Dining Choices in Harlem World, New York City

There are a lot of eating choices when you are in Harlem, New York City-some good for you, and some that aren't. But as a youngster just looking for something to eat, all you care about is taste and price. So here are a couple of reasonably-priced options for the foodie in economical armor.

Fishers of Men
It's not quite dine-in material, but Fishers of Men still offers one of best seafood platters in all of Harlem. If you were familiar with the original Fishers of Men on 130^th Street, then you know that the new location on 125^th Street is the place to be. Fishers of Men serves up one of the best fried whiting platters you'll find-and they do it for a very good price! On the menu, they have several different kinds of fried fish, chicken, soul food sides (I recommend the macaroni and cheese), as well as a choice of several palatable dessert items. For $6-$8, you can get one of the most complete meals you will find on 125^th. The fish, chips and soda platter is exactly $6, and my glutton behind loves the $10 "heaping of whiting" with sides, which usually takes more than just one sit-down to finish.

Amy Ruth's
Venture down to West 116^th Street and you will find one of the most soulful places in all of New York City. Amy Ruth's isn't one of those cookie-cutter soul food spots though, it is down to earth, real home cooking, with a touch of reality on the side. Located in the same building that it opened up in, Amy Ruth's continues to be an oasis for good food in the middle of Harlem, despite having outgrown its current set up long, long ago. So what's on the menu? Heck. What isn't? From smothered porkchops to "chicken & waffles," Amy Ruth's keeps the food choices Southern and deep fried. Their fried chicken is far better than the colonel's, and their collard greens beat anything you would find in a 5-star restaurant. Speaking of restaurants, eating at Amy Ruth's completes the comfort food experience, with a sound wait staff and a home ambiance, that makes it hard to beat this Harlem favorite.

Sylvia's
Sylvia's, on the other hand, has mastered the transformation from Harlem hot spot to city, state and national recognition. Frequented by senators, ambassadors and Presidents, Sylvia's choice soul food platters have gained renown all over the country. I quite frankly think that some of the celebrity (and cash money) has gone to their heads, but many, ex-President Bill Clinton included, think that Sylvia's offerings of seasoned catfish, candied yams, coconut layered cake and smothered beef ribs are still made from the best stuff on earth. I won't deny them this, they do have some of the best peach cobbler I have ever had, and as far as the ambiance goes, this is the place to be. Nevertheless, I could do without the sideshow and the desserts, as I would much rather prefer a more eclectic menu and better prepared food...but to each his own.