☞ EAT: Mojo Gets its Mojo on

After this week's national commercial featuring Mojo, the restaurant was packed to the rafters on Saturday night. There was a line waiting to be seated in the restaurant for most of evening, and many folks had to walk away to find another place to eat because of the long standing time. We talked to some elegant older ladies from the neighborhood on their way out, and they mentioned that the commercial was the reason they came. We also love this place for it is not only trendy with the new, younger crowd in Harlem, but also the residents who have lived here for many years. Mojo's team was a little overwhelmed last night as they did not seem to be expecting the sheer masses that would show up at the door. The owner and staff were very hospitable and apologetic, but our advice would be to get one more waiter on the floor and just make sure folks get their drinks ASAP. See our previous post for full Mojo coverage: LINK.

RESTAURANT WEEK TO GO: MOJO ON EAST 100TH

Harlem Bespoke: Looking for something new to experience for NYC Restaurant to Go this year?  From January 25th-31st, try the $20.21 special at Mojo on East 100th which includes a croque monsieur sandwich, salad, butternut squash soup and a serving of the famous mousse!  The Belgian specialty shop is known for desserts but will be introducing a larger food menu in the coming months so this is a great way to get a preview.  Check out all the apps for delivery options at this boutique food shop in El Barrio.  More on Mojo can be found in our past post: LINK

HarlemBespoke.com 2021

☞ DRINK: Mojo

The owners of the flashy and mysterious Mojo have recently opened Swing, a concept store for home, down the street, but there's still not much news on when Mojo will officially open. There was a soft opening party last February, but word has it the owners had some personal health issues, so the end of March might be the realistic debut. From what one can gather by peeking in the interior, there is sort of a Hollywood Regency style to the place. Drinks and food have yet to be determined, but this spot is definitely one to watch for. Plus, the property is on one of the "mini-Flatiron" building corners of St. Nicholas, so the space should be interesting. 185 Saint Nicholas Avenue Entrance on 119th Street. Tel.(212) 280-1924. Subway 116th St (B, C), 125th St (A, C, B, D), 116th St (2, 3).

☞ EAT: What's Up with Mojo?

Mojo over at 185 St. Nicholas Avenue and West 119th Street seems to have been doing some great business these past couple of years but a reader pointed out some signs of concern recently. While arriving for dinner a weekend ago, one guest saw a sign up that stated the restaurant will "no longer be serving food (just cocktails) and that their hours of operation would be scaled back."  The offerings have been consistent at this hot spot since they first opened and the service really came together in the past year so we are a little surprised by the changes.  What's going on here? www.mojo-harlem.com

INTRODUCING: MOJO MOUSSE BAR IN EL BARRIO

Harlem Bespoke:  One of the best artisan stores to open locally has done so right before the city shut down but still has delivery or takeout options available.  Mojo Mousse Bar at East 100th Street just a couple of doors east of Lexington Avenue has elevated mousse to an art form.  Everything is made on site daily and classics like the dark or white chocolate are available in various sizes.  What really excited us are the new varieties with a white chocolate base but have matcha or passion fruit as the main flavor.  They have a small moped to send out for bigger orders  over $20 or a makeshift contactless station out front can be used for those who are paying by card during a quick visit. MojoDesserts.com 

HarlemBespoke.com 2020

☞ EAT: Mojo

Harlem's first boutique restaurant. This weekend's warm weather brought out the well-heeled crowd to the area's newest dining spot, Mojo. The interior is definitely high on Hollywood Regency glamour and actually feels more like a new restaurant in London with its more daring design sensibilities. Even more exciting is that the food is just as bold and successful. Contemporary Southern could be an appropriate description of the menu, with an emphasis on the contemporary part. For dessert, check out the Belgian chocolate sliders with sliced strawberry and kiwi, encased in miniature sweet rolls. Visually provocative--and a wonder to experience. This restaurant should top your list for this week's dinner reservation. 185 Saint Nicholas Avenue, entrance on 119th Street. Tel.(212) 280-1924. Subway 116th St (B, C), 125th St (A, C, B, D), 116th St (2, 3).

☞ READ: Bistro Cedric to Replace Mojo?

According to a New York Post article published last night, Mojo at 185 St. Nicholas Avenue and 119th Street will possible be replaced by a spin-off of the somewhat expensive Upper East Side restaurant Le Bilboquet.  The new bistro will be called Cedric after Le Bilboquet's general manager Cedric Lecendre who also happens to live in Harlem. Apparently the lease has been signed at this point and there will be live music as a focus of the new space.  The Post also notes that Cedric follows the footsteps of the Red Rooster which was the first arrival of a new uptown eatery established by a well-known restauranteur from lower Manhattan.  Read more in the Post: LINK.  Check out MenuPages for a look at Le Bilboquet's offerings and prices: LINK

☞ EAT: MOJO Featured on Film

The collaboration of NBC and American Express came up with this "Shine a Light" commercial focusing on exposure of small local businesses. What's great about the shot is that you see actor S. Epatha Merkerson descend the steps of the elevated 1 train at West 125th Street and walk to one of the best new restaurants in town, Mojo. It's an even more compelling reason to go for those who have not done so. Located at 185 Saint Nicholas Avenue, entrance on 119th Street. Tel.(212) 280-1924. Subway 116th St (B, C), 125th St (A, C, B, D), 116th St (2, 3).

☞ SEE: The Extended Mojo Video

We premiered the national commercial featuring S. Epatha Merkerson and the restaurant Mojo last month, but recently found the extended, uncut version with more footage of Harlem and the restaurant. See the final, edited version in our original post: LINK.

☞ EAT: Harlem Halloween & Restaurants

It's that time a year that even adults like to dress up and local restaurants have joined in the festivities at past events.  The lower photos are from Mojo at 185 Saint Nicholas Avenue (corner of West 119th Street) during their Halloween revelries last year.  Check out Mojo's Facebook site for more photos: LINK.

Tonight, Saturday, October 30th, Bier International will have their first Halloween celebration starting at 5:00 PM with a contest at 11:00 PM that gets the winner a free dinner. Bier International is located at 2099 FDB/8th Avenue and 113th Street.  www.BierInternational.com

☞ EAT: Romantic Destinations in Harlem

Mojo in South Harlem is a top choice so head out early: LINKThe new Yatenga in Central Harlem has best bet for availability: LINKChez Lucienne is an obvious choice but book in advance: LINKMelba has classic southern cooking with a contemporary edge: LINK
Frizzante serves up fresh Italian in a cozy setting: LINK
Native is dark and romantic: LINK
West Harlem's Covo has a large but romantic atmosphere: LINK

All photos by Ulysses

☞ SEE: Around Harlem This Weekend

Starting Friday, October 1st through the 31st, celebrate Oktoberfest at some of the best Harlem restaurants including 5 & Diamond, Settepani, Sylvia's, Chez Lucienne, Native, Mobay, Nectar, Society, 67 Orange Street and Mojo. Offered will be 3 course prix fixe menus at $20.10 during lunch hours & from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM during the evening. Check out the full list and support our local businesses: LINK

Daniel Beaty's one man show Through the Night had a sold out limited run at Riverside Theater and now has opened Off-Broadway at downtown's Union Square Theater (100 East 17th Street): LINK.  For $65 tickets, call 1-800-982-2787 or go through TicketMaster: LINK.

Saturday, October 2nd, 1:30 PM. Boy Scouts of Harlem will be broadcast on PBS Channel Thirteen WNET.  If you missed the local screening of Harlem based director Jake Boritt's documentary, then set your DVRs!  Read the most recent review from the Daily News: LINK

Sunday, October 3rd, Services at 11:00 AM, Fair starts at 1:00 PM for the Blessing of the Animals at St. John the Divine. The annual festival service, Blessing of the Animals and afternoon Fair will happen this Sunday. Visitors can expect to see a great variety of animals process up the nave, including a yak, a tortoise, baby swans, and a macaw. Directly after the service, Cathedral Clergy will be available for blessings at the Fair on the Close. The Fair’s themes – celebration of Creation, compassion, and faithful stewardship of the Earth– align with the vision and work of this beloved Saint.  Get all the details on the St. John's website: LINK.  Photo via Gothamist

☞ READ: Last Week's Most Viewed Posts

A list of last week's most viewed posts alongside comment count.

1. Bistro Cedric to Replace Mojo? (32)
2. 235 West 122nd Street Brownstone (5)
3. New Building at 5 West 127th Street (2)
4. Papst's Harlem Dining Hall c.1904 (8)
5. Trufa Opens in West Harlem (7)
6. The Stables of Strivers Row (3)
7. 88 Morningside Debuts the Man Cave (1)
8.  Rebuilding a Local Landmark (7)
9. 145 West 131st Street Brownstone (5)
10. Last Details at Central Harlem Reno (6)

☞ SHOP: SWING Concept Shop Ready for Spring

One of the best boutiques uptown just got a new look for Spring. Helena Greene's world eclectic, women's, men's, children and home shop called SWING has really upgraded their street presence with some dynamic window design. Taking a cue from nearby Mojo restaurant (who happens to be run by her partner), striking window type has been added that provide a little color and a graphic element to the overall shop presentation. Check it out this week for 50% of winter stock is on sale which includes names such as Rick Owens, Lanvin, Martin Margiela and Ann Demeulemeester. SWING is located at 1960 ACP/7th Avenue which is the corner of West 118th Street.Tel.(212) 222-5802‎. The closest subways are the B,C or the 2,3 at 116th Street. Photo by Ulysess

☞ SEE: Around Harlem This Weekend

Salon Series, Helga Davis: “Mephisto’s Song” at the Apollo Theater Soundstage, Friday, October 22 at 7:30PM and Saturday, October 23 at 7:30PM. Celebrated New York-based vocalist Helga Davis, whose inter-disciplinary practice includes work with composers and choreographers alike, will perform this weekend only at the Apollo. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Apollo Theater Box Office, by Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000 or buying them online at the Apollo website: LINK

Its My Park! Day Volunteer Planting Project, Saturday, October 23rd, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Join the Friends of Morningside Park, Partnerships for Parks and the NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation to replant the entry garden at 116th Street on the lower level of the park. Wear work clothes and close toed shoes and get ready to get dirty! Work gloves and tools will be provided.  Go to the Friends of Morningside Park site for more details: LINK

This is the last weekend to catch the current exhibits at the Studio Museum in Harlem which includes a show on interiors such as the James VanDerZee photo from 1931: LINK

Harlem Oktoberfest is still going on strong and Mojo will reopen their kitchen tonight after having shut down for the past week for repairs.  Three course menus are all being offered for $20.10 at participating restaurants during lunch hours and from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM: LINK

☞ EAT: Harlem Restaurant Week Begins

Harlem Restaurant Week is a month long celebration of many of the best new restaurants and retailers uptown. If you missed out on our romantic restaurant destinations for Valentines, then try out the $20.10 prix fix menus that many of them will be showcasing for the next month. Another positive point is that $1.00 of each of specialty menu proceeds will go to UNICEF to help out the relief efforts in Haiti. Old school classics such as Sylvia's and Londel's are on hand along with the great newcomers such as Mojo, Creole and Chez Lucienne. Check out the full list and make your reservations today: LINK

☞ EAT: Cedric to Open on Monday at Noon

Zagat's website has it that a certain new French bistro at 119th Street and St. Nicholas will be opening this coming Monday.  The restaurant Cedric has been renovating the former Mojo space at 185 St. Nicholas Avenue since this past spring and now the eatery will be bringing some French and local offerings to the South Harlem location.  Expect classic French dishes such as five variations of mussels alongside local favorites such as fish and chips.  Lunch, dinner and brunch will also apparently be set up as well as a bar with a wide range of French wines to choose from at the new 40-seat restaurant: LINK

☞ READ: Last Week's Most Viewed Posts

Below is the list of last week's most viewed posts and comments. Harlem Bespoke will be down on Monday, January 9th for maintenance.

1. 227 Lenox Up For Auction (5)
2. New Signs at 183 Lenox (7)
3. Lenox Coffee in the Times (3)
4. Bistro Cedric to Replace Mojo? (32)
5. Sidewalk Shed up at the Victoria (2)
6. 517 West 152nd Street Townhouse
7. Will an Apple Store Open in Harlem? (21)
8. Last Year's Most Talked About Posts (3)
9. Auberge Laurent Opens New Year's Eve? (18)
10. New Year Weekend in Harlem (5)

☞ READ: Last Week's Most Viewed Posts

Here's the list of last week's most viewed posts and comments.

1. Scientology Harlem Moves On (27)
2. Museum for African Art Windows (1)
3. 2066 Fifth Avenue Facade Demolished (11)
4. The New Ambassades on Lenox (10)
5. Is Harlem Park Returning? (13)
6. The 2070 FDB Corner Store (10)
7. Bistro Cedric to Replace Mojo? (32)
8. Urban Garden Center & Hens (6)
9. Restaurant Month at Society Coffee (1)
10.30 West 120th Back on Market (4)

☞ READ: Last Month's Most Talked About Posts

Here's the list of April's most talked about topics. Above photo is of the newly opened Lookout Pavillion at Riverside Drive and 123rd Street.

1. Bistro Cedric to Replace Mojo? (32)
2. Scientology Harlem Moves On (28)
3. Is Harlem Park Returning? (13)
4. 2066 Fifth Avenue Facade Demolished (11)
5. 8 West 127th Street in Contract (11)
6. The 2077 FDB Corner Store (10)
7. The New Ambassades on Lenox (10)
8. MMPHD Confused Once More (9)
9. 53 West 127th Street Brownstone (8)
10. Trufa Opens in West Harlem (8)