Zaro's, the fourth-generation bakery known for its quintessentially New York goodies–everything from bagels to black and white cookies to cheesecake–just opened its first shop in Harlem.

Like most of its other locations, this newest one on East 125th Street (1825 Park Avenue to be exact) is mere steps from a big commuter hub: the Harlem-125th Street Station on the Metro-North train line.

The twelve varieties...

It's getting to be an increasingly common sight: subway commuters getting off the train in Harlem, Washington Heights and beyond, carrying bulging Trader Joe's bags in each hand.
 

It seems that like the rest of New York, people who live uptown can't get enough of the California-based grocery chain and its Mandarin Orange Chicken.

Still, thirteen years after Trader Joe's first opened in Ne...

For presents with uptown flair, look no further than The Curious Uptowner's holiday gift guides rolling out every Monday this holiday season.

Last week's featured objects with a touch of "Harlem"–yes, literally.​​​​​​

Up next? Back by popular demand, gifts for those on your list obsessed with bodegas–a familiar-but-disappearing sight across Upper Manhattan and other fast-gentrifying parts of the city.​

harlem chocolate facto...

Reimagined classical theater, soul-stirring photography, Harlem's first night market–and more fun you can only find uptown:

A Christmas Carol in Harlem

Through December 21, Wednesday-Sunday

Aaron Davis Hall, City College of New York, Convent Ave and 135th St

Based on the Charles Dickens novel, this witty retelling of the Christmas classic by the Classical Theatre of Harlem is set in present-day Harlem. Here, Ebenezer Scrooge...

Greek street food spot Whaddapita opened near City College at the end of last year, then abruptly shuttered over the summer, announcing it would undergo renovations.

Now, after a black paint job and a revamped menu, the restaurant at 1625 Amsterdam Avenue has reopened as Salt & Sugar.

The food is still heavily Greek–think spanakopita, chicken souvlaki and moussaka–but there are a lot more choices.

A...

For presents with uptown flair, look no further than The Curious Uptowner's holiday gift guides rolling out every Monday this holiday season.

Today it's all about gifts with a touch of "Harlem"–yes, literally:
 

Harlem City Map Notebook, $15

Live out your Harlem dreams, then document them in this charming 72-page blank notebook from Blackbird Letterpress.
 

Harlem Motel Key Tag, $8

Proclaim your Harlem pride with this vin...

Preparing to tackle your holiday shopping this weekend? Here are seven Harlem spots where you're sure to find loads of irresistible gifts. From south to north, they are:

1. Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market

52 W 116th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves

Lined with vendors selling goods from all across sub-Saharan Africa, this lively market on 116th Street is the perfect destination for gifts like shea butter, beaded jewelr...

Geisha Sushi, the first sushi spot to arrive in Hamilton Heights a little over five years ago, has moved next door–and will eventually grow in size.

The neighborhood pioneer, popular for its affordable sushi, sashimi, bento boxes as well as cocktails, wine and beer, is now located at 3472 Broadway between 141st and 142nd Streets–just a few steps north of the old storefront currently under scaffolding.

The pre...

For the next few weekends Harlem will be bursting with holiday markets where you can check off everyone on your list. Schedule your time wisely, though, for they'll be gone in the blink of a Christmas tree light. Listed in chronological order (a few events run on multiple weekends–be sure to check below):

Schomburg Harlem Holiday Marketplace

Fri, Nov 29 & Sat, Nov 30 noon-6pm

Schomburg Center, 515 Malcolm...

The Harlem Tree Corner, on the southwest corner of Broadway and 145th Street, is back and officially open.

The first batch of trees arrived last night under the cover of darkness–2am to be precise–and are now neatly lined up on the sidewalk and ready for sale.

Decorated with string lights and homemade signs, the cheery stand is currently offering only big trees–they start at $60 for a five-foot Fraser fir–but by the end of...