"We don’t have a Starbucks in East Harlem yet, but we can imagine the scenario playing out. [it] will bring a Home Depot and a Target to the neighborhood. ... It’s not that we don’t want a better business climate in the neighborhood. We want more people visiting East Harlem’s historic treasures" says Exec. Dir. of Hope Inc. Robin LeBaron.Well now there's no need for Starbucks
because right on the very corner of 104th and Lex is
The East Harlem Cafe
Launched by El Barrio's own Michelle Cruz,
who btw was also a delegate for Barack Obama!
See her interview on nytimes.com
Spacious, terracotta brown decor, display of local artists' work,
the unabashed Michelle Cruz says,
"the really hard part starts now that it's open.
Making sure the customers keep coming. "
If opening day was any indication,
Ms. Cruz better keep the coffee brewing
because it was attended by such notables as
Adam C. Powell IV and Jose Serrano Jr.,
and with a live performance of the quintessential Boricua,
Bomba and Plena musician Tato Torres.
Rumor has it that coffee will not be the only thing brewing
at the East Harlem Cafe because it is becoming
a meeting place to brew up ideas on keeping Starbucks out
and preserving the authenticity of Spanish Harlem.
One cup at a time!
Read more at www.LaDivaLatina.com
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