It’s good to feel the cooler evening winds bring down the temperature from the heat of the hot summer sun on our skin. The rain is also a welcomed backdrop as we say avoir to summer 2016 and hola to fall.
Have you been over to the other side lately? The Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue area, starting around 157th Street straight down to 139th Street, is gaining a little rep for diversity. There’s a tempting Indian restaurant, pizza and beer restaurant, the Grill on the Hill Sports Lounge, all within walking distance of City College.
Speaking of which, the City College Center for the Arts should begin its fall season any moment now, as the “Real Life: Portraits from the World and Around the Way” series ends on Sept. 8. Committed to supporting and collaborating with various community organizations and businesses, the Center for the Arts frequently sponsors events and activities throughout the year. Working closely with groups such as the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Community Board 9, among others, the City College Center for the Arts, is an umbrella for arts programs that includes Aaron Davis Hall and Windows on Amsterdam: Community Art Gallery. The City College Partnership is geared toward maximizing all opportunities to build relations between CCNY students and community-based organizations through arts and cultural programs.
Should you find yourself between 152nd and 151st streets on Broadway and the battery on your phone is low, have no fear. Located there is a Charge Your Phone for Free kiosk, where you can connect to USB for fast charging. Yes, that’s right. All you have to do is plug in your phone and charge away. Of course the caveat here is that you have to have your charger with you. Powered by LinkNYC, also available is an instant link to 311 city services and free calling by Vonage, and you can browse the web. Although there are two such stations within walking distance of one another, I can expect we will see more of them in the very near future.
Now that you’re on 151st Street, stop by Bo-No Trattoria Brick Oven Pizza, which has big windows and dim lighting, is easy on the eyes and has a sound system that’s easy on the ears. I love it. It’s open Monday-Sunday, noon-midnight and has outdoor seating. Next door is Panielas Flowers. They do weddings, funerals and special events and they deliver (646-678-3150).
I don’t even want to begin to speak about the happenings in Broadway between 149th and 148th streets, but I will. A few short strides away is Unions Restaurant and Bar, which is doing a brisk delivery business, while Dyna Serb is power washing the bus shelter. That’s good to know. Lighting up the sidewalk is a clean new-aged design Domino’s pizza shop, which looks inviting. However, the most interesting display of them all is a stand-up bill board with a small candle burning in front, shedding serenity, peace and light, advertising tarot readings by Fernando. Call for a reading at 347-485-6258. Sponsored by the People’s Astrologer Inc.
The coup de gras on the block is “I love you more than Wi-Fi,” ever-popular Harlem Public, next door to the No Name Bar, where the Gypsy and Media show takes place. Patrons of all ages from millennials to seniors are welcomed. And yes, the Chopped Cup, located in the former home of a late night speakeasy, is still there, offering coffee and victuals.
Last but not forgotten, as I descended into the valley across 145th Street from Broadway to Lenox, a light amid the dark of night caught my eye. It shined upon the Sugar Hill Café, serving coffee, espresso, pastries, bagels and bread, sandwiches, soups and wine. Even though at 10 p.m. they’re closed, because obviously they’re a morning to late afternoon venue, I have to give them a shoutout. They provided a nice little bench placed inconspicuously out front, where I could stop, sit and catch my breath before continuing my journey. I will be back for an espresso and toasted bagel.
Once you get into the valley, you find that Ponty Bistro, which I have been writing about for years, is still holding the fort at the corner of 139th Street and Seventh Avenue. The favorite of the Abyssinian Baptist Church after Sunday service crowd for brunch, the kitchen and bar are open late. I, however, have to make a mental note to stop by in the morning for pancakes and mimosa.
Popping midweek is Harlem Nights, which just keeps it coming. The venue with décor reminiscent of the Village features a small stage that is open to all who dare to step up to the mic. The platform is free and performances such as the ones I caught, starring Bryant Lane, Juwani (who the guys seated nearby were overheard saying, “and she sings”) and Lee Anderson, who sings, dances and plays the flute, were stellar. With special guests from London by way of Somalia, the crowd is friendly and eclectic. This type of entertainment is catching on in Harlem as the Shrine, located on Seventh Avenue at 132nd Street, also welcomes performers, all of whom make you wonder why you are not being charged for the performance, or you want to know when and where they’re performing next.
Happy centennial birthday to Charlie Brown, who was among the four others celebrated by the members of River Terrace with a fabulous centennial party. Making wishes and giving thanks was outgoing Congressman Charles B. Rangel. Not quite 100 but enjoying a birthday anyway are Tiara Palmer, Shirley Scott, Doloris Coombs and Wilhelmina “Billie” Holiday Hayes. Gives us all something to look forward to.
Until next week … kisses.