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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

Enjoying Dinner and Theatre Uptown

Art, Community Involvement, Culture, Food, Harlem, Nightlife, Restaurants No Responses »

Sep 262011

From now until October 9, Harlem Park to Park is partnering with The Classical Theater of Harlem and Hip Hop Theater Festival to offer special discounts to people who present their receipt or ticket stub for SEED, the new play written by Rahda Blank and directed by Niegel Smith.

“Set in Harlem, SEED tells the story of a burnt-out social work Anne Colleen Simpson who decides to leave the field on a high note with a book detailing her career, but when Chee-Chee, a gifted twelve-year-old from the ‘projects’ collides into her life, she’s forced to confront his young mother and the shadows of her past.”

A number of fabulous Harlem Park to Park restaurants are participating in this promotion, including: Harlem Tavern, Red Rooster, Melba’s, 67 Orange Street and many more. Several Harlem Park to Park retail/service organizations are also offering special promotions to those who present their proof of purchase for SEED.

Additionally, if you present a receipt from one of the many participating Harlem Park to Park businesses at the SEED box office, you can receive $10 off premium seating.

To learn more about SEED as well as purchase tickets, please visit www.seedtheplay.com.

For a list of participating Harlem Park to Park businesses and offers, please visit www.facebook.com/harlemparktopark.

Q&A With Abdel and Sivan Ouedraogo, Owners of Shrine World Music Venue

Art, Community Involvement, Culture, Harlem, Insider Interviews, Music, Nightlife No Responses »

Sep 202011

As part of our Q&A series, Morningsider brings you exclusive interviews with neighborhood “Insiders.” This week, we interview the owners of Shrine World Music Venue, Abdel and Sivan Ouedraogo.

Shrine World Music Venue is a special live music venue, featuring pop and world music. Though tucked away at 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and 134^th Street in Harlem, Shrine has been sought out by Uptown and Downtown hipsters as well as in the know international visitors. Live music sets change every couple hours and there is no cover! In addition to music, you can enjoy film screenings, art exhibits and major sporting events. While satisfying your cultural appetite, you can also enjoy a variety of drinks and snacks.

Questions for Abdel and Sivan Ouedraogo:

1. Tell us about Shrine World Music Venue.
Shrine is a multimedia arts and culture venue, founded in 2007 by musicians and music lovers in the music capital of Harlem, USA.

We are dedicated to art and culture in all mediums: film, theater, dance, and live music. Shrine World Music Venue’s mission is to establish a positive creative atmosphere for both artists and audiences from all backgrounds.

2. What are your views on the emerging new music scene Uptown?

We are proud to spearhead the up-and-coming music scene uptown. There is a different and exceptional flavor of live music that we bring to Shrine that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in New York; we are very excited about what is happening here.

3. Who are some of your favorite acts that have played at Shrine?

Joe Black Sekou (Reggae), Tiken Jah Fakoly (Reggae), Amadou & Mariam (World), Makane Kouyate (World), Faaji Agba (Afrobeat), 12 Dirty Bullets (Rock), La Brass Banda (Brass), Shrine Jazz Big Band (Jazz), Lu Reid Shrine Sunday (Jazz), DJ Take every weekend late night…

4. Aside from Shrine World Music Venue, what is your favorite Harlem hot spot?

Bier International, 67 Orange Street, Harlem Tavern, St. Nick’s Pub, Les Ambassades.

5. What is your favorite part about being a business owner?

People, Arts, Music, and Culture.

6. Anything else you would like to add?

We also own Yatenga French Bistro & Bar, next door to Shrine. www.yatengabistro.com

Every year, our promotions company, Burkinabe Entertainment, organizes the Mafrika Music Festival in Marcus Garvey Park, FREE of charge. Burkinabe and Mafrika Music Festival are committed to the development and promotion of African Art & Culture in United States. Education is one way of reaching the youth – the children – through workshops and seminars that bring cooking classes, batik making, music lessons and dance recitals for the benefit of new generations. Look for it next summer! www.mafrika.com

Shrine World Music Venue

2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. at 134^th Street

New York, NY 10030

212-690-7807

http://www.shrinenyc.com/

Q&A with Karl Franz Williams

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

Jul 272011

As part of our Q&A series, Morningsider brings you exclusive interviews with neighborhood “Insiders.” This month, we interview Karl Franz Williams, founder of two popular Harlem institutions: 67 Orange Street and Society Coffee.

Karl Franz Williams opened his first restaurant, Society Coffee, in the spring of 2005. Society has a mantra of “Life in Sips” and provides both a brunch and an all day menu, to be paired with their renowned coffee, wine and beer. Since its opening in 2005, Society Coffee has earned recognition not only from its neighbors, but from ABC News Neighborhood Eats, AOL, FOX, The New York Times, and was even mentioned in the top selling book café life NEW YORK – An Insider’s Guide to the City’s Neighborhood Cafés.

67 Orange Street, which opened in December of 2008 to critical acclaim, is a classic cocktail bar that takes its name from the address of one of the first successful black-owned bars in New York City circa 1847. 67 Orange Street today boasts excellent ratings in every category by Zagat, and has received strong reviews from New York Magazine, the New York Post, and The New York Times.

In this Q&A, Karl Franz gives Morningsider the inside scoop about his restaurants:

Questions for Karl Franz Williams:

1. How did you get into the restaurant business?

It happened very organically for me. I’ve always enjoyed hosting parties and entertaining friends. Deciding to open a restaurant was an opportunity to further that passion. It gave me the chance to create something fun and pleasing that I could share with many people at once. It’s always been about the people.

2. Society Coffee and 67 Orange Street both have very unique atmospheres; how did you determine what you wanted each to be like?

I have a background in brand management and marketing, having worked at Procter & Gamble, Pepsi and Mr. Youth. So it was very important to make sure that as I was creating the identities for my restaurants that they were unique, ownable, special, and memorable. I wanted them to be distinct from others and have a strong [point of view] you wouldn’t forget.

3.What is your favorite of the specialty cocktails at 67 Orange Street? Can you share the recipe with us?

My favorite tends to change regularly. I love creating cocktails, so my favorite is often whatever I’m working on at the moment. Right now I’m drinking the Hayman’s Tea. It’s a cocktail I make with Earl Grey Infused Old Tom Gin, St. Germain, Honey Syrup, and Fresh Lemon Juice; it’s super delicious and refreshing. Time Out Magazine picked it as one of the best summer cocktails in NYC too!

4. Are there any new cocktails or coffees coming out in the near future?

Absolutely. We update our cocktail menu regularly at 67 Orange, every quarter. Right now we are working on our fall menu. I’ve got some things I’m excited about. For example, I will be working with a Mezcal for the first time on our menu. That smoky agave flavor will be great in some cocktails. At Society we are into very specialized artisanal coffees. So we always bring in great single origin varietals from all over the world. You can try something new there almost every few weeks.

5. Do you have plans to open any other establishments in Harlem (or elsewhere) in the future?

I have ideas, I think there is a lot of opportunity here. We’ll see….

6. What is your favorite part about being a business owner?

I love walking in and seeing people smiling and having a great time. There is nothing like overhearing that cell phone call that goes something like this, “Hey, yeah, I’m at Society, and OH MY, those red velvet waffles, WOW!” I love that people really enjoy what I do!! My other favorite part is just getting into the strategy of growing a business. You come up with good smart ideas, do them, and watch your business grow. That’s the best.

7. Anything else you would like to add?

Hope to see you soon at 67 Orange Street or Society Coffee!!

67 Orange Street

2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd., near 113^th St.

(212) 662-2030

http://www.67orangestreet.com/

Society Coffee

2104 Frederick Douglass Blvd. at 114^th St.

(212) 222-3323

http://societycoffee.com/

HARLEM JAZZ SHRINES FESTIVAL JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Art, Community Involvement, Culture, Harlem, Morningside Heights, Music, Nightlife, Theatre, Welcome No Responses »

Apr 132011

A trio of Harlem’s most esteemed cultural institutions – The Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage and Jazzmobile – are banding together to present the Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival, which begins Monday, May 9, and runs through Sunday, May 15.

It’s a concept that both celebrates and supports the legacy of jazz in the Uptown community, bringing both established and new artists to some of the same sites where jazz first flourished — venues like Lenox Lounge, Showman’s Café, the Apollo Theater, Alhambra Ballroom and Minton’s Playhouse.

Look for additional festival events at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, Columbia University and other locations in and around Harlem. For more information on the festival, go to: www.harlemjazzshrines.org.

Organizers are hoping the weeklong festival will become an annual celebration that stimulates a jazz-oriented resurgence of opportunities in the community. Ticket prices for a wide variety of events have been set at an affordable price of $10 to draw a diverse crowd of neighbors, New Yorkers and tourists to programming ranging from concert, club and cabaret to dance events.

And to further maximize enjoyment and attendance, many shows have been scheduled so fans can make it to several events each day. There’s even shuttle service planned for Friday and Saturday nights.

“For much of the 20th Century,” says Apollo Theater Executive Producer Mikki Shepard, “Harlem was synonymous with jazz. Few other communities fostered jazz as a popular art form for both musicians and audiences as Harlem did.”

And the Apollo, of course, set the stage for both the music and many of the legendary careers that would follow: from the history-making night in 1934 when Ella Fitzgerald first won Amateur Night to performances by Benny Carter, Nat “Cannonball” Adderley, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Billie Holiday and Cab Calloway.

But, as we said, the Apollo is just one of your entertainment options starting May 9.

Following is just a sampling of what’s on the schedule:

May 9: Late Night Jam Sessions & Conversations with Legends at Minton’s Playhouse – Jazzmobile re-creates Minton’s legendary “cutting contests” with emerging jazz talents and an all-star house band curated by T.S. Monk with Robert O’Meally leading provocative discussions. (May 9 from 9 p.m.-closing.)

May 10 and 11: Blazing Tongues – The Singers & Writers of Lenox Loung–Harlem Stage, in partnership with Columbia University’s Center for Jazz Studies and Institute for Research in African American Studies, curates two evenings of music and literature. (May 10 and 11 at 7 p.m.)

May 13: Battle of the Big Bands – Jazzmobile produces two nights of big bands featuring the Jimmy Heath Big Band and the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra at the Alhambra Ballroom. (May 13 from 7 p.m. to midnight.)

May 13: The Fats Waller Dance Party: Small’s Paradise Tribute with Jason Moran & Meshell Ndegeocello – Harlem Stage presents two nights of Waller’s music taken to new heights in a social mixing dance party featuring 2010 MacArthur Genius pianist Jason Moran & dynamic singer/bassist Meshell Ndegeocello. (May 13 and 14, 9 and 11 p.m. both nights.)

May 13 and 14: Wycliffe Gordon’s Jazz a la Carte – The Apollo’s variety shows of the 1930s make a comeback under the direction of Wycliffe Gordon with the Temple University Big Band, featuring vocalists Carla Cook and Nikki Yanofsky, tap savant Savion Glover, sax wunderkind Grace Kelly, Director/Choreographer Ken Roberson, and trombone prodigy Corey Wilcox, among others. (May 13 at 8 p.m. and May 14 at 5 and 8 p.m.)

May 13 and 14: Geri Allen Quartet Jam Session – During the 1940’s and ‘50’s, the Harlem jazz scene was famous for its after-hours “jam sessions.” Jazz pianist and producer Geri Allen ”jams” with her quartet and special guests at the Apollo Music Cafe. (May 13 and 14 at 10 p.m. Doors open at 9 p.m.)

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Harlem This Year

Community Involvement, Harlem, Music, Nightlife, Restaurants No Responses »

Mar 072011

If you can’t make it down to Bourbon Street in New Orleans, come out and celebrate Mardi Gras in Morningside Heights. French for “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras is a two-week long festival, ending on the Tuesday before Lent. This year, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 8, and we’ve put together a list of events uptown where you can join in the celebration.

On Saturday, March 5, St. Marks United Methodist Church will be marking its 140-year anniversary with a soul food fair and Mardi Gras Caribbean carnival. Located at 55 Edgecombe Avenue at West 137^th Street, the festival will begin at 2 p.m. and will feature a steel concert band and plenty of food. For $20, you can feast on unlimited amounts of Caribbean cuisine, or it’s only $10 if you’d like to make a plate to take home. Click here for more information on this event.

For a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, celebrate Mardi Gras this year at Village Pourhouse, located at 982 Amsterdam Avenue at 109^th Street. From 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on March 8, Village Pourhouse will be serving $6 Hurricanes, a New Orleans signature cocktail made from lime juice, passion fruit syrup and rum, and $4 Abita beers, brewed locally in Louisiana. Drinks will be flowing and free beads will be handed out to enjoy the occasion in-style. For more information on this event, click here.

MoBay Uptown, New York’s Caribbean and Soul fine dining restaurant, is celebrating Mardi Gras this year with live music and authentic cuisine, such as blackened catfish. Head over to 17 West 125^th Street, grab your free Mardi Gras mask, and order one of the great drink specials from the bar before the live band performs zydeco music at 7:30 p.m. Click here for more information on this event.

Love is in the Air

Morningside Heights, Nightlife, Restaurants No Responses »

Feb 112011

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it’s time to finalize plans for spending time with your special someone. If gastronomical delights suit your fancy, this year, Morningsiders have a number of wonderful local options to treat their loved one to a romantic evening with a special Valentine’s Day menu:

Red Rooster, located at 310 Lexington Avenue at 125th Street, will debut its three-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu throughout the weekend for $75 per person. Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson has crafted an exquisite menu, featuring items such as foie gras ganache topped with a blood orange reduction and red snapper in a sour tomato broth with caviar. For an additional $20, you can indulge in a champagne and cocktail tasting to complement the heavenly meal. Make your reservation today by calling 212-792-9001.

Located on 112th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, The 5 and Diamond is known for its mouth-watering menus inspired by local, organic produce. Come celebrate here on February 14 with a special Valentine prix fixe menu for only $45 per person. The meal includes your choice of a glass of house wine, champagne, or the exclusive Diamond Cocktail, a sparkling cava layered with sangria sorbet and garnished with a chocolate covered strawberry. Don’t forget to make your reservations by clicking here.

Hudson River Café, located at 133rd Street and 12th Avenue, will feature a delectable four-course prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day for $55 per person. Unique menu items include seafood coconut bisque, king’s ceviche in squid ink latin mojo, and lobster ravioli with a shallot and champagne cream sauce. Make your reservation right away by clicking here or calling 212-491-9111.

If you’re looking for a more budget wise and fun option, check out Amsterdam Restaurant and Tapas at 1207 Amsterdam Avenue. For $37 per person, you can indulge in a special three-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day meal. Featured menu items include wild mushroom risotto, ricotta potato gnocchi, and the exceptional Amsterdam Bouillabaisse, comprised of red snapper, mussels, shrimp, and calamari in a saffron fennel broth. Reservations can be made by clicking here or calling 212-662-6330.

For an unexpected post-dinner treat, you can experience New Leaf Restaurant and Bar, located at 1 Margaret Corbin Drive in Fort Tyron Park. New Leaf’s Valhrona hot chocolate was once voted “Best Hot Chocolate in New York” and “Upper Manhattan’s Most Romantic Restaurant.” Although it’s normally closed on Mondays, New Leaf will be open for Valentine’s Day from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 212-568-5323 to make your reservation today!

Valentine’s Day only occurs once a year, so make sure to take advantage of these romantic opportunities in the neighborhood and please your loved one!

Best,

Bea

NEW YORK JETS: On the Road to Super Bowl XLV

Food, Harlem, Nightlife, Restaurants No Responses »

Jan 212011

AAGL161 NEW YORK JETS: On the Road to Super Bowl XLV

Attention Morningsiders: In honor of this Sunday’s New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game, we’ve put together a list of the best local sports bars Uptown where you can relax, have a beer, and cheer on the Jets as they continue their quest for a spot at Super Bowl XLV.

Kick-off starts at 6:30pm on January 23, and you can be sure that each of these places will be bustling with fans. So, get there early and come with your best victory dance!

redlight sm NEW YORK JETS: On the Road to Super Bowl XLV If you are looking for an upscale sports bar to celebrate with fellow diehard fans, look no further than Village Pourhouse (982 Amsterdam Avenue) because you can rest assured this bar will have all of Morningside’s Jets fans. Every Sunday is “Funday” at Village Pourhouse featuring $5 Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas, $10 Bud Light Pitchers, $20 Bud Light Buckets.

6 NEW YORK JETS: On the Road to Super Bowl XLV Another great choice if you want to lounge with friends, have a few drinks, and enjoy the game is Amsterdam Restaurant and Tapas Lounge, located at 1207 Amsterdam Avenue. Upstairs, there is a dining section where you can enjoy dinner and on the lower level, there is a bar and lounge where you can watch the game on all four big screen televisions. A great pick if you want to be in a relaxed environment.

NEW YORK JETS: On the Road to Super Bowl XLV If you want something a little more interactive, put on your bowling shoes and enjoy the game at local hangout spot, Harlem Lanes. There’s “NFL Playoff Fever” every Sunday and you can take advantage of the family four pack where you and a group of four can bowl for just $40 (includes 1 hour of bowling with shoes).

stroked%20color%20door NEW YORK JETS: On the Road to Super Bowl XLV Lastly, we recommend Lion’s Head Tavern, the ultimate sports bar with eight large screen television and sports memorabilia on the walls. Lion’s Head has all the great game time food including wings, chips and salsa, nachos, fries, and of course drinks.

GO JETS!

Ring in the New Year Uptown

Harlem, Holidays, Nightlife, R&R, Restaurants No Responses »

Dec 282010

For Morningsiders who would rather avoid the freezing outdoor temperatures and congested streets of Times Square this New Year’s Eve, we’ve put together a list of happening restaurants Uptown to help you ring in the New Year properly.

The highly anticipated Red Rooster restaurant on Lenox Avenue and 125^th Street has recently opened its doors to rave reviews. Award-winning chef and cookbook author Marcus Samuelsson has, yet again, created a masterpiece. There’s no better time to check out this Harlem gem than December 31, as it kicks off its first annual New Year’s Eve celebration. For $95, you can indulge in a three-course prix fixe dinner, including a champagne toast at midnight. For $75, you can enjoy the live entertainment and open bar from 11 p.m. till 2 a.m. DJ Cosi will be spinning music all night with guest performers on both levels of this two-story restaurant. Space is limited, so make sure to book your reservation soon by calling 212-792-9001.

For a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, another option is Hudson River Cafe’s New Year’s Eve celebration at 133 Street and 12 Avenue. DJs Enuff, Johnny Famolari and Norty Cotto will be playing live music all night long, as the café will be open from 9 p.m. till the late morning hour of 8 a.m. For $40, you can dance the night away, enjoying a free Latin breakfast as the sun rises. For $20 more, take advantage of a three-hour, top-shelf open bar from 9 p.m. till midnight, including premium liquors and a free champagne toast as the ball drops. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance by calling 646-481-0027, as space is limited and prices are expected to increase.

If you’re looking for a quieter evening this New Year’s, check out 5 and Diamond, located on 112 Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Known for its exquisite menus inspired by lo cal, organic produce, 5 and Diamond will ring in 2011 with a special New Year’s menu and live entertainment. For $80, you can treat yourself to a prix fixe menu, featuring entrees such as wild mushroom risotto and Maine scallops. This price includes a champagne toast at midnight and live jazz music. Check out the exclusive menu here, and don’t forget to click here for reservations.

If you’re interested in taking part in New Year’s festivities without denting your wallet, visit the world-renowned Sylvia’s Restaurant, located at Lenox Avenue and 126 Street. For only $25, you can dress in your finest New Year’s Eve chic attire and indulge in a vast buffet with a champagne toast at midnight. DJ Jamie Hype will be spinning the best beats of the year, and there will be great bottle specials. For more information on this event, call 212-996-0660.

Wishing you blessings and prosperity for the New Year!

Bea

Holiday Dining and Entertainment Ideas in Morningside Heights

Food, Harlem, Nightlife, Restaurants No Responses »

Dec 202010

December is a wonderful time of the year, but we all know the holidays can be extremely stressful and expensive.

Whether you have guests in town or are looking for alone time with a special loved one, Morningsider says treat yourself and take advantage of these great discounts on dining and entertainment in Morningside Heights this week.

Lively Harlem Dining:

If you’d like to learn more about the history of Harlem’s cuisine and culture, visit Mojo, located at 119^th Street and Saint Nicholas Avenue. This popular restaurant and lounge celebrates Harlem’s roots through food, music and history. Executive Chef Julio Sanchez describes the food as “New Harlem Cuisine,” which he defines as a fusion of Mediterranean and Southern flavors, representing the diversity of Harlem. Mojo offers food and drink specials at unbeatable prices throughout the week, such as half-priced bottles of wine, unlimited mojitos and couscous, and reverse happy hours. Additionally, the restaurant hosts live music, DJs and performances by belly dancers. Check out the full list of scheduled weekly events and specials at Mojo here.

For a Crowd:

For family fun, consider Harlem Lanes at 126^th Street and 7^th Avenue (Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard). Harlem Lanes has excellent daily value promotions and events, including live DJs on the weekends and glow-in-the-dark bowling. Not only does this venue boast 24 bowling lanes and a wide selection of comfort food, but is also a sports bar with 24 flat screen televisions and a private VIP lounge. Take a look at the complete weekly schedule and daily discounts here.

Christmas Day Merriment:

After the tryptophan has worn off on December 25 and you are looking for holiday entertainment, Shrine Bar and Restaurant will be open on Christmas Day! This neighborhood favorite, located at 134^th Street and 7^th Avenue, never charges a cover, and there’s almost always free, live music, coupled with daily food and drink specials. Shrine’s complete schedule of musical guests can be seen here.

Wishing you and your family the best for the holidays

Bea

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