Taste Harlem

Where can you sample authentic African, African-American, Spanish, and Jamaican food all in one place? One of Manhattan’s most underrated neighborhoods, Harlem. Try the “Taste of Harlem Walking Tour,” where you can try a little bit from some of the area’s best eateries, while seeing some historic sights along the way. The tourguide Neal Shoemaker told Time Out New York, “I feel sometimes like I’m Mr. U.N. I mean, Kentucky kids eating authentic African food? It’s so cool! They’re not going to get that in Louisville.”

Tours meet at the Harlem Heritage Tourism & Cultural Center at 104 Malcolm X Boulevard. On the way back, go a bit east to space for lease Tapestry at 124th Street and 2nd Avenue. With about 8,500 SF for lease, it’s perfect for your restaurant or other retail use. Perhaps you can be a future stop on the tour!

-Caitlin

96th Street Now More Accessible!

Good news for Upper West Siders– a new subway station at 96th Street (for the 1,2,3 trains) is now open. Even better news? It’s now much easier to access space for lease 2626 Broadway, the old Metro Theater. Our own UWS resident Evan Silver was on the scene today to snap a picture.

-Caitlin

Cupcakes Replace Hot Dogs?

New York is known for its street food– soft pretzels, roasted peanuts, and of course, hot dogs. But now the trendiest dessert may be taking over. Gourmet cupcake baker Gina Ojile just gained permission to sell her baked goods on the street in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Washington Square Park. She is currently testing her venture, Cake & Shake, right now in Astoria, Queens.

The solar powered, all organic, cupcake and milkshake carts will sell $3 cakes and $5 milkshakes made with real fruit. The Washington Square cart is expected to start vending at the end of April, and the Met cart will make their debut two months later. Will cupcakes replace hot dogs as the ultimate NYC street food? As a vegetarian, I’d take a cupcake over a hot dog any day!

-Caitlin

Attention Aspiring Perfumers!

(picture via Daily Candy)

Kim Kardashian has a scent, Britney had hers, and Beyonce’s fragrance just made its debut, so why can’t you have one too? Now you can. Create your own perfume during Le Labo’s First Mondays. Anne McClain, a graduate from France’s Grasse Institute of Perfumery, will teach you the art of perfume making. Her scent is called “Humanity,” a vanilla sandalwood scent that you can purchase. All proceeds will go to building a public art project in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Ready to make your own? Visit www.lelabofragrances.com and email workshops@lelabofragrances.com. Classes are held at 233 Elizabeth Street between Houston and Prince Streets.

-Caitlin

Germany introduces NYC cupcakes

German McDonald’s created cupcakes inspired by four New York City neighborhoods– Chelsea, East Village, Soho, and Central Park. Each dessert is designed to show the characteristics of the neighborhood, with a picture of a Manhattanite to go along with it. Let’s take a look.

Central Park: Central Park’s cupcake is strawberry flavored, and the ad shows a girl with an assymetrical haircut with the tip to enjoy a “Central Park Moment.”

Chelsea: Chocolate cake and chocolate frosting, and the ad depicts a young guy in a rumpled shirt and jeans telling you to relax by the harbor or sit by the lake.

Soho: A vanilla cupcake for Soho, but what I’m more confused about is the girl’s outfit. Why is she wearing bootcut jeans and  Dillard’s-style separates?

East Village: Cappuccino cupcake. A hipsterish guy in the ad says something about the great art in the neighborhood, including a mention of Andy Warhol.

-Caitlin

Umbrella Wars

(picture via Brad Wilson)

Within minutes of stepping out into the rain, a whoosh of wind pushed my umbrella inside out, leaving me staggering on the sidewalk. I shoved the top side back into the air, fighting to keep my head dry. With raindrops pouring down on my just-dried morning hair, I lifted the wiry nylon mess above me in hopes of creating a semi-shield.

Sound familiar? It’s the normal rainstorm scenario plaguing commuting New Yorkers. And yet every time it rains you find yourself forking over the $5 for a little black street umbrella that breaks within three minutes of its second use. Luckily “Rain or Shine” has come to our rescue. The only store of its kind, the little Midtown shop offers a vast selection of umbrellas in ever design and color imaginable. Not only are their products chic, but made from high quality materials, so they are strong too.

Whether you are looking for a strong and simple style, or one of the “hard to find” designer pieces like Ayrens, Jean Paul Gaultier, or Chantal Thomass, Rain or Shine has it. Visit the shop at 45 East 45th Street between Madison and Vanderbilt, and take a look at the website to see some of their styles.

-Caitlin

Three Spaces to Lease NOW!

1. MODA, 89-14 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens

Nestled in the heart of Jamaica, Queens, MODA boasts over 40,000 SF of retail space for lease. Above the retail sits 346 apartments, and a 500-space parking garage below. Associated/King Polo Supermarkets has already signed on to the project, becoming the anchor of the building.  The best part? The developer will build the space out for you! With nearby national retailers like The Home Depot, Old Navy, and Walgreens, this is the ideal location for your restaurant, gym, nail salon, or other retail use.

2. Tapestry, 245 East 124th Street, East Harlem, Manhattan

This brand new, eco-friendly, mixed-use building is currently under construction right near the foot of the RFK Bridge! Part of the 125th Street Corridor Rezoning Initiative, Tapestry is part of an effort to infuse the neighborhood with cultural, retail, entertainment, and residential uses. The anticipated LEED Gold certified property includes about 8,500 SF of retail space for lease, 19-foot ceilings, and 185 apartments. Expand to an energy efficient property in this busy Manhattan neighborhood!

3. 181st Street and Bennett Avenue, Washington Heights, Manhattan

Looking for a unique building in a buzzing retail-filled neighborhood? Look no further! This property at 181st and Bennett includes 2600 SF on the ground floor, a 1600 SF mezzanine level, a 10,000 SF on the top level, and a full basement. Bursting with options, the building can be leased as one space, or broken up into several pieces. The space is right next to both the A and 1 trains, making for an easy commute. Here is your chance to become a part of a growing neighborhood like Washington Heights!

For information on all spaces, please call 212-213-6480.

-Caitlin

Discounts for Donations

Want a discount on the new Catherine Malandrino Spring/Summer 2010 collection? Bring any clothing item, whether it’s Malandrino or any other brand, to the boutique at 652 Hudson Street. The shop is collecting donations for Housing Works, and wants your stuff! With a donation, you will receive 30 percent off any full priced item. Clean out your old winter wardrobe, and make room for a new Malandrino piece! (tip via Racked)

-Caitlin

Iced Coffee Weather!

While I drink iced coffee most of the year, despite the weather, I think today officially starts the iced coffee season. I got mine at Birch Coffee on 27th Street between Madison and 5th. I suggest you go out and enjoy an iced coffee in the sunshine!

-Caitlin

NYC’s First Nordstrom Coming Soon!

What’s better than a Nordstom coming to Manhattan? A Nordstrom Rack coming to Manhattan! Rack offers merchandise from the regular department store, but at 50 to 60 percent off the price! That means huge discounts on premium denim, shoes, accessories, and even bath and beauty products. Besides the great savings, the shop also offers in-store alterations and tailoring, and accepts Nordstrom gift cards.

Nordstrom Rack will open at 60 E 14th Street at Broadway on May 11th, the perfect time to stock up on warm weather fashions.Visit the Rack website for more information.

-Caitlin