Tonight is officially Nectar Wine Bar's last call so come by starting at 8:00 PM to wish this FDB pioneer farewell. Click on image to enlarge. Nectar Wine Bar is located at 2235 Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 121st Street.
Seems that way doesn't it D. A few have bitten the dust in the past few months. I also wonder how long Bad Horse Pizza will last as it seems to be pretty quiet most evenings. I think some of these places are simply overpriced and too expensive for much of the Harlem demographic to frequent.
I was physically at Bad Horse last weekend, and it was steadily crowded with a diverse crowd from the area, and the phone was ringing off the hook for deliveries. Plus they had $4 beers for leap year, a nice surprise in which I happily partook.
It's too easy on these boards to say that various businesses "aren't doing well" with nothing more than suspicions or anecdotal evidence, isn't it? People here have said again and again that Chocolat is doing poorly, but I just don't see it when I physically eat there (or when I emerge from Bad Horse and look across the street). Feels like there's a lot of commenting by people who don't get out much.
Apologies if that sounds rude, but I'm reminded of something similar I've seen before. Several years ago I worked in the film industry (which is often a hand-to-mouth kind of industry). Anyhow, many of the people who weren't getting work would constantly meet and talk about how bad things were and how the industry was dying. Meanwhile, the people who weren't always talking about that were actually in the trenches working and uncovering projects.
Not saying no one here gets out, but sometimes it's tiring to keep reading that this or that business is doing badly. I know it's more fun to wish or predict failure, but sometimes it's all that I see in the comments. Nectar's closing is a drag, to be sure, but it doesn't mean the demise of all restaurants. I've variously seen people post on this very blog that the following business were in trouble or wouldn't make it: Red Rooster, the Winery, Harlem Flo, Bier International, 5 & Diamond, Chocolat, Auberge Laurent, Harlem Tavern, Cedric...
Anyway, all the best to Harlem Vintage as they keep chugging along. Again, sorry to see Nectar go.
Nectar set it's prices incredibly high for the quality of there wine and inferior service. My partner and I took a business client there for pre-dinner drinks. The whole experience left me terribly embarassed. The staff were rude and had absolutely no knowledge of wine. luckily we had more pre-dinner drinks at Lido, were food and drinks are even more exspensive, but food and service were spot on. If you are going to charge a premium you better bring your a game. I was surprised to find out that Nectar was owned by Harlem Vintage as they seem to know there wine
Well said Christopher. All in the area should make an effort to support our local businesses. As for my husband and I, we make a conscientious effort to do so. When it comes to making plans with friends, we try to include Harlem restaurants in our choices so that we are not always going downtown to meet friends.(which we don't have a problem with) Also, for those who compare the prices of Harlem establishments to those elsewhere in the city..Dont! Think of the extra dollars that you may have spent on a taxi, bus or train to dine outside of harlem as well spent (and desperately needed) dollars saved and reinvested in our community. When there is a proven need and loyal customer base along with seasoned successful businesses that continue to progress...OTHERS WILL COME!!! Businesses looking to open or expand are WATCHING OUR NEIGHBORHOOD..lets give them a reason to invest here.. The simple fact that remains is that Harlem establishments needs our continued support.
Guest, when the service and quality of food is of a top notch standard, I don't think people have a problem spending their hard earned cash in Harlem. Christopher, you are right, I remember when Red Rooster was on the verge of opening and it received no end of criticism on here and other boards with predictions of it's demise long before it had evened opened the doors! Very frustrating and look at how well RR is doing now. I think success in Harlem has a lot to do with a) offering a superlative product and b) listening to feedback from the community. Sure, Lido is pricey, but for me it is one of the finest Italian restaurants in the city. We had brunch at Harlem Tavern over the weekend and I was blown away by how good the food was. I remember eating there a while back and whilst it was OK, the food was nothing special. So, I think some of the establishments are upping their game and in other instances, maybe not.
It is tough to make a success in a rapidly changing Harlem as each year brings a changing demographic and competition. Also New Yorkers tend to flock to the new kid on the block while neglecting more established businesses.
Seems like a number of businesses have been struggling along FDB - why?
ReplyDeleteSeems that way doesn't it D. A few have bitten the dust in the past few months. I also wonder how long Bad Horse Pizza will last as it seems to be pretty quiet most evenings. I think some of these places are simply overpriced and too expensive for much of the Harlem demographic to frequent.
ReplyDeleteSorry they did not make it, they where a pioneer.
ReplyDeleteIf they'd opened on Broadway in the 140's where we don't have nearly enough businesses like this, it would be a different story.
ReplyDeleteI was physically at Bad Horse last weekend, and it was steadily crowded with a diverse crowd from the area, and the phone was ringing off the hook for deliveries. Plus they had $4 beers for leap year, a nice surprise in which I happily partook.
ReplyDeleteIt's too easy on these boards to say that various businesses "aren't doing well" with nothing more than suspicions or anecdotal evidence, isn't it? People here have said again and again that Chocolat is doing poorly, but I just don't see it when I physically eat there (or when I emerge from Bad Horse and look across the street). Feels like there's a lot of commenting by people who don't get out much.
Apologies if that sounds rude, but I'm reminded of something similar I've seen before. Several years ago I worked in the film industry (which is often a hand-to-mouth kind of industry). Anyhow, many of the people who weren't getting work would constantly meet and talk about how bad things were and how the industry was dying. Meanwhile, the people who weren't always talking about that were actually in the trenches working and uncovering projects.
Not saying no one here gets out, but sometimes it's tiring to keep reading that this or that business is doing badly. I know it's more fun to wish or predict failure, but sometimes it's all that I see in the comments. Nectar's closing is a drag, to be sure, but it doesn't mean the demise of all restaurants. I've variously seen people post on this very blog that the following business were in trouble or wouldn't make it: Red Rooster, the Winery, Harlem Flo, Bier International, 5 & Diamond, Chocolat, Auberge Laurent, Harlem Tavern, Cedric...
Anyway, all the best to Harlem Vintage as they keep chugging along. Again, sorry to see Nectar go.
Nectar set it's prices incredibly high for the quality of there wine and inferior service. My partner and I took a business client there for pre-dinner drinks. The whole experience left me terribly embarassed. The staff were rude and had absolutely no knowledge of wine. luckily we had more pre-dinner drinks at Lido, were food and drinks are even more exspensive, but food and service were spot on. If you are going to charge a premium you better bring your a game. I was surprised to find out that Nectar was owned by Harlem Vintage as they seem to know there wine
ReplyDeleteWell said Christopher. All in the area should make an effort to support our local businesses. As for my husband and I, we make a conscientious effort to do so. When it comes to making plans with friends, we try to include Harlem restaurants in our choices so that we are not always going downtown to meet friends.(which we don't have a problem with) Also, for those who compare the prices of Harlem establishments to those elsewhere in the city..Dont! Think of the extra dollars that you may have spent on a taxi, bus or train to dine outside of harlem as well spent (and desperately needed) dollars saved and reinvested in our community. When there is a proven need and loyal customer base along with seasoned successful businesses that continue to progress...OTHERS WILL COME!!! Businesses looking to open or expand are WATCHING OUR NEIGHBORHOOD..lets give them a reason to invest here.. The simple fact that remains is that Harlem establishments needs our continued support.
ReplyDeleteGuest, when the service and quality of food is of a top notch standard, I don't think people have a problem spending their hard earned cash in Harlem. Christopher, you are right, I remember when Red Rooster was on the verge of opening and it received no end of criticism on here and other boards with predictions of it's demise long before it had evened opened the doors! Very frustrating and look at how well RR is doing now. I think success in Harlem has a lot to do with a) offering a superlative product and b) listening to feedback from the community. Sure, Lido is pricey, but for me it is one of the finest Italian restaurants in the city. We had brunch at Harlem Tavern over the weekend and I was blown away by how good the food was. I remember eating there a while back and whilst it was OK, the food was nothing special. So, I think some of the establishments are upping their game and in other instances, maybe not.
ReplyDeleteIt is tough to make a success in a rapidly changing Harlem as each year brings a changing demographic and competition. Also New Yorkers tend to flock to the new kid on the block while neglecting more established businesses.
ReplyDelete