Deciding to move in Harlem has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made since living on my own. I absolutely love my neighborhood, and the love strengthens the longer I live there. I love all the of the new businesses and the old. I love the proximity of Central Park and Morningside Park from my apartment. I love being greeted “good morning” and “have a nice day, beautiful” nearly every day. I love making friends with the small business owners in the area. I love the great service I get everywhere I go (with the exception of Harlem Tavern and Best Yet Supermarket). I love the African stores for pure African Shea Butter and African jewelry and head wraps. I love how exclusive Harlem is. Most people I talk to are still feel very complexed about Harlem. They picture thugs and gunshots every night, when in reality there are many nice quiet streets with beautiful gardens. There are luxury apartment rentals with doormen, there are great restaurants and amazing free park festivals. I can stay local and have nice night out and go home to a good night’s sleep without worrying about the bars below me being too loud. I love the sense of community I see everywhere I go.

I remember when I first moved to New York City, my dream neighborhoods were Tribeca and Lower East Side, and although I didn’t live there (because of how expensive they are), that’s where I decided to hang out and spend my money. I used to always say I didn’t care what my apartment looked like, as long as I lived there. “Location was key”, I always said. I guess my love for Harlem is also supported by the fact that I love my apartment. It’s not just another place to crash and go, it’s my own little nook, my home. Everyday I come home to the sunset, I smile. Now, I’m all about supporting Harlem businesses. I want them to survive and grow. I’ve heard my block being called “restaurant row” and I want even more options! I want specialty sandwich shops that offer very affordable food options just like Soho and Lower East Side. I want a nice diner that opens late at night. And, I want more cocktail bars.

One part of my blog will be solely dedicated to Harlem and how wonderful it is. I should’ve started a long time ago, and while I have a post here and there, I will definitely try to be more consistent.

Speaking of Harlem and new businesses, a couple of weeks ago, I decided to visit Harlem Food Bar just right up the street from me, and I was beyond impressed. The cocktails were amazing, they were of the same caliber of cocktails I’ve tried at the Standard, Ward III etc, the service was extremely very friendly, and the atmosphere was great. We sat outside while enjoying our salads and cocktails. I definitely want to return to write a full post about it.