We ran into a notable hip hop pioneer at Sugar Hill Market one Sunday afternoon this year and ended up talking about great local restaurants that were uptown.
Mountain Bird was a current favorite that we both mutually enjoyed but an old school eatery that no longer existed also came up in the conversation. The old Flash Inn by 155th Street and Macomb Place apparently was the spot to be at for a great steak dinner in Harlem especially after a Yankees game since the address is right across from the Bronx. This Italian spot that had bow tie sporting waiters was around since 1937 and closed sometimes circa 2010 before we ever had a chance to visit. Walking by the former location today, one can see what remains of the original red awning but not much else is left. A great steakhouse is something that could definitely do well uptown these days so maybe someone out there will be inspired by the legend of Flash Inn. More in our past post:
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What a fun place. I think if they could have lasted a few more years they would still be thriving. I remember them saying they lost lots of business around the stadium construction. Tony Merendas Flash Inn! I recall a times article about the bartender/former harlem dancer.
ReplyDeleteHopefully this inspires someone to make use of this space and legacy. For instance, when I enter Streetbird Restaurant and see the sign, "old but still good," that tribute and homage to the great establishments of yesteryear is so powerful.
ReplyDeleteMy fist Harlem tour in 1996 was constructed around Billy Strayhorn's Harlem and we ended the tour at the, Flash Inn, were a jazz artist friend performed Ellington and Strayhorn compositions. David Hajdu the author of, "Lush Life" a biography on Strayhorn was in attendance and Tony Merenda invited a former hostess who told stories about Lena Horne, Ellington and famous ball players who hung out there. As for the name,"Flash" Inn, well Merenda said, it was named for a race-horse his father owned that never won a race. His Dad said, "maybe the name will work better as a restaurant!" - John Reddick
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great write up! My great uncles and my grandma owned the Flash Inn and when I mentioned this post to them they were very excited to hear about it! While my uncles miss the restaurant very much, they are quite happy in their retirement :)
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