND GET READY FOR FUTURE DJ BRUNCHES AT THE CECIL WITH OTHER GUEST DJs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get future updates. Have a peek at our Brunch Menu. Call us at (212) 866.1262 or click to make a reservation. #THECECILDJBRUNCH | #KOOLBOBLOVE #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

Lobsterfest is back and better than ever with nine new and classic lobster selections through February 14th.  We had a blast sampling the new menu last week.  The best part is we now have a Red Lobster in the neighborhood so head over to 125th Street to sample the new #Bestlobsterfest menu. Red Lobster 261 W 125th St (between Adam Clayton Powell, Jr Blvd and Frederick Douglass Blvd) #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

Cuba Trip Information Session will be Wednesday Feb. 5th from 6 – 7:30pm at the Ripley Grier Studios 520 8th Ave 17th floor room 17C. Our speaker will be HOji Silva who is a Cuban Tour Guide. Please click this link to RSVP for the Information Session or reply to this email. https://www.facebook.com/events/593639607369246/ Via facebook you can post your questions ahead of time on the event page so we have an idea about the information you want to get from the session. And if you are not in NYC and have questions you can post them as well or reach out to HOji at hojisilva@gmail.com. For detailed trip information please visit the trip website: www.stgtours.com/cuba #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

Thokoza, a company of six South African and African American women “of a certain age” will extend it’s current off-Broadway run of I SING FOR FREEDOM at Baruch Performing Arts Center August 19th and September 9th ​through December 16th. Conceived and directed by Thuli Dumakude, I SING FOR FREEDOM features women with a collective total of over 130 years of singing experience who sing acapella and unamplified the music that they love and that makes them feel free. Thokoza’s songs, many in six part harmonies, range from Southern church gospel to traditional South African Township songs sung in Zulu. Intertwined are personal stories from the performers’ rich and varied histories. Director Thuli Dumakude was born in Durbin, South Africa. She has acted internationally, playing roles as varied as Rafiki on Broadway in The Lion King to Lady Macbeth in A Zulu Macbeth. She was the featured soloist in the movie CRY FREEDOM. Joining Dumakude in I SING FOR FREEDOM are Ghanniyya Green, Dee Sims, Brenda Fair, Silindile Sokuto and Debbie Carter. Thokoza in I SING FOR FREEDOM is produced by veteran off-Broadway and Broadway producer Eric Krebs in association with Baruch Performing Arts Center. Performances are on Mondays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM at Baruch Performing Arts Center, located at 55 Lexington Avenue. Enter on 25 Street between Lexington and Third Ave. All tickets are $30.00. Groups of 10 or more are $20.00.  Students and 65 and older are $15.00 Tickets: www.baruch.cuny.edu/bpac or call 646-312-5073. Further information contact Nicole Judd at Walker Communications Group 718-703-2260 or nicole@walkercommunicationsgroup.com. #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

By Kysha Harris @SCHOPgirl Everyone knows New York City is called the melting pot. It is a rich mix of cultures, flavors, people and tastes that have converged on a relatively small patch of land. Harlem is no exception. However, what is unique about Harlem, more specifically the 15-block stretch on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, also known as the Gateway to Harlem, is the number of world foods that live in our community. So let’s take a trip around the world on Harlem Gateway International, Flight #008. No, put that passport away. You just need your shades and a little pop in your step because we are gonna stroll 8th Ave’! The travel itinerary: start in these United States, cross over into Africa, cut a left to Europe, sidestep to the Middle East and a jaywalking finish to Japan. Let’s ride… AMERICA 5 and Diamond 2072 Frederick Douglass Blvd 917 860 4444 www.5anddiamondrestaurant.com Alluring and slightly unassuming from the outside, this intimate fine dining space offers world cuisine that reflects and pays homage to the diverse Harlem community. Happy Hour specials and $20 prix-fixe brunch might pull you in too! 67 Orange Street 2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 662 2030 www.67orangestreet.com Named in tribute for the address of the 19th century’s Almack’s, one of New York City’s first black-owned bars, this stylish lounge defines the Harlem cocktail. Try its signature Orange Street or the knowledge-dropping Emancipation. Some pretty wicked bar food too! Harlem Food Bar 2100 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 222 9570 www.hfbnyc.com This convivial hang out, birthed by an East Harlem restaurateur, screams fun! The bright colors of the pop art wall and furniture bring a smile to your face while enjoying freshly prepared modern Americana fare. Harlem Tavern 2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 866 4500 www.harlemtavern.com Once a long time car repair shop, the space on 116th St was converted to an indoor/outdoor sports bar and restaurant. Join your crew on game night for a pint and some Harlem-style cheering and jeering! Melba’s 300 W 114th St 212 864 7777 www.melbasrestaurant.com The niece of the legendary Sylvia Woods, Melba knows good cooking. She puts chic on the soul tradition with her short ribs and turkey meatloaf. Imbibe with live music, open-mic night or a deejay. It’s always a happy hour at Melba’s. Levain Bakery 2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd 646 455 0952 www.levainbakery.com The NYC famous meal-of-a-cookie comes to Harlem. Find all of your favorite cookies plus scones, brioche, sticky buns and cake. Their “10026” zip code tees are pretty cool too! Lee Lee’s Bakery 283 W 118th St 917 493 6633 www.leeleesrugelach.com Mr. Lee makes rugelach that will rival your favorite bubbe’s! If the timing is right and you are lucky enough to catch it hot out of the oven, you will declare it a mitzvah before the second bite. SENEGAL Africa Kine Restaurant 256 W 116th St 212 666 9400 www.africakinerestaurant.com This eatery welcomes you to Senegal. It was one of the first Senegalese restaurants on 116th St, the hub of Harlem’s West African community. First bite? Try the national dish, Thiebou Djeun, “fish and rice.” ETHIOPIA 2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 662 0620 www.zomanyc.com The exotic spices of Ethiopia fill the air here where dishes like doro alitcha (chicken stew), yebe alitcha (marinated lamb) and an assortment of veggie platters are must-tries. GERMANY Bier International 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 280 0944 www.bierinternational.com If beer is your weakness, stay far away from Harlem’s first Biergarten. Only the authentic international sausage menu matches the vast menu of international beers. Plus Bier’s annual Oktoberfest is not to be missed! FRANCE Les Ambassades 2200 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 666 0078 www.patisseriedesambassades.com Paris meets Senegal in this newly renovated bakery and café serving buttery croissants, baguettes, and tasty French pastries plus a full menu of French Moroccan and Vietnamese inspired foods. Head east to their Lenox Ave location to add a full bar and DJ to the mix! Merci beaucoup! Frederick’s 2104 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 222 0075 Named in honor of the man of the boulevard, this reincarnated petite modern café bistro serves up coffee, pastries and light fare. The flood of daylight from its corner location will inspire Douglass’ greatness. Cedric 185 St. Nicholas Ave 212 866 7766 www.cedricbistro.com Perched on the corner of 119th St and Harlem’s historic St. Nicholas Ave, the vibrant red-awning on the outside of this French bistro signals the beginning of a joie de vivre experience to be had inside. ITALY Vinateria 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 662 VINA (8462) www.vinaterianyc.com The rebirth of the Harlem wine bar sits on the corner of W 119th St like the bow of a grey steamship. A modern sustainably built restaurant, Vinateria offers small, medium and large seasonal plates and curated wines and spirits from small craft producers. Whether Italy or Spain is your culinary port of call, the S.S. Vinateria is taking passengers! Lido Harlem 2168 Frederick Douglass Blvd 646 490 8575 www.lidoharlem.com This former tire repair shop transformed into an Italian respite, channeling gentle breezes from the Adriatic Sea. Go for a crostino and a glass of Prosecco at the bar, stay for the gnocchi and seasonal specials. That’s amoré! Bad Horse Pizza 2222 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 749 1258 When you’ve had a “bad” day and all you need to make it better is a good thin crust pizza and a beer, it’s Bad Horse to the rescue. ISRAEL Silvana 300 W 116th St 646 692 4935 The owners of Yatenga and Shrine have opened this new eatery, café and lounge off Frederick Douglass Blvd. Inexpensive and well-prepared Isreali foods like falafel and shawarma are easy choices. The downstairs lounge makes you feel like you’re in a Paris speakeasy. TURKEY Savann 2280 Frederick Douglass Blvd This formerly Upper West Side eatery moved to Harlem recently to offer the neighborhood its first Turkish restaurant. Think foods on a stick, kebab, fresh salads and other Mediterranean fare. Here’s to growing our palates! Welcome to Harlem Savann! INDIA Maharaja Palace 2113 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 222 8934 The new kid on the block serves all of your favorite dishes. Eat in, take out, have it delivered. There is also an Early Bird Special for $12.95 that could become your Mississippi Masala. Woof! JAPAN Jado Sushi 2118 Frederick Douglasss Blvd 212 866 2118 www.jadosushi.com If you are anywhere on the spectrum of a sushi eater – from I’ll try it to I live for it – you know not to trust just any old spot. It must be quality, it must be fresh, it must be delicious. Well, check, check and check! Sushi is in Harlem! #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

Support the Paperhats Indiegogo campaign . http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/paperhats #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

Building Homes & Transforming Lives. The HCCI Board of Directors & Honorary Dinner Chairs Cordially invite you to the 12th Annual “Let Us Break Bread Together” Awards Dinner. Black Tie Affair. FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 212-281-4887, ext. 236. #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

CHRISTMAS EVE We are celebrating the flavors of the African Diaspora. An enticing menu featuring a whole fried duck for 2 with all the trimmings for $135*. NEW YEAR’S EVE Join us for our very first New Year’s Eve celebration for what is to become a tradition: a pig roast to share with 6-8 of your friends for $600* or our special prix fixe menu at $125 per person and the sounds of our guest DJ. ›› From 5pm-9pm we are offering our full dinner menu or reserve The Cecil pig roast. ›› From 10pm-2am our special prix fixe menu is available in addition to The Cecil pig roast.  A complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne is included. Veuve Clicquot champagne bottle service will be available at The Cecil’s bar and lounge on New Year’s Eve. * Please reserve your whole duck or the pig roast a minimum of five days in advance. For a sneak peek at our holiday menus, please visit our website. Call us at (212) 866.1262 or click to make a reservation. 206 WEST 118TH STREET  HARLEM  NY 10026  Reservations: (212) 866-1262 #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

As one of the ‘pioneers’ of the new FDB, Gorgui N’doye owner of Les Ambassades set the bar for new businesses coming into the area with its enticing array of freshly baked croissants, baguettes, sandwiches, and fresh squeezed O.J.  After ten years in Harlem,  Les Ambassades restaurant expanded. A take out counter serving mouth-watering pastries is now connected to a full-service restaurant next door with sidewalk cafe seating available. The French-American inspired cuisine includes $15 entrees, and extended hours serving breakfast beginning at 10AM, lunch, and dinner until 3AM. The grand re-opening celebration was last week. Les Ambassades has a sister restaurant with a full bar located on Lenox Avenue near 127th Street. Les Ambassades 2200 Frederick Douglass Boulevard Harlem, New York www.patisseriedesambassades.com All photos: ©2013 D. Bell Originally posted on Uptown Flavor. #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY

Did you see our $50 reward? Clinical, Energy Or Microderm Facial CLINICAL FACIAL: This facial is a key to healthy skin and is proven to correct conditions such as acne and hyper pigmentation. The clinical facial is also a great preventative measure against aging. Optimal results achieved through a series of treatments. ENERGY FACIAL: Specific microcurrent, which is often called the “non-surgical facelift.” As the skin heals, skin tones and elasticity improves, the appearance of wrinkles is reduced. Optimal results achieved through a series of treatments. MICRODERM FACIAL: An effective, gentle way to exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin to help reveal softer, smoother, more vibrant skin. Fine lines, crow’s feet, age spots, large pore size, stretch marks, acne and acne scarring have all shown improvement after treatment. The procedure uses light abrasion to gently smooth surface skin cells. Commonly thought of as a lunchtime procedure, it only takes about thirty minutes to complete. There is no recovery time and normal activities can be resumed immediately. That’s 47% off! So what are you waiting for, check out our campaign now! – Harlem Skin Clinic #cultural #guide #essential #event #Harlem #local #Uptown #culture #NewYork #experienceharlem #experience #ExperienceHarlem #NYC #shoplocal #harlemnyc #harlemites #NY