3rd ANNUAL FOOD & DRINK BOULEVARD

Summer Kick-Off and Evening of Food, Cocktails,

Music & Entertainment on Harlem’s Restaurant Row

Thursday, May 8, 2014

6:00PM-10:00PM

Frederick Douglass Blvd

From 111th – 123rd StreetsTickets:

Drink, appetizer & special promotions

$10.00 at the door

2-for-1 in advance

www.fdb.eventbrite.com

There are a ton of great places you can eat in New York, but the experience of dining al fresco in Harlem is unrivaled. Not only is the neighborhood drenched with history, it also has the most culturally diverse crowds and a great mix of culinary staples that can satisfy almost any appetite.

So if you’re looking for a new brunch spot or a cool place to have an outdoor meal on a warm night, try one of my favorite spots:

Harlem Tavern [Source: HarlemProperties.com]

Harlem Tavern 2153 Frederick Douglas Blvd (at 116th street) Harlem Tavern  is a restaurant and beer garden that on some nights can feel like the best sports bar in town and on others can you give you an intimate front row concert experience with live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and a jazz band on the weekends.

Red Rooster [Source: Red Rooster]

Red Rooster 310 Lenox Avenue (btw 125th and 126th streets)
Named in honor of the legendary Harlem speakeasy, Red Rooster, is the neighborhood’s first restaurant helmed by a top chef, which has made it a major culinary destination. Rooster serves up a fusion of comfort food and a variety of cuisines inspired by foreign locales. And the best thing about dining al fresco here is that you’re almost guaranteed to spot a celebrity sitting a few tables away (everyone from Alicia Keys to Tom Brokaw has visited Red Rooster at least once). 

Ristorante Settepani [Source: HarlemProperties]

Ristorante Settepani

196 Lenox Avenue (on the corner of 120th street) Settepani is an Italian restaurant with a heavy focus on Sicilian cuisine. Aside from the sexy interior and draw of their seasonal menus, I love that the outdoor dining option here provides a much quieter meal than some of the others due to a lower amount of foot traffic in the area. 

Corner Social [Source: Corner Social]

Corner Social 321 Lenox Avenue (on the corner of 126th street)

“A warm, inviting, vibrant and pulsing scene,” is how the owners of Corner Social describe the restaurant they built directly across from marquee Harlem destinations such as Sylvia’s and Red Rooster. And having dined here several times, I can say that they’ve painted the perfect picture of what the feeling is like once you’re inside.

If you’re a young professional this is definitely the spot for you and after you’ve had a quick meal you can head next door to COVE lounge (not affiliated with CS) for the live DJ and a nightcap.

Sylvia’s Restaurant [Source: Sylvia's]

Sylvia’s Restaurant 328 Lenox Avenue Sylvia’s Restaurant has been serving classic soul food favorites in Harlem since 1962 and has since become a cultural landmark in the community. And while some may argue that it’s not the best soul food option in town, it’s one of those places you have to try at least once. (Soon you’ll be able to get Sylvia’s in Florida as the family is building a second location in St. Petersburg).

Lido Harlem [Source: HarlemBespoke]

Lido Harlem 2168 Frederick Douglas Blvd (on the corner of 117th street) Lido Harlem is a great italian restaurant that provides a culinary experience designed to transport your taste buds straight to Italy. The vibe at Lido is so laid back that you always feel as if you’re dining amongst friends.

Chill Berry [Source: Harlem Bespoke]

Chill Berry

414 Lenox Avenue (btw 130th and 131st streets)

Chill Berry  is Harlem’s first frozen yogurt shop and it is absolutely delicious. So if you’re looking for a way to cool off this Summer make sure you stop by and try to snag one of the shop’s four outdoor seats (not shown in this pic) because there’s never a dull moment when you’re people watching in Harlem. (Ed Note: The owners of Chill Berry are getting ready to open Harlem-Yo, a new fro-yo and burrito bar on 8th avenue.)

Chez Lucienne [Source: HarlemBespoke]

Chez Lucienne 308 Lenox Avenue Before Red Rooster and Corner Social moved in the only other restaurant near Chez Lucienne was Sylvia’s. But there has never been any reason to panic about new neighbors because Chez has it’s own crew of loyal patrons and a reputation for great French cuisine.

Covo Trattoria [Source: TimesUnion.com]

Covo Trattoria 701 West 135th Street (on 12th avenue) Covo Trattoria is tucked away near West Harlem Piers Park, a beautiful waterfront area that is one of my absolute favorite places to visit. It’s also perfect for grabbing a meal and then walking it off along the water. And it’s usually pretty quiet unless there’s a day party going on next door at the Hudson River Cafe.

Hudson River Cafe [Source: VelvetList.com]

Hudson River Cafe 697 West 133rd Street (on 12th avenue)

Also located near the West Harlem waterfront, Hudson River Cafe, is a latin restaurant that probably offers the most expansive outdoor dining options in the neighborhood. HRC features a two level patio surrounded by garden walls, a courtyard bar and frequent live bands that keep the party going.

Maison Harlem [Source: Maison Harlem]

Maison Harlem 341 St. Nicholas Avenue (on the corner of 127th street) Maison Harlem is a quaint French bistro that almost didn’t happen. To gain community support, the owners of Maison launched a Kickstarter campaign that was never fully funded, but they didn’t let this stop them. Now they’ve become one of West Harlem’s newest hot spots.

Yatenga French Bistro & Bar [Source: FindingPaola.com]

Yatenga French Bistro & Bar 2269 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (btw 133rd and 134th streets)

If you’re looking for a change of taste and want to venture a little further uptown, stop by Yatenga French Bistro & Bar. The inspiration for the name of the restaurant was taken from the Yatenga Province in West Africa’s Burkina Faso, an area that is known for its French influences. And what I love most about Yatenga is the way they effortlessly blend the African culture and European flare into the menu and every other part of the restaurant.

Source: Hashtags + Stilettos

"Nitty Scott, MC drops a teaser for the upcoming new full-length LP, The Art Of Chill, due on May 23rd. 

The album features production from Ski Beatz, Yuri Beats and Moss amongst others with guest appearances from Ab-Soul, Stacy Barthe, Rapper Big Pooh and more.

Nitty also introduces us to #Chilluminati Tuesdays, a new behind-the-scenes series beginning on April 15th. The Boombox Family can look forward to exclusive performances, the making of specific songs + sneak peaks at unreleased gems on The Art of Chill."

Listen to Pos, Dave, & Mase speak about "Smell The Da.I.S.Y."

Da Inner Soul of Yancy! Dilla forever!

The 1st official NY Loves Dilla event was held on 3/23 and it did not disappoint. The annual New York City tribute to J. Dilla was held @ Webster Hall. 

Highlights came from memorable performances by familiar greats; Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and a surprise set from Keith Murray! 

Underground heavy hitters Phony Ppl, YC the Cynic, and Soul Khan kept the crowd moving and reflected on how Dilla influenced them as artists.  

The event was hosted by Jarobi White of a Tribe Called Quest and the lovely Ma Dukes 

Video courtesy of EARFLOAT TV

                    

From the brain trust behind New York City’s most legendary nightclub, Webster Hall proudly presents the biggest weekly hip-hop event NYC has ever seen—House Party! Set to launch on Thursday April 3rd, House Party will transform Webster Hall into a hub of hip-hop every Thursday from 10pm – 4am, showcasing a different style on each of the venue’s 4 floors. As a tribute to the long-running Thursday ladies’ night tradition at Webster Hall, women will never pay admission to House Party, and in keeping with the 90’s theme, anyone sporting a flattop hair cut will skip the line and enter free of charge.

At the helm of Webster Hall’s Grand Ballroom will be marquee hip-hop vanguard Just Blaze alongside NY mainstay DJ Soul. And what would a House Party be without friends? Just Blaze and DJ Soul have lots…. and they will bring them out! Va$htie curates the Marlin Room, transforming it into her tastemaker bash “1992”, along with a unique lineup of surprise guests. Reggae and dancehall will reign in the Balcony Lounge courtesy of Jasmine Solano and Melo-X’s “Electric Punnany” party. Brick Bandits Club Kingpins, DJ Sliink 

& Dirty South Joe, along with special guests, unleash a lethal weekly assault of club, trap and bass bangers on the Studio basement! - moveforwardmusic.com

"Jill Scott made a comment during her performance on VH1's Storytellers about her music selection process that stuck with me - She said that even without her, the music has to have a story of it's own for her to write to it. Apparently she picks them well; Jill has the uncanny ability to connect to numerous demographics, an uncommon skill in today's stratified musical climate. I've heard some joke that Jill's songs are about either food or sex, and yet others that say Jill speaks to and for them. Honey Molasses is a compilation of the artists that feel that Jill's songs could somehow help tell their story. Thanks to DJ Rahdu for selecting and mixing them for our listening pleasure. Welcome to the soundtrack of Spring!" - DJ Rahdu

Vlooper and Modlee - Honey Molasses

Whatever - Audiosavage’s Summer Madness Remix)

Crown Royal - Record Breakin & Sun Circle Re Edit)

A Long Walk (Madlib Remix)

A Long Walk (Stay With Me Mix)

Cross My Mind (Duff Remix)

The Robert Glasper Experiment - Calls (Mr. Porter Remix) feat Jill Scott

and Pharoahe Monch

Substantial - Talk 2 Me feat The Real Jay Mills

Golden (Rotary Connected Remix)

Golden (Zo! Remix)

Lupe Fiasco - Daydreamin’ (Jerry Folk Remix) feat Jill Scott

Slowly Surely (Theo Parrish remix)

Gimme (Beset’s MoombahSoul Re-Work)

Love Rain (Detroit Swindle’s Seasonal Redux) 

Jaidene Veda - Lyzel in E Flat (Jazzanova vs Jill Scott Mix) 

My Love (Soul1LDN Remix) 

Hear My Call (Pablo Martinez Remix) 

It’s Better (Essential Sivad Edit) 

Spring Summer Feeling (The Ron Trent Remix) 

Imagination (Panther72 Mix) 

All I (Manousos Remix) 

Love Rain (Head Nod Joachim Remix) ft Mos Def 

Hate on Me (Cosmic Remix) 

Sahand - Mit Dir (Slowly Surely Mix) 

Slowly Surely (Ge-ology Remix)

Remember when Madonna moved to New York with a few dollars and a dream?

Remember when Hip-Hop landed on Cedar & Sedgewick, 
then went global in the 80s? (Bronx stand up!)

Remember the Limelight and the Club Kids?

I'm bringing it all back for you!!

"Into The Groove" (#IntoTheGroove) will the most fun you've had in a LONG time.

A 1980s costume party??? With nothing but the greatness of 1980s music, dance, and fashion? Live performances of your favorite Old Skool tracks? 
 A DJ spinning *the best* music of your childhood?

Funky Fresh.

Totally Rad.

You do NOT want to miss this one, folks!!!

Love comedy??

Join me and the #DeceptiComics on April 4, 2014
 for a hilarious opening to the weekend!!

Location: Broadway Comedy Club 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019

Time: 8pm

Featuring the RIDICULOUSLY FUNNY comedy of 
(Click their names to visit their websites):

Cerrome Russell

Gordon Baker-Bone

Mike Brown

John Minus

Dillon Stevenson

Source - Tix & Info (click the link): into-the-groove-

                 )

LITM  

40 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302

(201) 536-5557

                             

New spot for the after-work rotation!

I walked past this place and saw the "$4 mini martini's 5-8PM" and I had to stop. LITM or Love is the Message is a laid back bar/ gallery /lounge in downtown Jersey City, a few steps away from the PATH station at Grove Street.

What I love about going out in Jersey City, is how everything has a cool, trendy vibe, but it’s not crowded like a lot of NYC bars. LITM was no different. A casual, but intimate setting. This has quickly become one of my favorite bars in Jersey City. 

As I mentioned earlier, happy hour provides $4 mini martinis (which aren't very mini) with several options to choose from. All the different flavors I had were pretty potent. Two will definitely put you in good mood. 

                    

The food here is consistently good! We ordered the spinach artichoke dip and this was not the traditional dip we were expecting with chunks of artichoke, and cheese. Check the menu for daily food specials!

            

The artwork on the walls is constantly changing. It's pretty dope and gives you the feeling like you're hanging out at a cool little art gallery. LITM also has art showings pretty regularly where you can browse and purchase artwork.

                   

                    

LITM is reliable for good food and good drinks. Its a well decorated, clean, artsy space without the least bit of pretension. 

                     

Happy hour all night Mondays! Definitely worth the trip!

It’s not often that straphangers ride on graffiti-bombed subway cars. The MTA has a strict policy of pulling trains out of service no matter how good they look. Usually, when images emerge, they’re of empty cars in train yards.

This weekend however, riders got quite a treat according to Instagram user @halopigg, who took photos of a spray painted M train and gave ANIMAL the following account of the rare sighting:

Source: animalnewyork.com