DWELL: 123 WEST 119TH STREET IN CONTRACT

After having a couple of price reductions, Number 123 West 119th Street now has a contract out based on an the still impressive asking of $4.125 million. The location in the Mount Morris Park Historic District is one of the block just west of Lenox that has had the most renovations going on in the past few years and is a convenient walk to local eateries or the express subway stop.  Original woodwork, stunning marquetry on the floors and the rarely seen intact ceiling plasterwork makes this one of the more unique homes to found uptown.  With that said, the brownstone is also in a 3-unit layout and the renter grades baths could probably use an update.  More photos and details on the broker site: LINK

INTRODUCING: JOAN WALLACE AT ELIZABETH DEE

Joan Wallace Exhibit at Elizabeth Dee Gallery, 2033 Fifth Avenue at 126th Street, until April 22nd, 2017. Following Wallace's participation in the gallery's recent exhibition, Every Future Has a Price: 30 Years After Infotainment, which explored the East Village gallery scene of the 1980’s, Joan Wallace: Seminal Works from the 1980s to Now further explores Wallace’s earliest work as part of the artist team Wallace & Donohue, as well as the individually authored works that followed. The survey includes works from Who’s Kidding Who, their theatrically staged show at their Fifth Avenue apartment in 1983, along with works from subsequent solo shows in New York at The New Museum, Postmasters Gallery and John Weber Gallery.

More details and weekly hours information at the Elizabeth Dee site: LINK

SHOP: FORMAL SIGNS AT HARLEM WHOLE FOODS

Construction at Whole Foods on 125th Street at the corner of Lenox Avenue has been going on at a snail's pace but another encouraging development popped up this week.  Formal signage has finally gone up at the new commercial building just north of the Mount Morris Park Historic District but the interior is still pretty much in the infrastructure work phase as far as we can see.  With that said, the Summer 2017 deadline appears to pretty serious with this current development and we expect things to speed up in the coming weeks.  More on the Harlem Whole Foods can be found in our past post: LINK

SEE: AROUND HARLEM THIS WEEKEND

Keep it all uptown and help out Harlem's great local businesses over the weekend.  Below is the Bespoke list of what is new and notable in the north neighborhoods to try out this upcoming weekend.  

Seeing E-Moves 18 at Harlem Stage at the Gatehouse Theatre:  LINK

Visiting Bo's Bagels on 116th early in the morning before they sell out: LINK

Saturday Morningside Farmers Market at 110th and Manhattan: LINK

Dinner service at Clay on Manhattan Avenue and 123rd Street: LINK 

Grabbing coffee at Little Bean on St. Nicholas and 111th Street: LINK

The new Circa 1970 exhibit at the Studio Museum on 125th Street: LINK

Drinks at the new Honeywell in Hamilton Heights on Broadway: LINK

Eating hand-made tacos at the Oso on Amsterdam and 140th Street: LINK

Checking out the new location of Charle's Pan Fried Chicken on FDB: LINK

Trying out the brunch burger at RDV on FDB by West 112th Street: LINK

Sipping java at the new Harlem Coffee Co. on Lenox by 118th: LINK

Seeing the new cultural photo exhibit at El Museo Del Barrio: LINK

Tacos and tequila at the new La Diagonal on St. Nicholas: LINK

Japanese style crepes at Crepe Master on Fifth Avenue by 125th: LINK

Hanging out at the  Bierstrasse beer garden on 12th Avenue: LINK

Weekend brunch service at Belle on ACP 7th Avenue by 139th Street: LINK

New local brew and pizza at Hop House on FDB and 120th Street: LINK

Checking out the new Harlem Shake location on East 111th Street: LINK

Discovering the East Harlem Bottling Co. on Lexington by 107th Street: LINK

Seafood and craft cocktails at the new B2 Harlem on West 119th: LINK

Trying out southern whiskey at Uptown Bourbon by 152nd Street: LINK

Drinks at the new Alibi lounge on 7th Avenue by 139th Street:  LINK

Trying out burgers at Harlem Burger Co. on FDB and 118th Street: LINK

Slurping up authentic ramen at R.O.K.C on Broadway by 141st Street: LINK

Drinks at the Sunday LGBT Pride Night at Hogshead Tavern: LINK

Brunch or dinner at Sottocasa Pizzeria on Lenox by 121st Street: LINK

Tasting delicious Japanese curry at the new Curry-Ya Uptown: LINK

Eating great Italian at Fumo on Amsterdam and 139th Street: LINK

Destination worthy brunch at Solomon & Kuff on 12th Avenue: LINK

Sunday Brunch at Mountain Bird on East 110th Street: LINK

Tasting incredible Edomae style sushi at Inoue on Lenox and 129th: LINK

READ: BARYSHNIKOV MOVES TO HARLEM

The Post broke the news last week that legendary ballet dance Mikhail Baryshnikov just purchased a pre-war three bedroom a few blocks north of Central Park on 7th Avenue for $1.4  million.  Apparently the iconic dancer and his wife decided to sell their $4 million home in Rockland County with the intent to move back into the city.  This part of Adam Clayton Powell is probably one of the most architecturally intact areas of the boulevard and is only a block away from the FDB commercial corridor which probably makes it appealing for deal seekers out there.  Read the full article in The Post for even more details on the transaction: LINK

SEE: E-MOVES AT HARLEM STAGE

Friday-Saturday, March 31st-April 1st, and April 7th-8th, 7:30PM,  E-Moves 2017 at Harlem Stage, 150 Convent Avenue by 135th Street.  This year the acclaimed dance series will commission 2 evolving and 2 emerging choreographers, working across the spectrum of contemporary idioms, to create new works. Come witness the next generation of choreographers who are unafraid to take risks and push the boundaries of form. All four choreographers will perform on all four nights. E-Moves 18 choreographers include Francesca Harper, Parijat Desai, Kyle Marshall and Leyland Simmons. This year’s showcase will also feature special pop-up performances by Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and more. E-Moves 18 is curated by Charmaine Warren.

More details and $20 ticket information can be found on the Harlem Stage site: LINK

SHOP: NEW LEASE AT 411 MANHATTAN AVENUE

There was some activity over at the corner of 117th and Manhattan Avenue yesterday and word on the street has it that the abandoned lower level storefront just signed a new lease.  This address is only one block west of the bustling FDB corridor but better businesses have been slow to arrive over the past few years but the forthcoming establishment might help change everything.  Basically a boutique perfumery should be arriving here soon if all goes according to plan and this type of business would definitely fill a retail void in the neighborhood.  The owners are also wine enthusiast so vintage vino might be part of the mix.

*SPONSORED: IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY AT AURUM

Ideally situated in the heart of vibrant and storied Harlem, Aurum is a harmonious synthesis of thoughtful design, refined amenities, and environmental sensitivity. Aurum offers two bedroom condominiums from $956,000 with a 25 year 421-A tax abatement and immediate occupancy.

A full service property constructed of locally manufactured and recycled materials. The building is sensitively designed with a co-generation plant, green roof, efficiency double pane windows, and an interior Live Green Wall. Enjoy the 24-hour attended lobby, bicycle storage, a state-of-the-art fitness center, residents lounge, media room, and two levels of furnished outdoor space complete with grilling stations.

The Aurum homes feature meticulously selected materials, paired with modern amenities and finishes combine to form residences of sophistication and warmth. A sun-filled living space is uniquely styled with 5 wide White Oak plank flooring that compliments the open living and dining area. The kitchen is framed with lacquered cabinets featuring under the cabinet LED lighting. The backsplash is finished with elegant Daltile white glass tile. Enjoy a meal or chat with friends over a glass of wine at the Caesarstone Breakfast Bar. Appliances were thoughtfully selected for quality and aesthetics and include an LG Refrigerator, and a complete Electrolux Series stainless steel package with preferred Range, Microwave & Dishwasher.

Relax in the serene Master bath outfitted with a Stall Shower, Sand Natural custom glazed porcelain tile, Kohler Commode and Satin Nickel Danze fixtures. The second bath features a Kohler Soaking Tub. The residence also includes an exterior vented Washer/Dryer, a rarity in any Manhattan apartment. Designed with extra closets, ample wall space for art or accenting and pre-wired for Verizon Fios.

Sales and Marketing by Halstead Property Development Marketing & The Krantz & Krantz Team.

☞ CONTACT: GOT A HARLEM BESPOKE TIP?

Send any tips and especially photos over our way if you have stories on your section of Harlem: harlembespoke@gmail.com.

BESPOKE: THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE OYSTER CRAB

We had purchased a dozen oysters at Best Market on FDB by 118th Street and discovered a rare delicacy that one will not find at any restaurants in modern times.  Tiny oyster crabs used to be highly prized in the early 20th century when oysters were common to the diets of New Yorkers and were quite expensive since only a few can be found at any given time when shucking east coast bivalves.  Some folks just slurp them down raw and others fry them up in a little bit of butter for dish that is not quite unlike a delicate version of soft shell crab.  Steaming was the option we decided to go for and added a bit Japanese ponzu and chopped chives to round things out.  This was pretty extraordinary so those who are a bit adventuresome with seafood should not throw out the coveted crustacean if one ever comes about finding one.

A New York Times piece from 1913 puts everything into perspective and mentions that only uncouth diners would show disregard for the tiny tidbit from the sea: LINK

DWELL: 314 WEST 138TH STREET BACK ON MARKET

The SRO townhouse at 314 West 138th Street sold for just under $1.5 million a couple of years ago and is now back on the market for $2.889 million.  We had expected to see this property restored to a more simple layout but things still look like they have not changed too much especially for the higher price point in 2017.  Apparently some of units are still occupied which makes renovations complicated for a developer to step in and make alterations right away.   With that said, this block by St. Nicholas Park is one of the more architecturally intact ones in Central Harlem and has quite a bit of charm.  More photos and details can be found on Streeteasy: LINK

SHOP: HAS CHEZ LUCIENNE SHUTTERED?

A couple of Bespoke tips have come in mentioning that Chez Lucienne on Lenox has not been open in the past few days.  Many might remember that the elegant French bistro was the first of its kind to open up on the blocks north of 125th Street back in 2009 and lead the way for other establishments such as Red Rooster, Inoue Sushi, Corner Social, Babbalucci, Yuzu and Lenox Coffee to set up shop on the famous boulevard.  Apparently there are no signs up on the window mentioning what the status is but we will swing by this afternoon to see what is going on.

SEE: POSTERS AND PATRIOTISM AT MCNY

Posters and Patriotism at the Museum of the City of New York starting April 1st.  When the United States entered World War I in April 1917, New York City's artists and illustrators were enlisted in the war effort. Many of them worked for the federal government’s new Division of Pictorial Publicity. Posters and Patriotism: Selling World War I in New York examines the outpouring of posters, flyers, magazine art, sheet music covers, and other mass-produced images created by these New Yorkers to stir the American public to wartime loyalty, duty, and sacrifice.

From the outbreak of the European conflict in 1914, however, New York had also been a city at war with itself—a place where debates about ethnic and racial loyalty, pacifism, the right to side with France, Belgium, and England or Germany, and the very meaning of patriotism spawned impassioned art for a mass audience. In rediscovering a wartime dialogue between images of conformity and dissent, Posters and Patriotism showcases over 60 examples from the World War I poster collection donated to the Museum by railroad executive and financier John W. Campbell (1880-1957) in 1943, most being exhibited for the first time, as well as the work of defiant artists in such colorful publications as The Masses, The Fatherland, and Mother Earth.  More Details and tickets at the Museum site: LINK

☞ SUBSCRIBE: HARLEM BESPOKE BY EMAIL

Get daily Harlem Bespoke posts via email the moment they are published by subscribing below. Just enter your e-mail address and click on subscribe to get started.

Enter your e-mail address:

SHOP: FIRST LOOK AT L.A. SWEETS NY ON LENOX

L.A. Sweets had a soft opening this weekend and we made it through some dreary weather recently to try out the offerings at the baked goods spot in the Mount Morris Park Historic District.  This location is just a couple of doors down from Settepani at the corner of 120th Street and the newly installed interior has industrial baking equipment in the back.

DWELL: 457 WEST 140TH STREET TOWNHOUSE

A single family townhouse conversion has arrived on the market for $3.25 million in Hamilton Heights right across from the beautiful City College campus. Number 457 West 140th Street has a convenient location just around the corner from Amsterdam Avenue which is close to a lot of new boutique businesses and a short walk aways to the express trains on 145th Street. There are tons of original details within the main areas but bath updates are severely modern which is a bit distracting to the overall classic aesthetic of the interiors if you asked our opinion.  More photos and details and can be found on the broker site: LINK

ARCHITECTURE: FACADE WORK AT 95 WEST 119TH

We noticed that the large building at the corner of 119th and Lenox recently started some restoration work on the facade.  If the owner decides to really go for an accurate renovation, then the large missing cornice at top might be replicated and added back on.  This is usually not the case because of cost factors but this building is actually in the historic district so some subsidies might be available.  Homeowners of historic buildings might want to check out the Landmark Preservation Commission page on available grants: LINK

LISTEN: SATURDAY SESSIONS AT THE JAZZ MUSEUM

Saturday, April 1st, 2:00PM, Jam Session at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem,  58 West 129th Street, just east of Lenox.   Ellington & Strayhorn Jam Session Saturday Sessions Calling jazz musicians of all ages! The National Jazz Museum in Harlem invites you to join the Saturday Sessions Ellington Jam. Presented in partnership with The Jazz Foundation of America Gig Fund, the monthly jam sessions led by the David Durrah Trio featuring music exclusively from the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn songbook. Grab your instrument, bring a chart, and build your chops with a community of budding contemporary musicians and living legends.

Don’t play an instrument? Don’t fret. Saturday Sessions are a space for jazz musicians and fans alike. Grab a latté, a seat, and soak up an afternoon dedicated to vibrant live music scene here in Harlem.
Let’s jam!   $10.00 Suggested Donation

More details can be found at the National Jazz Museum site: LINK

☞ FOLLOW: BESPOKE VIA TWITTER

Harlem Bespoke also has a Twitter account with over 6,180 followers for those who want daily updates about stuff that's happening in the neighborhood. If you Twitter, check out our Harlem tweets and join here: LINK

RENT: TWO BEDROOMS ON 144TH STREET

The rent pick of the week is a renovated two bedroom apartment at 549 West 144th Street going for $1,995 a month and is a no-fee listing.  This location just around the corner from Broadways is a block away from the train station and just steps from all of the hot spots in Hamilton Heights.  For more details check out Streeteasy: LINK

EAT: WEEKENDS AT BO'S BAGELS

The official grand opening of Bo's Bagels on 116th Street happened over the weekend and the word on the street was that the smoked fish station was up and running.  Upon arriving at the substantial storefront located a few doors east of FDB, we were amazed to see that it was a full house with all of the tables taken and a line had formed all the way to the front entrance.  This apparently happens every weekend in the morning hours so we patiently put our eventual order in for a pumpernickel bagel with cream cheese, tomato, red onion and smoked salmon.  Everything came out beautifully as can be seen in the above picture and the special treat was well worth the short wait before heading out to the gym on a Sunday morning.  Other options at the fish station included gravlax, lox and whitefish salad.  More on Bo's Bagels can be found in our past post: LINK

DWELL: 80 WEST 119TH STREET IN CONTRACT

An SRO brownstone on West 119th Street just east of Lenox went up on the market earlier this year for $1.895 million and now has a contract out after being listed for 2 months.  As previously mentioned, Number 80 West 119th appears to be occupied and there is no mention of a certificate of non harassment in place so interested buyers might want to ask a few questions when viewing the townhouse.  There are also quite a few boarded up buildings on this block which could be quite charming if some of the mysterious vacant homes finally get fixed up.  More details and photos can be found on the broker site: LINK

SHOP: SIGNS AT CANTINA ON LENOX

The second Harlem location for Cantina taqueria on Lenox by 126th Street is still under construction but signs have been placed out front on the plywood indicating that the eatery is ready to hire.  This usually happens when a new establishment is almost ready to open but the storefront still looks like it needs a lot of work from what we can see thus far.   At this rate, a summer debut might be possible but a lot has to happen in the next couple of months.  Read more about Cantina in our past post: LINK

LISTEN: WOMENS'S JAZZ FESTIVAL 2017

Women's Jazz Festival at The Schomburg, 135th Street and Lenox. This annual tradition in honor of Women’s History Month features some of the best-known and unsung female performers in jazz today. Our 2017 festival will celebrate Ella Fitzgerald’s centennial birthday and continued influence on the evolution of jazz. "Ella, Ella: A Centennial Celebration of Mama Jazz!" is slated for four consecutive Mondays–March 6, 13, 20, and 27. Each night will explore the multi-dimensional music, life, and legacy of this jazz legend. The festival’s guest curators are critically acclaimed harpist Brandee Younger and ethnomusicologist Aja Burrell Wood, and The Afro-Latino Festival.


There is an admission charge for this event: $30: General Admission, $25 which may be purchased online: LINK

☞ JOIN: HARLEM BESPOKE ON FACEBOOK

Join our growing community of over 13,000 followers on the official Harlem Bespoke Facebook site and receive daily posts to your account by liking our page: LINK

INTRODUCING: HARLEM EATUP! 2017

The third annual Harlem Eatup! Festival dates have been announced for 2017 and tickets are already on sale. Taking place May 18th – 21st, Harlem EatUp! is a celebration of Harlem’s rich culture, art and rapidly growing culinary scene. The four-day festival will take place throughout the neighborhood, with events that include Dine-Ins at some of Harlem’s restaurants featuring guest chefs, and a two-day outdoor Grand Tasting at Morningside Park. Among the many restaurants to be featured this year include: BLVD Bistro, Chaiwali, Harlem Shake, Vinateria LoLo’s Seafood Shack, Melba’s, Minton’s, Red Rooster, Tastings Social presents Mountain Bird, and more. Additional festival programming, participating chefs and restaurants will be announced throughout the spring.

Kicking off the festivities again this year is the always anticipated Dine-In Harlem Series, where for one night only, Friday, May 19th, an array of Harlem restaurants and chefs will host acclaimed chefs from NYC and across the country to collaborate on multi-course menus that showcase the unique feel of Harlem’s landscape.

Tickets are available for purchase starting March 24, 2017, and you can view free activities at:  www.HarlemEatUp.com

ARCHITECTURE: 164 WEST 136TH STREET

A Bespoke tip came in that a new construction fence had been placed up at 164 West 136th Street but is there anything happening to the set of brownstones previously used as a funeral home?  We checked the DOB website and the plywood was the only thing that has been approved but suspect something will be happening to site just east of 7th Avenue in the near future.  There is already a curb cut on the property for an existing garage so this is a rare opportunity to create a residence with one of the city's most coveted amenities.

STUDIO MUSEUM: ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 2017

Since 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem has had a artist-in-residence program for recent graduates of African and Latino descent which includes a bi-weekly stipend.  Kehinde Wiley started out at the prestigious program and would eventually become one of the most renowned artists to arrive in the art world within the past decade.  Those who are interested in applying have up until June 1, 2017 to do so and can get more details directly on the Studio Museum site: LINK

SHOP: ARCHER & GOAT ON LENOX AVENUE

The other restaurant that many have been waiting for to open is Archer & Goat at 187 Lenox Avenue by 119th Street.  We walked by this block within the Mount Morris Park Historic District this past week and noticed a lot of permits that have been placed up on the storefront but the facade pretty much looks the same.  Construction started about 9 months ago but it appears that a lot of work had to come about to get the infrastructure in place.  The New American style eatery specializes in burgers but will reportedly have other offerings on the menu when they finally open.  There will also be a backyard which would be perfect for the summertime if all finishes up by then.  More details on the official website:  archerandgoat.com

SEE: AROUND HARLEM THIS WEEKEND

Keep it all uptown and help out Harlem's great local businesses over the weekend.  Below is the Bespoke list of what is new and notable in the north neighborhoods to try out this upcoming weekend.  

Last call for the Gay Gotham exhibit at MCNY on 103rd Street: LINK

Visiting Bo's Bagels on 116th early in the morning before they sell out: LINK

Saturday Morningside Farmers Market at 110th and Manhattan: LINK

Dinner service at Clay on Manhattan Avenue and 123rd Street: LINK 

Grabbing coffee at Little Bean on St. Nicholas and 111th Street: LINK

The new Circa 1970 exhibit at the Studio Museum on 125th Street: LINK

Drinks at the new Honeywell in Hamilton Heights on Broadway: LINK

Eating hand-made tacos at the Oso on Amsterdam and 140th Street: LINK

Checking out the new location of Charle's Pan Fried Chicken on FDB: LINK

Trying out the brunch burger at RDV on FDB by West 112th Street: LINK

Sipping java at the new Harlem Coffee Co. on Lenox by 118th: LINK

Seeing the new cultural photo exhibit at El Museo Del Barrio: LINK

Tacos and tequila at the new La Diagonal on St. Nicholas: LINK

Japanese style crepes at Crepe Master on Fifth Avenue by 125th: LINK

Hanging out at the  Bierstrasse beer garden on 12th Avenue: LINK

Weekend brunch service at Belle on ACP 7th Avenue by 139th Street: LINK

New local brew and pizza at Hop House on FDB and 120th Street: LINK

Checking out the new Harlem Shake location on East 111th Street: LINK

Discovering the East Harlem Bottling Co. on Lexington by 107th Street: LINK

Seafood and craft cocktails at the new B2 Harlem on West 119th: LINK

Trying out southern whiskey at Uptown Bourbon by 152nd Street: LINK

Drinks at the new Alibi lounge on 7th Avenue by 139th Street:  LINK

Trying out burgers at Harlem Burger Co. on FDB and 118th Street: LINK

Slurping up authentic ramen at R.O.K.C on Broadway by 141st Street: LINK

Drinks at the Sunday LGBT Pride Night at Hogshead Tavern: LINK

Brunch or dinner at Sottocasa Pizzeria on Lenox by 121st Street: LINK

Tasting delicious Japanese curry at the new Curry-Ya Uptown: LINK

Eating great Italian at Fumo on Amsterdam and 139th Street: LINK

Destination worthy brunch at Solomon & Kuff on 12th Avenue: LINK

Sunday Brunch at Mountain Bird on East 110th Street: LINK

Tasting incredible Edomae style sushi at Inoue on Lenox and 129th: LINK

DWELL: 72 HAMILTON TERRACE ON THE MARKET

We received a tip that 72 Hamilton Terrace by 144th Street is now on the market after years of renovation by a notable developer in the Historic District.  If any house can break the $5 million mark in Harlem, this distinct single-family corner mansion could possibly be the one.  With a full gut renovation that adds some classic touches such as working marble fireplaces along with modern cast iron tubs and a location on one of the best landmark neighborhoods in Manhattan, this hidden gem is one of the best homes to be found in Harlem if you asked our opinion.  This is also one of those rare examples of the facade being fully restored accurately so everything is complete at the notable address. The express trains are a short 5 minute walk away which will get one to midtown in 15 minutes and many great new businesses have already opened in the area.  More details can be found on the broker site: LINK


Check out what the townhouse used to look like in our past post: LINK

SHOP: ISLAND BURGERS SHUTTERS ON BROADWAY

Island Burgers opened its third outpost in Manhattan last year on Broadway just a block south of 125th Street but things appear have gone in the wrong direction.  The eatery which started out in Hell's Kitchen offers up a wide variety of burger options which seemed to be a great concept but the restaurant never appeared to be very busy on any given day.  With that said, the interior is quite large and fully finished which could easily be converted to another eating establishment.  More on Island Burgers can be found in our past post: LINK

LISTEN: FRANCOPHONE AT LA MAISON D'ART

Francophone Pop-Up Exhibit, Sunday March 26th, from dawn to dusk at La Maison d'Art, 259 West 132nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. Is there a francophone community in New York? If so, who is a part of it? What connections do they have? How can French speakers become represented in the city? This pop-up presentation connects with French-speaking New Yorkers in Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. The results of this cultural exploration in New York will be revealed to all through a dynamic multimedia exhibition.  More details on the official Maison d'Art Facebook page: LINK

*SPONSORED: IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY AT AURUM

Ideally situated in the heart of vibrant and storied Harlem, Aurum is a harmonious synthesis of thoughtful design, refined amenities, and environmental sensitivity. Aurum offers two bedroom condominiums from $956,000 with a 25 year 421-A tax abatement and immediate occupancy.

A full service property constructed of locally manufactured and recycled materials. The building is sensitively designed with a co-generation plant, green roof, efficiency double pane windows, and an interior Live Green Wall. Enjoy the 24-hour attended lobby, bicycle storage, a state-of-the-art fitness center, residents lounge, media room, and two levels of furnished outdoor space complete with grilling stations.

The Aurum homes feature meticulously selected materials, paired with modern amenities and finishes combine to form residences of sophistication and warmth. A sun-filled living space is uniquely styled with 5 wide White Oak plank flooring that compliments the open living and dining area. The kitchen is framed with lacquered cabinets featuring under the cabinet LED lighting. The backsplash is finished with elegant Daltile white glass tile. Enjoy a meal or chat with friends over a glass of wine at the Caesarstone Breakfast Bar. Appliances were thoughtfully selected for quality and aesthetics and include an LG Refrigerator, and a complete Electrolux Series stainless steel package with preferred Range, Microwave & Dishwasher.

Relax in the serene Master bath outfitted with a Stall Shower, Sand Natural custom glazed porcelain tile, Kohler Commode and Satin Nickel Danze fixtures. The second bath features a Kohler Soaking Tub. The residence also includes an exterior vented Washer/Dryer, a rarity in any Manhattan apartment. Designed with extra closets, ample wall space for art or accenting and pre-wired for Verizon Fios.

Sales and Marketing by Halstead Property Development Marketing & The Krantz & Krantz Team.

☞ CONTACT: GOT A HARLEM BESPOKE TIP?

Send any tips and especially photos over our way if you have stories on your section of Harlem: harlembespoke@gmail.com.

DRINK: FIRST LOOK AT THE CRAFTSMAN

The Craftsman opened in Manhattanville last week and we were able to drop in the new bar located on Broadway between Tiemann and LaSalle which which is basically a block south of 125th Street.  There used to be a dive bar here and now the new establishment brings along just a little more polish to it but has a bit of an antique feel to the interior that seats roughly 50 all together.  There are wide banquets in the back that seem to entice the laptop and coffee crowd during the day but at night the lounge area already attracts afterwork revelers.

We especially loved the Catcher in The Rye cocktail which had whiskey, amero, honey cordial and a large orb of an ice cube that kept everything the right temperature for the duration of the drink.  There are also 17 draft beers on tap which makes this a great watering hole for locals but the food is basically just cold items such as cheese plates, pâté, sandwiches and salads from what we can see.