The Five Hottest Restaurants in New York

    In New York themes are in from the hottest new fashion to the chart topping new singles and even the best of the best new restaurants. I have been around the world and no where but New York, have I seen the most hippest creative theme restaurants as the “city that never sleeps”. I have heard of many restaurants with big names and high prices. A top five restaurant should have good food; no one wants to pull a foreign object (like a roach head) out of their food. Many restaurants just don’t have what it takes to be the top five and that’s what I’m going to share the top five“theme” restaurants in New York City.

    To solve the great mystery, I bought an all day “fun pass” metro card pulled out my cell phone and a miniature phone book and began calling the restaurants that I heard about and the ones on my friends list. After spending a lot of time and precious phone minutes on hold I chose the top five restaurants. “Drum role please”... and the winners are: Amy Ruth's located in Harlem 113 West 116 street, Cupcake Cafe located at 522 39th street 9th avenue, Serendipity 3 located at 225 East 60 street between 2nd and 3rd avenue, Mars 2112 at located 1683 Broadway and last but not least Justin’s located at 31 West 21 street between 5th and 6th avenue. Each of these restaurants had a unique atmosphere wonderful service magnificent food with unique style and culture.

    “Who said going to Harlem was a place for only drugs and mayhem?” When I went to Harlem all I found was helpful people, busy stores and good food. Amy Ruth is a new soul food restaurant, it has only been open for two years. When I visited Amy Ruth’s I was immediately greeted by the Mr. Reggy Mason and felt at home with the cozy surroundings and array of paintings. Amy Ruth is not only famous for the famous people that their dishes are named from but, for the fact that they have a bee hive, which they use for their special chicken dish. Amy Ruth is going to be very hectic this summer they will be expanding opening an outdoor patio. This will be the only restaurant on 116st with an outdoor patio. Last but not least for those who are wondering the name Amy Ruth is the owner Carl S. Redding grandmother, she is no longer with us. This was my first experience going to the restaurant. On my second excursion to Amy Ruth, I tried the delicious chicken and waffles. This was my first time trying the delicacy. I advise anyone who enjoys waffles or chicken to put them together and try the scrumptious chicken and waffles.

    After the cold and rainy walk from the train to Serendipity 3 I couldn’t wait to talk to the owner Mr. Steven Bruce and warm up.I began to look around at the wondrous world of the Serendipity shop and restaurant. I felt like I had fallen asleep and woke up in the world of Alice in Wonderland where nothing is what it seems. When I was unhypnotized by Mr. Bruce’s story of the opening of the restaurant, I began to ask him a few questions. My first was, “Where did the name Serendipity derive from? It being such a unfamiliar word, many don’t know it’s meaning?” He then answered by showing me his menu, which was rolled up like a map into a new land. The story of how the restaurant came about and the meaning of Serendipity which means ‘ The art of finding the unusual or the pleasantly unexpected by chance or sagacity.’ They also brought back the use of Tiffany glass, which is still used in their chandeliers. Serendipity is not just a restaurant with an old history but a fun one that is up with today’s style and pop culture. A movie is being filmed there called “Serendipity” starring John Cusack . There are two other Serendipitys in the Boston and the West Port Connecticut area. This was my first trip to Serendipity3. When I went back on a sunny Sunday, I had a great time. George Bernard Shaw once said “ A cook is like a sorceress who dispenses happiness” and that’s what I tasted. I tried the specialty Frozen Hot Chocolate which my waiter Trent told me they’ve been making for 46 years. This cold sensation is my new favorite and will be yours if you are a chocoholic like most of us are.

    Like most fairy tales my journey had to end and the next stop on my trip came highly recommended from the “Today Show” and “Lucky” magazine. From watching the “Today Show”on NBC and seeing Katie Couric’s tenth anniversary cake I knew from that moment that was the place I wanted to go. I called the quaint cafe and spoke to the owner Mike Warren he told me he was unable to meet with me but we could do a phone interview and I could come later for pictures. I spoke with Mike the owner and learned all the ins and outs of running a bakery. Mike and Ann (his wife) opened the Cupcake Cafe many years ago and first became famous for their doughnuts which they made from scratch. They soon ventured off into the wild colorful world of cupcakes. With Ann designing them and Mike helping to make them there was no stopping them. They now make wedding, birthday and any other occasion cake for the stars as well as everyday people. The cupcakes at the cafe are unique because of their beauty, people have been heard saying they weren’t sure if they wanted to eat the miniature works of art or frame them. The cupcakes are ranging from $1.50 -$ 2.50 they are cheap enough to eat and frame a few later.

    The time came when I had to leave the blissful world of the Cupcake Cafe and make my way to Mars 2112. Mars is a restaurant truly based on its name from the 4 1/2 minute ride in a space ship to being greeted by real Martians the experience was out of this world. On arriving in the planet Mars your name is taking at the front desk where you are then able to wonder around Mars into the “Cyberstreet” a out of this earth arcade where games range from $.75- $2.00. When you see your name on the Martian monitor you know your table is ready. The restaurant is two levels that together housed a total of 500 people. While waiting for the food my eyes gazed into the cutest thing I ever saw Captain Orien a 6ft tall handsome alien who didn’t mind stopping for a photo opt. When the food arrived I was surprised at the larger then life portions and the delicious taste. The “Big Joe Burger” was one of the most ordered dishes, but if burgers aren’t your thing here are a few others: Black Hole Chicken Sandwich, Intrepid pizza, Martian Soup of the day and for dessert Polar Ice Caps. Every menu is a “Mars Times” newspaper all in one giving information about Mars the planet and the restaurant. Taking the time capsule back to Earth I decided on going to a place for some light food and good music, this would have to be Justin’s.

     On arriving at Justins I realized that Mr.Combs was away. The Vice President Mr. Andre Suite then gave me a phone interview. Mr. Suite told me Mr. Sean Combs started his restaurant because he wanted a place where you could eat soul food in an upscale environment. He named the restaurant after his first son Justin. The atmosphere of Justin's represents Sean himself- calm, cool and always in style. Those who are not a fan of hip hop or even Mr. Sean Combs will enjoy the restaurant. Justins has been open for four years and has been seen on television shows like: Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, E!, and B.E.T. Stars that have been in Justins range from music stars like Jay-Z, Ginuwine, Mary J Blidge and Whitney Houston just to name a few. Justins is not only about stars and high class but also of good food. The dinner prices range from $17.00-28.00. I tried some delicious food; I sipped on some Puffy Juice while waiting for my Queen size portion of sirloin steak. Um just thinking about it makes my mouth water and yours will too if you go to Justins and try it out.

    On leaving Justin’s I find that I am stuffed and ready for the long train ride home. The restaurants I visited all have the qualities of the top in the city. Top does not mean biggest or most glamorous but just, simplicity good food, nice atmosphere and enjoyable company. Any restaurant can be good if they have a few of these qualities but these were found to be the best and friendliest. "There is no sincerer love than the love of food." -George Bernard Shaw

    I would also like to thank all the restaurant owners who opened their doors for me even when they were closed. I would especially like to thank Mr. Kevin Starks, who with out his help the article wouldn’t be half as good as it is. Big thanks to Mr. Redding, Mr. Reggie Mason who welcomed me to there restaurant twice along with Mr. Steven Bruce, Mr. Mike Warren, Mr. Andre Suite and Junior. Last but not least Big Ups to the Cab Drivers who gave me directions on the many occasions that I found myself lost. Check these Web Sites for hot restaurants near you:
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