MORNINGSIDER

Grab a Slice in Harlem

Food, Harlem, Restaurants No Responses »

May 142012

No matter how much of a foodie you are, there is nothing quite like a fresh slice of delicious, cheesy pizza. We at the Morningsider have a knack to snack and are eager to satisfy our cravings with a home-cooked slice of pizza from one of many thriving Harlem pizzerias. We recommend:

Bad Horse Pizza

Bad Horse Pizza, located at 2222 Frederick Douglass Boulevard at 120^th Street, specializes in thin-crust, homemade pizza. While they also serve other Italian cuisine, they are best known for having some of the freshest slices in town. Bad Horse Pizza offers customers a variety of toppings for their pies, and also features unique specialty pizzas created by the owner and employees, such as: the Bad Horse (marinated skirt steak cooked to order, jalapenos, onions), Acropolis (greek feta, spinach, sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives) and the New Yorker (white pizza, smoked salmon, capers, onions, sliced tomatoes, olive oil).

Covo

Covo Trattoria Pizzeria, located at 701 West 135^th Street at 12^th Avenue, strives to embrace classic Italian traditions and recipes – from their home-made pasta, bread, and sauce to our favorite – the brick oven pizzas. If you’re having trouble deciding between their plethora of pizza options and toppings, you can always just go with the Pizza Del Giorno – Covo always offers up a special “Pizza of the Day” for those looking to try something new.

Credit - Harlem Bespoke

Oui, Oui

Though some might find the combination of pizza and crepes unusual, Oui, Oui Crepes and Pizza definitely satisfies your craving for both the sweet and savory. Located at 2167 Adam Clayton Powell at 129^th Street in a small shop, Oui Oui’s menu offers big flavor in both their pies and crepes. From plain cheese and pepperoni pizzas to their Merguez (spicy African sausage) and vegetable, Oui Oui offers a slice for any taste. Stop by to try out their specialty hand-tossed pizza or order for late-night delivery.

Q&A with Lenore Browne, Harlem Photographer

Art, Culture, Harlem, Insider Interviews No Responses »

May 072012

As part of our Q&A series, Morningsider brings you exclusive interviews with neighborhood “Insiders.” This week, we interview Harlem photographer, Lenore Browne.

Lenore Browne is a native New Yorker and has resided in Harlem for over 30 years. Upon receiving her first manual film camera after her high school graduation, Lenore grew a passion for taking photos and creating black and white prints. Although she went on to receive business degrees in college, Lenore fully committed to photography in 2007.

Lenore’s photographs were first publically displayed in a juried competition in May 2009 for the “Contemporary Expressions” exhibit at the Pen and Brush Gallery in Greenwich Village. One month later, she debuted her first solo exhibit at Café One in Harlem, where she displayed a variety of her landscape and urban landscape photographs.

Since then, Lenore’s photographs have been displayed in many different solo and group exhibitions across New York City. In January 2011, Lenore was presented with the “Arts and Action Award” from the Harlem Arts Alliance for her “outstanding efforts to increase awareness through the arts.” Her most recent bodies of work called “Portrait of Harlem” and “Harlem Stroll” aim to document the urban and natural environment of Harlem in a transitional period, coined the “second renaissance.”

Sunlit Walk

Questions For Lenore Browne

1. Tell us about your collections, Portrait of Harlem and Harlem Stroll.

Portrait of Harlem and Harlem Stroll are my collection of black and white photographs of Harlem using film and printed in a traditional darkroom. As a resident of Harlem since the 80’s, I saw just how much it was changing. My passion for photography and darkroom printing had peaked and I was able to devote more of my time to it, so, I decided to document Harlem at this time of transition and create a body of work about the second Renaissance. I had a clear vision to show how the past and present co-exist at this time and realized how important it was to present and preserve the image history of Harlem from this point of view– before it was lost forever.

wspbrowne 10 Q&A with Lenore Browne, Harlem Photographer

A Glance

2. What or who inspired you to become a photographer?

As a kid, it seemed that I would always receive the latest Kodak camera—the instamatic, Polaroid, 110 film cameras with flash bulbs and even some with flash cubes, and so on. I was particularly encouraged by an uncle who saw one of my pictures of the Disney castle and remarked about the wonderful composition. I had the interest already and this inspired me even more to continue my photography as a hobby. Although I obtained academic business degrees, I always had a passion for photography and continued to shoot. Once introduced to the traditional darkroom, black and white photography became a strong interest of mine. As a self-taught photographer with a career in other areas, I took a lot of pictures of whatever interested me, flowers, gardens and the New York City landscape.

3. What characteristics of Harlem give you the inspiration for you photographs?

I love the historical and architectural treasures of Harlem that maintain and reveal the essence of Harlem and its history as the cultural hub of the African Diaspora. I was inspired to capture images of Harlem realizing how quickly and dramatically it is changing. My intention is to capture and preserve images of Harlem and its essence at this time where the past and present coexist.

4. What is your preference in terms of photography subject? Portraits, landscapes, etc.?

I love the outdoors and shooting landscapes. As a Harlem resident, I use the urban landscape as a way to capture the people in this evolving and dynamic Village of Harlem.

mornin stroll web Q&A with Lenore Browne, Harlem Photographer

Morning Stroll

5. Do you have a personal favorite photograph you’ve taken?

I have several, but my all-time favorite images are Sunlit Walk and Morning Stroll. These images crystallized my vision of the images I sought to obtain when I photograph Harlem. I try to softly reveal the qualities of living in Harlem at this time and capture its essence in a subtle way.

6. Where can readers see your work in person?

Some of my black and white images of Harlem are presently installed at the new restaurant called the “Corner Social” on 126^th Street and Lenox Avenue. You may also visit my website at portraitofharlem.coimage.net where I post upcoming exhibits and contact information. I recently completed a three-month solo exhibit at the Columbia University School of the Arts’ gallery spaces in the Russ Barrie and Lasker Buildings on St. Nicholas Avenue on 168^th and 166^th Streets, respectively. Portrait of Harlem was initially presented at several Harlem branches of the New York Public Library, including Countee Cullen, George Bruce and the Hamilton Grange.

7. What is your favorite Harlem hot spot?

That is a difficult question and honestly, I don’t have one favorite hot spot. I enjoy Harlem’s vibrancy– from the street vendors, cultural and arts institutions, diverse people, restaurants and architecture. But, if I had to name one, it would be the Harlem Arts Alliance monthly meetings, which provide my inspiration. They are held on the first Monday of every month at the Riverside Church Theatre, where the arts and cultural community meets to share information about upcoming events, opportunities, performances and exhibitions in Harlem and for presentations from artists in every field.

8. Anything else you would like to add?

Keep watching my work. My body of work, which started as Portrait of Harlem and then Harlem Stroll, is a work-in-progress that will continue to develop and grow. I have no specific direction at this time but it will evolve as Harlem is evolving in this second Harlem Renaissance.

Mother’s Day in Harlem

Entertainment, Harlem, Holidays No Responses »

May 012012

Happy May, Morningsiders! May is a terrific month for a number of reasons – spring flowers, warmer weather, but one of our favorite reasons is coming up on May 13^th: Mother’s Day. That special day to honor and appreciate mothers around the world is fast approaching and we thought we’d suggest a few fun events and activities in Harlem that mothers are guaranteed to enjoy!

First up is the 28^th Annual Harlem Mother’s Day Parade. This celebrated parade takes place the weekend before Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 5 and starts at 10:00am in front of Lenox Terrace, 470 Lenox Avenue at 133^rd Street. All are welcome to join the parade procession which will be lead by the organization’s founder, Candace Queen Mother Abbess-Bishop Shirley Pitts, Committee Members, Grand Marshalls and supporter, Akil Rose, founder of The Harlem Transformation Project. The parade will culminate at the Pelham Fritz Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park at around 2:00pm for continued entertainment, music and festivities. Click here for details on the parade route, and for more information you can call the Event Day Director at 917-945-4764 or email ActionReActMedia@aol.com.

If you’re looking for the best Mother’s Day brunch in New York City, look no further than Mother’s Day Brunch at Red Rooster and Ginny’s Supper Club. On Sunday, May 13 from 10:00am-4:00pm, both Red Rooster and Ginny’s will be paying tribute to moms by serving up delicious brunch menus and offering a background of inspiring gospel music. At Red Rooster, mom can enjoy favorites like Smoked Salmon ($23), Lamb & Potato Hash ($19), French Toast with Nutella Whip ($16), or Jerk Bacon & Eggs ($19). Ginny’s Supper Club will be offering a special à la carte menu including savory items like Pain Perdu ($15), Steak & Eggs ($26), and Duck Hash ($18). If you’ve got your heart set on Red Rooster, you better get there early to beat the crowds as reservations are not accepted for Sunday Brunch. At Ginny’s, walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are recommended. For more information, please visit Red Rooster & Ginny’s website, or call: 212-792-9001.

Another great way to treat the special lady in your life is at the Mother’s Day R&B Classic Soul fundraising event for the scholarship fund at Frederick Douglass Academy. From 3:00pm-5:00pm on Sunday, May 13, enjoy musical performances by Big Sonny & Bird’s Group as well as Khalif Yisrael, Supreme, John Walker and Marie Santos. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The event will take place at Frederick Douglass Academy at 2581 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard at 150^th Street. For more information, call: 212-491-4107.

Still searching for the perfect gift for mom? Try tickets to “An Evening with Ruby Dee” at the Apollo Theater on Sunday, May 13. A stage, film and television icon, Ruby Dee speaks the word and tells the truth in this culturally entertaining experience of music and spoken word. Spend an unforgettable evening with Ruby Dee – an Oscar nominee, Kennedy Center honoree, Black Girls Rock Living Legend Award recipient and Emmy, Grammy and Image award winner. The show starts at 5:00pm and $25, $35, $45 tickets are available at the Apollo Theater box office, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or visiting Ticketmaster online here. To purchase $100 Prime Center Orchestra tickets, please call 214-743-2506 or email audiencedevelopment@tbaal.org. The Apollo Theater is located at 253 West 125^th Street at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. For more information please visit the Apollo’s website or call -212-531-5305

Happy Mother’s Day!

Q&A with Ousmane Keita & Chris Pollok, Co-Owners of Bier International

Food, Harlem, Insider Interviews, Nightlife, Restaurants No Responses »

Apr 232012

As part of our Q&A series, Morningsider brings you exclusive interviews with neighborhood VIPs. This week, we interview Ousmane Keita & Chris Pollock, co-owners of Bier International, the first beer garden in Harlem.

Having been in business together for over a decade, Ousmane Keita and Chris Pollock opened Bier International in summer 2010 and have been enjoying success ever since. Bier International continues to provide a terrific atmosphere, quality service and a delicious menu. They also hold crowd-drawing events such as the popular Oktobierfest and monthly beer and wine tastings.

Questions for Ousmane and Chris:

1. Tell us about Bier International.

Bier International was conceived to offer Harlemites a great selection of international beers (and wines), something that residents previously had to travel elsewhere to find. Additionally, we wanted to offer international dishes to accompany and complement the fine selection of (mostly) imported beers. Bier International introduces previously unavailable beers to Harlem and pairs those with the dishes offered.

2. What inspired you to open Bier International?

Basically the realization that Harlem didn’t have any beer gardens, or any place that offered a good selection of beers.

3. What are your favorite dishes served at Bier International? What beers would you pair with them?

All of our dishes carry pairing suggestions on the menu. Very popular are the catfish tacos (bier: Pauwel Kwak), something of a signature dish, along with our steak burger (100% beef, preservative-free) (bier: Jenlain Ambrée), our sausage selection – locally-produced in small batches – and seasonal specials such as soft shell crabs, mussels, Wiener Schnitzel or Schweineflügel (braised pork wings). Our Executive Chef, Adriano Flor Santos, hails from Cape Verde, an island off the coast of West Africa, and his international experience complements Bier International’s concept perfectly.

4. Do you have any specials or events coming up you’re particularly excited about?

Any special our chef cooks up (pun intended) is exciting and we constantly discuss the next ones. We just had our annual “Wurst” month with special sausages from different countries.

We also have monthly or bi-monthly beer (or wine) tastings.

And while we have several “international” celebrations throughout the year such as Maifest (May 5 & 6) and Bastille Day (July 14) featuring special beers and food, our most popular event is Oktoberfest, which usually starts mid-September. We call it “Oktobierfest” and we started a new annual Harlem tradition by crowning an Oktobierfest queen. Bier International also has a contingent marching in the annual Steuben Parade.

5. Aside from Bier International, what are some of your favorite Harlem hot spots?

We like what’s happening in Harlem these days and we appreciate those businesses that have been around for a while, such as Shrine, and stuck it out until the Harlem Renaissance took root not so long ago. We support those and anyone that is coming in now, especially on FDB, to make Harlem a more exciting place and destination for all New Yorkers and other visitors.

6. What are your favorite parts about being business owners?

The freedom it offers you to do what you believe in, along with the challenge of making it work and succeed.

7. Anything else you would like to add?

Bier International strives to offer a top quality product at an affordable and reasonable price point, a delicate balance, with appeal to an increasingly demanding and sophisticated audience. It provides a stylish, yet down-to-earth bier garden experience reflected in communal tables to foster socializing, and cultural interaction amongst our diverse roster of patrons.

Bier International

2099 Frederick Douglass Boulevard

New York, New York

212-280-0944

www.bierinternational.com

Celebrate Harlem Earth Day 2012

Community Involvement, Entertainment, Harlem, Holidays, Kids, Marcus Garvey Park, Morningside Park, Music, Parks No Responses »

Apr 162012

Spring has officially sprung in Harlem, and as the flowers bloom and grass gets greener, we are reminded of how important it is to take care of our environment. This coming Sunday, April 22 is Earth Day, a day in which events are held worldwide in order to increase awareness and appreciation of the global environment.

This year, Harlem Park to Park, a Central Harlem community improvement organization and merchants’ association, has organized their first-ever Earth Day initiative on April 22 to coincide with Global Earth Day! An all-day event, Harlem Earth Day will include a number of fun and educational family friendly activities to promote the Earth Day mission of increasing awareness of environmental issues, including: Green Energy Use, Recycling, Clean Air, etc.

Activities will be taking place at Morningside Park, Marcus Garvey Park, Central Park, Aloft Hotel, and many local Harlem businesses. Families can enjoy yoga classes with Land Yoga, gardening demonstrations with Harlem Flo, arts and crafts projects, live music and much more!

For more information, please visit Harlem Park to Park’s Facebook page here.

Q&A with Aaron Baird & Jeff Green, Owners of Lenox Coffee

Food, Harlem, Insider Interviews, Restaurants No Responses »

Apr 092012

Aaron Jeff DNA Info 300x225 Q&A with Aaron Baird & Jeff Green, Owners of Lenox Coffee

Credit: DNA Info/Jeff Mays

As part of our Q&A series, Morningsider brings you exclusive interviews with neighborhood “Insiders.” This week, we interview Aaron Baird & Jeff Green, owners of Lenox Coffee.

After meeting in college at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Aaron Baird and Jeff Green crossed paths again when Baird called upon Green to work with him at his real estate company.

Opening this past December, the idea for Lenox Coffee was just a dream until the two came across the empty space on Lenox Avenue in July and envisioned the perfect space for the perfect coffee shop.

Lenox Coffee serves up a delicious menu of food and drinks in a laid back, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere that’s perfect for grabbing a quick bite or working on your laptop for the day.

Questions for Aaron & Jeff:

1. Tell us about Lenox Coffee.

Lenox Coffee is a specialty coffee house located in central Harlem, at 60 West 129th Street between 5th Avenue and Lenox Avenue. We serve breakfast items including, pastries, baked goods, sweet breads, macaroons, cookies, and we will always be expanding our menu. We’re open seven days a week: 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 8am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday.

Our coffee roaster is 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters, based out of British Columbia. They are fantastic! The coffee is rich in flavor and the espresso is a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The shop itself has a rustic, old world charm—very comfortable with dark woods, redbrick walls, tin ceilings, decorative column, and school house lights. Several of our customers have already commented on how much they love the space; it’s perfect for spending an afternoon on your laptop or just reading a book while lounging on our leather chesterfield couch.

2. We heard that you guys met years ago, working on symphony orchestras at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. What brought you to Harlem, and what inspired you to open a coffeehouse?

We both met at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, about ten years ago. We were both working in symphony orchestras in Germany and Sweden for several years, then found ourselves back in New York—both living for some time in Harlem. We love the vibrant energy and life of the neighborhood and when presented with an opportunity to invest in its growth, we didn’t hesitate. There was a lack of a community meeting place and lack of good coffee, so we put two and two together and this is what we came up with – Lenox Coffee.

3. We read that you hope to host community events, such as open mic nights and poetry readings, in your space. Can we look forward to these events any time soon?

Yes! We have a monthly open mic night either the 3rd or 4th Thursday of every month. We will be having live music ranging from classical to jazz and other special events!

Lenox Coffee Aleksander Cosic 300x225 Q&A with Aaron Baird & Jeff Green, Owners of Lenox Coffee

Credit: Aleksander Cosic

4. We love the rustic, old world charm of Lenox Coffee – especially the large leather couch, the exposed redbrick walls, and school house lights. What inspired this vision for the coffeehouse?

We wanted a place where people can go and actually want to hang out. Both of us hang out in Brooklyn and saw so many cool design aesthetics, we decided to take inspiration from there – especially Williamsburg.

5. Do you have any signature beverages you would suggest to our readers?

We serve a mean cappuccino and our chai latte seems to be very popular. We both drink our coffee black – no cream or sugar! Our coffee has enough flavor and we don’t need to spoil it.

6. Aside from Lenox Coffee, what is your favorite Harlem hot spot?

Cedric – Red Rooster – Bier International – 67 Orange Street

7. Anything else you would like to add?

Drink coffee and enjoy life!

Lenox Coffee

60 West 129^th Street

New York, NY

(617) 320-4788

http://www.lenoxcoffee.com/

http://www.facebook.com/lenoxcoffee

Spring Holidays in Harlem

Community Involvement, Culture, Holidays No Responses »

Apr 022012

This upcoming weekend marks the beginning of two significant holidays: Easter and Passover. Easter, which takes place on Sunday, April 8 this year, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and also marks the end of Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer and penance. Passover, which begins on the evening of Friday, April 6 and ends on the evening of Saturday, April 14, commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt.

There are a number of events and celebrations taking place in Harlem to observe these holidays, and we thought we would highlight just a few for our fellow Morningsiders:

The Metropolitan Community Church of New York is holding their 40^th annual Easter Banquet, “Celebrating the Journey of Promise,” on Saturday, April 7 at 3:00pm. The banquet will be celebrating 40 years worth of accomplishments, honoring those in our community who are making a positive change. This year’s honorees are Council Member Daniel Dromm, Rev. Boon Lin-Ngeo, Cathy Marino-Thomas, the Stonewall Chorale and Pastor Joseph Tolton. Tickets to the banquet are $40 and include a buffet lunch catered by Pasha Events, desserts by Blossom Bakery and entertainment by the Stonewall Chorale. You can purchase tickets online here. The event will be taking place at the Union Theological Seminary’s Refectory at 120^th Street and Broadway. For more information, call 212-629-7440 or visit their website at www.mccny.org.

Red Rooster is offering up a delicious Easter Sunday brunch on Sunday, April 8 from 10:00am-4:00pm. Red Rooster invites you to “join us for our festive Easter celebration as we usher in springtime with veteran Gospel singer Boncella Lewis to pay tribute to music, food, and spirituality.” Enjoy many of the restaurant’s brunch classics, including: the Lenox Smörgåsborg, Lamb & Potato Hash, Biscuit & Red Eye Gravy, and the famous Fried Yard Bird. Additionally, Red Rooster’s new supper club Ginny’s, will be open on this joyous occasion. Enjoy Easter fare with a “retro Harlem twist,” like Pain Perdu, Duck Hash, Steak & Eggs, and Chicken & Waffles, while you enjoy the uplifting performance of a Gospel choir. Reservations are not accepted for Red Rooster’s brunch, however they are recommended for Ginny’s Supper Club. Red Rooster is located at 310 Lenox Avenue. For more information, call 212-792-9001 or visit their website at www.redroosterharlem.com.

Chabad of Harlem invites you to “discover the eternal meaning of the Haggadah and enjoy a community Seder complete with hand-baked Matzah, wine and a wonderful dinner spiced with unique traditional customs,” at their Seders on both Friday, April 6 8:00pm and Saturday, April 7 at 8:30pm. There is a suggested donation of $50 per adult and $10 per child, and reservations are required as space is limited. For reservations, please visit their website here. Chabad of Harlem is located at 437 Manhattan Avenue between West 118^th and 119^th Streets. For more information, call 718-930-9994 ()‎or visit their website at www.jewishharlem.com.

The Congregation Ramath Orah is a traditional, inclusive Orthodox synagogue in the heart of Morningside Heights at 550 West 110^th Street and will be holding a number of services all day on Friday, April 6. For a full day schedule, please download their calendar here. For more information on the Congregation Ramath Orah, call 212-222-2470 or visit their website at www.ramathorah.org.

Q&A with Nobu Otsu, Owner of The Winery

Culture, Harlem, Insider Interviews, Retail No Responses »

Mar 262012

Nobu Otsu ABA America.org 300x200 Q&A with Nobu Otsu, Owner of The Winery

Credit - ABA-America.org

As part of our Q&A series, Morningsider brings you exclusive interviews with neighborhood “Insiders.” This week, we interview Nobu Otsu, owner of The Winery.

A successful entrepreneur as well as a certified member of the American Sommelier Society and the Wine and Sprit Education Trust, you may be surprised to know that Nobu Otsu is not just a wine professional, but an interior designer. After studying commercial design at Kanazawa College in Japan, Otsu went on to major in interior design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. He then began his career as an art director for advertising in Tokyo. It was not until later that Nobu moved to Harlem to explore new and different opportunities.

Upon moving to Harlem in 2006, he established The Winery in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance. Now, six years later, his business is booming and has doubled in both revenue and size.

Aside from owning The Winery, Nobu also works as an interior designer for residential and commercial spaces, an adjunct assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and enjoys exploring new business ventures at any chance he gets. Speaking of, you can hop on over to Harlem Bespoke to read about Nobu’s latest venture, Jado Sushi and Wine Bar!

Questions For Nobu Otsu:

1. Tell us about The Winery.

The Winery Harlem Bespoke 300x254 Q&A with Nobu Otsu, Owner of The Winery

Credit - Harlem Bespoke

The Winery is a very special wine store specializing in artisanal, small-production wines from producers who carefully craft wine with artful skills and a respect for the environment.

We like to enjoy wine as a part of our day-to-day lives, so we keep the price under $20 for most of our selection. For those who want something special, we also offer undiscovered top-notch wines from major appellations.

The Winery is a community based store. To help make this community a better place to live and work we have committed to support local community and non-profit charity organizations which focus on the arts and education, including:

Apollo Theater Foundation
Dance Theater of Harlem
Studio Museum of Harlem
Iris House
Friends of Morningside Park
Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association
Many private and public schools in Harlem and the Upper West Side

2. What inspired you to open a wine shop?

I enjoy drinking wine with meals each day, but unfortunately I don’t have the luxury of spending top dollar for great wines. Access to delicious, affordable, everyday wines is an absolute necessity. But, boy, a simple thing like this is so difficult. Wine stores were usually so intimidating; I’d just grab a bottle that had an attractive label and was within my price range and leave. It’s like buying CDs without listening to them. Sometimes you get great ones, but most are disappointing. So, I decided to create a store that I want to shop in, and that I can be proud of owning.

3. We know that you’re an interior designer by trade, but would you now also consider yourself a wine connoisseur? How did you learn about the wine business?

No, I am not a wine connoisseur at all. It’s one of those things that the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know. Every day is a learning experience for me.

I look at wine as a branch of the arts. It is the expression of the winemaker and his/her environment such as the location, weather and culture. It is much like how a painting is the expression of an artist and his/her environment. For me, coming from an art and design background, the wine business (in concept) is not too different from the art/design business. I treat each wine with respect. I display them like artwork in a gallery, giving each enough space to be independent.

4. We noticed that many of your wines are environmentally friendly – some are organic, biodynamic while others are sustainably grown. What are some of the environmental and health benefits from drinking this kind of wine?

I prefer organic food and wine for myself, simply because I don’t want to unnecessarily ingest any more synthetic chemicals than I already do on a day-to-day basis. Also, I am not too sure about how genetically engineered produce affects us in the long-run. I grow vegetables myself and you’d be amazed to see how different commercial produce looks compared to what I grow in my garden. Commercial produce looks like it’s on steroids.

I particularly like the romanticism of biodynamic farming. It’s a philosophy; a step beyond organic; which was created by the Austrian philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner in the early 20^th century. In this philosophy, grape vines are cultivated and wines are produced according to the cycles of the universe. Phases of the moon, for example, affect grape growing and winemaking a great deal. Whether you believe it or not, I think it’s cool.

5. What is your favorite wine? And what is your best-seller?

As you might guess, I can’t answer the question. All wines I carry at the store are my children.

The best sellers are definitely wines of value prices. However Drusian Prosecco, priced at $18.99, sells extremely well also and was voted the best Prosecco by the NY Times. You will understand why once you sip it.

6. We heard that The Winery frequently offers wine education tastings and events. Do you have any coming up that you would like to share with our readers?

We host a free wine tasting every Friday night from 5:30 to 8 pm. It is casual, educational and, best of all, fun. Through the wine tasting sessions you will be able to learn the reasons why you like or dislike certain kinds, which is the first step to learning about wine. Anyone can drop by at anytime during these tasting hours.

7. Aside from The Winery, what is your favorite Harlem hot spot?

I love the Studio Museum of Harlem, especially on Sunday when they offer free admission (thanks to Target), and on their opening parties. I’ve never seen such a diverse, energetic art crowd anywhere else in the city. The quality of the collection is incredible and unique in each and every exhibition.

I also love to stroll on the side streets of Harlem where I discover hidden architectural jewels and community pocket gardens.

The Winery

257 West 116th Street

New York, NY

(212) 222-4866

thewineryonline.com

Time to Eat + Shop + Play in Harlem!

Community Involvement, Entertainment, Food, Harlem, Restaurants, Retail No Responses »

Mar 192012

One of our favorite times of the year at the Morningsider is springtime. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, the weather is beautiful…and it’s Harlem Restaurant and Retail Month!

The initiative, which was created by central Harlem merchants association Harlem Park to Park, features 24 participating restaurants and retailers which are each offering either a three-course, prix-fixe menu or select retail items for just $20.12. The specials run from March 1^st – 31^st and are offered by a wide array of terrific Harlem businesses.

Some participating restaurants offering mouth-watering menus include: Lenox Avenue’s Chez Lucienne, Red Rooster, Ristorante Settepani, and Sylvia’s; as well as 67 Orange Street, Bier International, Chocolat, and Harlem Tavern over on Restaurant Row/Frederick Douglass Boulevard.

Land Yoga and Bikram Yoga East Harlem are both offering one week of unlimited classes for new students; Harlem Flo is providing beautiful florist potted spring plants; Harlem Vintage is offering any $25 bottle of wine for just $20.12; MODSquad Cycles is offering a deal on $30 tires, and more!

For a full list of participating restaurants and retailers as well as a list of their prix-fixe items, please visit and “like” Harlem Park to Park’s Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/harlemparktopark.

What have been your favorite prix fixe menus and items so far?

Q&A With Sheri Wilson Daly, Co-Owner of Harlem Tavern

Food, Harlem, Insider Interviews, Restaurants No Responses »

Mar 122012

As part of our Q&A series, Morningsider brings you exclusive interviews with neighborhood “insiders.” This week, we interview Sheri Wilson, Co-Owner of Harlem Tavern.

Sheri MSUSpartansNYC.org 300x202 Q&A With Sheri Wilson Daly, Co Owner of Harlem Tavern

Credit - MSUSpartansNYC.org

After working in the hospitality industry in New York City for over 20 years, Sheri Wilson Daly and her husband Stephen Daly opened the popular Harlem restaurant and beer garden Harlem Tavern last July.

The restaurant has seen much success since last summer, even keeping their outdoor patio open throughout the winter months with a temporary enclosure and heaters. With a delicious menu and impressive beer, wine and cocktail selections, we at the Morningsider can’t wait to enjoy the summer sun again at Harlem Tavern!

Questions for Sheri Wilson Daly:

1. Tell us about Harlem Tavern.

Harlem Tavern is a neighborhood restaurant. Our kid-friendly space offers something for everyone. We draw an amazing sports crowd with our 10 huge HD projectors and screens. We have an extensive beer & wine selection that complements our American cuisine. Also, our massive patio is enclosed for the winter for year round seating. We are also a great live music spot with live acts every Tuesday and Wednesday, and live jazz for brunch on the weekends.

2. What inspired you to open a restaurant and beer garden?

We have lived in the neighborhood since 2007 and we immediately recognized the dire need for a casual, family friendly local restaurant, and the lot presented the ideal spot for such a thing.

3. Harlem Tavern has a great menu to go with its extensive selection of beers and wines. What is your favorite dish, and what do you like to pair it with?

One of my favorite dishes is the cedar planked salmon—it’s fresh and healthy. I like pairing it with our semi-dry Riesling.

4. We learned that you transformed Harlem Tavern from what once was an auto-body shop and parking lot. What was the most challenging part of that construction process?

We got caught up for months while digging our basement. We were forced to underpin the building to the North. I never want to have to do that again!

5. What is your favorite part about owning a beer garden and restaurant?

I love the local friendly feel of Harlem Tavern. It’s nice watching so many neighbors and friends run into each other on the patio.

6. We also read that you hope that Harlem Tavern will inspire other restaurateurs and entrepreneurs to open eateries in the area—what advice would you give to those looking to open a local restaurant?

It is definitely important to think about the community and its needs first. You want everyone to feel welcome, not just a part of it.

7. Aside from Harlem Tavern, what is your favorite Harlem hot spot?

I love all the restaurants on Frederick Douglass Boulevard; I couldn’t possibly choose just one!

Harlem Tavern

2153 Frederick Douglass Boulevard (at 116^th Street)

212-866-4500

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