Where to shop for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you’re probably thinking about what to get that special someone in your life for this most romantic day of the year. Harlem’s many boutiques and gift shops, including museum gift shops, offer an array of treasures that will surely bring a smile to both your and your loved one’s face. Below is a list of some neighborhood gems and their featured wares.

What would Valentine’s Day be without flowers? Harlem’s premier florist, La Fleur d’Harlem, will be open all day Saturday and Sunday February 13 and 14 for those looking for the traditional dozen red roses for their sweetheart, or for one of owner Louis Gagliano’s creative custom arrangements. You can get the time-honored dozen long-stemmed beauties (or “two dozen,” says Gagliano), or have your roses arranged in a round bouquet. If you want, he’ll also make up one of his special floral “sculptures” using two types of orchids on a dogwood frame. Tell him what you need, and he’ll try to help. “People use us as consultants,” he says. “They tell us their stories, and want us to give them something that will help their relationship.” At 203 W. 144th St., (646) 850-5973.

Aesthetically pleasing flowers at L Fleur d'Harlem

The handcrafted, artisanal delights of the Harlem Chocolate Factory will be on sale at a special “Made with LOVE” Valentine’s Day pop-up on Saturday, Feb. 13, from noon to 4 p.m. at Vivrant Beauty, along with the creations of a local jewelry maker and other Harlem artisans. And, of course, Vivrant’s own selection of skincare, hair care and cosmetic products are available too. At 220 St. Nicholas Ave. (at 121st St.) (212) 865-0100.

Delectable treats from the Harlem Chocolate Factory

There’s a Chocolate Day Lecture at the historic Morris Jumel Mansion, on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m., where you can learn more about the food you love the most! MJM Executive Director Carol Ward and Assistant Curator Kelsey Brow will discuss all things chocolate, from the history of its consumption to the ways and means of the chocolate pot. Tastings, of course, will be included. At 65 Jumel Terrace, (212) 923-8008. Admission: $30, $25 for members. Advanced registration is required.

The Museum of the City of New York’s Gift Shop, in the museum is a Valentine’s Day treasure of love, with bargain gifts ranging from a Floating Hearts Note Card Set for $11.95 and a Guide to New York’s Most Romantic Spots for $24.95, to higher-end handmade jewelry from New York designers like a pair of Double Heart Clip Earrings, signed by the artist in 24-karat green gold over silver alloy for $540. At 1220 Fifth Ave. (at 103rd St.) (212) 534-1672.

At the Gift Shop of The Studio Museum in Harlem, you’ll find attractive items at reasonable prices such as a trademark Studio Museum Umbrella for $9.99, T-shirts and mugs inscribed with the truism “Black is Beautiful” (T-shirts $25, mugs $12 )and a colorful Stanley Whitney Pocket Tote Bag for $25. At 144 W. 125th St. (212) 864-4500.

For that stylish special someone, a chapeau from Flamekeepers Hat Club, might be just the ticket. This unique boutique sources its hats and caps from designers all over the world, and also design its own. Most of their wares are sold to men, but owner Mark Williamson points out that “30 percent of our clientele are women.” Caps start at $45 and hats at $85. At 273 W.121st St., (212) 531-3542.

Stylish hats at Flamekeeper Hat Club

At Nilu, a small but welcoming space that’s a community favorite, you will find simple but creative items from local artisans and designers. The shelves display chic designs alongside homey items, with offerings that include decorated scarves, unique jewelry, purses and totes, and stylish shirts, dresses, sweaters, hats and shoes that will dazzle your special lady. There’s also an assortment of scented candles and some original paintings. At 191 Lenox Ave. (at 120th St.) (917) 806-8635. 

Appealing Arts and Crafts at Nilu

Dress your man up and put a smile on his face with items from Harlem Haberdashery, an upscale men’s clothing store that offers stylish clothing, shoes, hats, and other accessories from the exclusive 5001 Flavors brand popular among celebrities and sports figures. Each piece combines the distinctive style of fashion from the Harlem Renaissance era with the latest, cutting-edge trends in fashion today. The products are designed in the store’s Harlem facility and are not available anywhere else in the world. At 245 Lenox Ave. (bet. 122nd and 123rd St.) (646) 707-0070.

Stylish shoes at Harlem Haberdashery

Appealing skin and hair care products for men and women with the most luscious scents imaginable at Carol's Daughter, founded in 1993 by Lisa Price and named for her mother. Tantalizing scents include Almond Cookie, Black Vanilla, Monoi, Ectasy, and Ocean found in body lotions, colognes and shower gels with prices ranging from $8-$32. Or try some of the limited edition items like Vanilla Truffle Body Cream and the Lavender and Vanilla Body Cream both for $29. At 24 W. 125th St., (212) 828-6567.

Destination profile of Harlem neighborhood

Welcome to Harlem:

As the center of African-American life in New York, Harlem is one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods with many exciting offerings in culture and the arts. It’s the birthplace of bebop and jazz, where greats like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald got their start on stages like the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater, and where today’s stars like comedian Amy Schumer still appear.

Harlem also offers lots of fine architecture, from classic brownstone buildings to historic churches, beautiful parks, and a wide variety of places to eat. There’s history in Harlem too. Major events of the American Revolutionary War took place there, as well as significant events in the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. In fact, you’ll notice that many of the streets and buildings are named for influential civil rights figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

Harlem, in upper Manhattan, begins at the northern end of Central Park at 110th Street and spreads as far north as 155th Street. With all the amazing things this great neighborhood has to offer, we know you’ll enjoy your visit to Harlem and want to return again and again.

Arts and Culture:

In Harlem, there’s never a shortage of museums, restaurants, theaters and clubs, and historical monuments to visit. For instance, there are hundreds of museums and galleries throughout Harlem that pay tribute to African culture. One of the most popular is the Studio Museum whose “Artist in Residence” program has supported more than 100 artists. To view a full list of museums and galleries, click here.

Harlem still bears its historical marks with many well-preserved monuments such as Grant’s Tomb located in Riverside Park where Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia, are buried. There are also a wide variety of historic places of worship such as the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Divine, which was first built in 1892 in Gothic Revival style and still remains unfinished! You can view a full list of historical monuments by clicking here.

Unique or Little-Known Facts:

• Harlem was settled by Dutch colonists in 1658, with the name coming from a city in the Netherlands, and was spelled “Haarlem”. When the British took over in 1664, they took out the extra “A”.
• The Battle of Harlem Heights began on Sept. 16, 1776, when George Washington ordered his Continental troops to maintain their position at Harlem Heights to prepare to fight the British Army.
• African Americans began moving to Harlem in 1904, when many of them living downtown were displaced due to the construction of Pennsylvania Station.
• The Harlem Renaissance began in the 1920s when more and more black writers, artists, and other intellectuals began moving there, leading to a boom in artistic activity.
• Since the late 1990s, Harlem has become more upscale, with middle-class people attracted to the somewhat more affordable rents and the easy accessibility.

Where to Stay:

Aloft Harlem on Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 124th Street is the first hotel from a major brand to open in Harlem in nearly a century.

Harlem also offers many charming bed and breakfast locations and guest houses. You can view the full list by clicking here.

Annual and Seasonal Events:

Throughout the year, there are numerous special events that are held in the neighborhood including parades, concerts, food tastings, and more. To view the full list click here.

Dining:

Harlem offers a diverse selection of culinary offerings at restaurants, bars, and cafés that are often accompanied by live entertainment. One of the most popular restaurants is the Red Rooster founded in 2010 by chef Marcus Samuelsson who brings soul and flavor to each dish. The cornbread with honey butter and tomato jam is simply delectable. There’s also lives entertainment every night as well as a Gospel Sunday Brunch. Click here to view more dining options.

Shopping:

You can get just about anything you want or need in Harlem with its widespread selection of markets, boutiques, gift shops, thrift shops, bakeries, and more. One major highlight is the Malcolm Shabazz Market of Harlem which is a unique, outdoor market where you can find African style clothing, urbanwear, and wooden African-style figurines. To view more places click here.

Getting There:

Harlem is one of the most easily accessible neighborhoods in New York with 10 subway lines, nine bus routes, a commuter rail stop, plus several sightseeing hop-on, hop-off buses that make stops throughout the neighborhood.

New York City’s subway system runs 24/7 and train lines such as the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 make several stops throughout Harlem. You need a MetroCard to ride, which you can buy at the station and add value to. It costs $2.75 per ride, and you can view the train schedule by clicking this link. Subway maps are also available inside the station and at MTA booths.

New York City’s subway and bus system runs 24/7, trains that stop in Harlem are the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 stop in Harlem. You need a MetroCard to ride, which you can buy at the station and add value to. For information about routes and fares click here.

The Metro-North is a commuter railroad to suburban New York and Connecticut. It makes a stop in Harlem at 125th Street and Park Avenue before its final destination at Grand Central Terminal. You may view schedule and fare information by clicking here.

The double-decker sightseeing buses that serve Harlem are City Sightseeing New York, Gray Line, Big Bus New York, Go New York Tours, and Open Loop.

New HBO documentary examining the life of James Brown premieres at Apollo Theater

Hundreds of James Brown’s fans eagerly lined up outside the Apollo Theater Nov.12 to view a free screening of Mr. Dynamite: The Rise and Fall of James Brown, the 2014 HBO documentary about the Godfather of Soul. It was the first time that the film, produced by Mick Jagger, and directed by Alex Gibney, had been shown in a theater.

Brown performed at the Apollo more than 200 times over the course of his career and is known for recording his best- selling Live at the Apollo album at the peak of his fame in 1962.

Gibney, in a panel discussion after the screening, said that he didn’t want to make a standard biopic and knew that “the sound of the music would drive the film.”

“The biggest thing of all was knowing that we wanted music front and center, with the intertwining of music and politics, and bringing the band center stage,” Gibney said.

Harry Weinger, a special consultant to the film and Grammy Award winning producer, moderated the question-and-answer discussion.

Film editor Geeta Gandbhir said a tremendous amount of research went into the project.

“I mean obviously it’s a challenge, because James Brown, particularly the early part of his life, was not well documented so there was a struggle to find photos and to find everything that was necessary. But honestly when you get down to it, we really could have had a three hour film. . .it was a challenge to make it two hours and I think really one of the hardest things was not just to let the music play, ” Gandbhir said.

The two-hour film includes hundreds of old never-before-seen photographs and footage from Brown’s performances at the Apollo and TV appearances on programs like the Ed Sullivan Show and the film The T.A.M.I. Show. It also includes interviews with Mick Jagger, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and Brown’s his former band mates from the Famous Flames, among others.

It revolved mostly around how Brown and other black artists created and defined soul music and also delved into how Brown used his music to make political statements.

When asked his impression of the film, hip hop journalist and activist Harry Allen, who was on the panel, mentioned that he had seen it before but he loved the energy from the Apollo audience. “One thing that keeps coming home to me is the privilege of being able to see James Brown move and perform, and how that’s not a given because there is so much black history that is gone, that was never documented, never recorded, never kept, Allen said.

The fourth panel member was Michael Veal, a professor of Music, African-American Studies, and American Studies at Yale University, whose commentary was featured in the film.

“It’s an honor for me to be here and to contribute to the legacy of James Brown, who I think changed American music and American culture irrevocably, as well as all the other musicians who worked with him and the musicians who participated in that whole generation of very proactive political and cultural music,” he said.

The excitement from the audience was alive and well, with people cheering and clapping at numerous points during the film, especially those of Brown performing. Several audience members expressed their enthusiasm when presented with the opportunity to ask the panelists questions.  One woman said, “I’m truly elated, I’m here in New York for my birthday from San Francisco and I’m just happy to be here.”

Mr. Dynamite: The Rise and Fall of James Brown is available on DVD and includes several bonus features.