New York City Review: Amy Ruth's

Amy Ruths 
113 West 116th Street
212-280-8779 

On Saturday, my friend and I walked from Columbus Circle to around 96th street through Central Park because he wanted to go to a raquetball tournament.  It was a beautiful, sunny, breezy day and as I was lying in the grass looking at where we were on blackberry maps, I realized that we were only 20 blocks away from Harlem.  I immediately suggested we walk further north to go eat some fried chicken.  I really wanted to go to Charles' Pan-fried Chicken but it was a little too far up, so we went to Amy Ruth's instead.

I hadn't been there for two years but nothing had changed in the restaurant.  I ordered The Ludacris (four chicken wings) with mac & cheese and collard greens.  My friend ordered the Reggie Harris (Southern honey dipped fried chicken) with grits and coleslaw.  Portion wise I thought mine was more generous.  The chicken wings here are definitely my favorite in town- crispy outside, juicy inside, no sauce around it... The mac & cheese could've used a little more salt but other than that the meal completely satisfied me.  We ordered a banana pudding and velvet cake for dessert but it was a little unnecessary since they were huge and on the sweet side.

Japan Restaurant Review: ひな鶏 小山 (Hinadori Koyama)

ひな鶏　小山　(Hinadori Koyama)
Kanagawa, Kamakura, Oofuna 1-20-5, JAPAN
0467-48-0757
Closed on Mondays

My father heard about this place from one of his friends and we went there for the first time in February. I've already been back there more than five times since! It's a must for chicken lovers and they do the best deep fried chicken in town! They don't stick to one brand/type of chicken but choose the best that they can find. There's no batter on the chicken- just salt. The place is run by a husband and wife pair and they're very friendly. They have a wide selection of awamori (distilled rice wine from Okinawa) and other alcoholic beverages.


Umi budou ("Sea grape" aka green caviar)- a type of seaweed from Okinawa

Grilled Sora mame (Broad bean)

Deep fried chicken gizzard- goes well with beer! SO good!!!!! Not oily at all

Grilled bamboo shoot- in season at the beginning of spring


Half a chicken- the skin is SO crisp (and not oily AT ALL), and the inside is JUICY! Even the breast meat is tender and juicy...mmmmmm

Chicken wings (with a lot of black pepper)

Broiled vegetables in bonito broth

The BEST deep fried chicken skin I've ever had in my life!!!!!

The best way to end your meal is with a bowl of nyuu-men (thin noodles made of wheat flour) in bonito and chicken broth. Simple but absolutely delicious!