There’s More To Harlem Than a Shake

A food coma breakfast, lunch and dinner in Harlem (with some Puff Daddy, James Brown, Fat Bastard and Paula Abdul thrown in)

Being a California girl, I’ve always been enamored with New York City’s food and culture. I grew up listening to hip-hop artists like Puff Daddy and Mase, and they rapped about their part of the city: Harlem. Many years later I transplanted to NYC and Harlem became my home too. I now consider Puff Daddy and I to be pretty much cousins (in my head of course).

Harlem is rich with culture — streets like Lenox, Adam Clayton Powell, and Frederick Douglas streets were pathways for Langston Hughes, Billie Holiday, and Louis Armstrong.

Harlem is, of course, not only a cultural mecca. We also have some amazing restaurants.

When I’m looking to initiate a food coma — I have my Harlem go-tos. My friends that live in other parts of the city often ask, “What’s a good place to eat in Harlem?” No need to Yelp or Google any further — here are my top food coma picks:

I suggest you start for breakfast at one of my favorite spots, The Edge.

(Photo: utmost.us)

I frequent this Harlem hangout at least once a month, and without fail I order the Fried Egg Sandwich with avocado and a Chai Tea Latte. Who doesn’t like a good fried egg sandwich? And if you add avocado, that deems it healthy, right?

If you happen to be in the area at lunchtime I highly recommend, Amy Ruth’s.

The Tommy (Photo: Apricot Cafe)

Some folks will tell you where the best Chicken and Waffles are in Harlem, but don’t trust them if you they tell you anything different. Order The Tommy, which includes, three fried wings and a waffle, and a side of cheesy grits. This meal will make you feel like James Brown and have you singing Get Up Offa That Thing. Typing this makes me want to get up offa that thing and head to Amy Ruth’s right now.

Lastly, if you have the urge for a late dinner, the only place to go is Jin West Harlem.

Start your experience off at this quaint ramen hideaway with an appetizer of Chicken Gyoza Dumplings and, for your main course, the Miso Ramen. Every time I eat at Jin West, I feel like the character Fat Bastard (Austin Powers Movie), when he says, “Get in my belly.” I have no doubts you will say the same thing.

I recommend you trying each of these Harlem hot spots, and in the wise words of Paula Abdul, “Make it your own.”

Make it your own in Harlem

The Edge
101 Edgecombe Ave
b/t 139th St & 140th St
Harlem

Amy Ruth’s
113 W 116th St
b/t 7th Ave & St Nicholas Ave
Harlem

Jin West Harlem
3183 Broadway
b/t Tiemann Pl & 125th St
Harlem