Five Funky Food Experiences In NYC
Shopsins
Shopsins is notorious, for its proprietor, Kenny Shopsin, never holds back on his opinions about customers, table manners, house rules, food and well, the world at large. Luckily for him, the food is good. Very good and plentiful. The menu has over 800 dishes to choose from. But despite the menu’s length, be sure not to dither over your choice or you risk incurring the infamous wrath of Kenny – it’s all part of the service!
Ninja
If a black-clad ninja suddenly drops down from the ceiling in this dark and eerie restaurant, don’t panic. He’s probably just here to clear your plates away. The Ninja Restaurant in Tribeca hires waiters that are skilled in martial arts and well versed in Japanese ninja lore. Many dishes come with a special flourish of ninja skills – sword stunts, illusions and fire displays. The building recreates an old Japanese village, with drawbridge, lanterns hanging in narrow passageways, and a darkly lit Japanese garden. The food – as you would imagine – is also Japanese.
Peanut Butter & Co.
Anyone with peanut allergies should steer several blocks clear of this quirky little eatery in Greenwich Village. That’s because it’s a real honeypot (or should that be peanut butter pot?) for fans of the nutty stuff.
The sandwich menu is almost entirely dominated by peanut butter, and some of the combinations are an acquired taste. A PB and pickle sandwich take your fancy? No? Then how about PB with chicken and pineapple jam? PB, bacon and bananas?
Mars 2112
Themed restaurants often walk a fine line between quirky and wretched, but this famous spot on Broadway and West 51st Street aims for the sky, and just keeps on going. You start your journey in a space station, where you’re directed to your space ship. A short light-speed trip later, and you arrive on – yes, that’s right – Mars! Members of staff are dressed as aliens, the surroundings resemble the red rock terrain, but the all-American menu is down to earth.
Rice to Riches
The humble rice pudding has never been more fashionable than in this Little Italy eatery. In fact, it’s all they sell. You can choose from 18 different gourmet flavours of pudding at the giant rice-shaped counter, from pistachio-sage, to cardamom, lemon grass and ginger!
Charlotte Amelines, editor of travel site Quirky Guide and shares her choice of the Big Apple’s quirkiest restaurants.