Jets Safety Kerry Rhodes Loves Harlem Rib Eye

Updated 11:00 AM EST, Sat, Jul 4, 2009

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Jets safety Kerry Rhodes likes the steak at Ricardo's in Harlem

Melissa Horn

While we have just a day off (we’re out tomorrow), lucky Jets safety Kerry Rhodes doesn’t have to report to training camp till July 29. When he's not preparing for two-a-days, Rhodes is working on his reel — he played a police officer in Lady Gaga’s music video for “Paparazzi.” The Alabama native is enjoying our cool summer (I’m not really a warm-weather guy,” he says), but he misses his hometown food. See how teammates and friends like LL Cool J help him get acquainted with local restaurants in this week’s New York Diet. And we’ll see you Monday!

Friday, June 26
I didn’t eat breakfast because I was flying. I was coming back to New York from Atlanta. On the plane, I had a turkey sandwich with chips.

Then, when I landed in New York, I went to Subway. I always get either the Philly cheesesteak or regular ham and cheese.

For dinner, I went to my favorite spot, Ricardo’s in Harlem. LL Cool J told me about it a long time ago. I’ve been going since I moved here. It’s semi-low-key. I had some sautéed shrimp for an appetizer. For my meal, I had a steak, potatoes, and string beans. To drink, I had a glass of sangria.

Saturday, June 27
For breakfast I had Honey Nut Cheerios with 2 percent milk, mandarin oranges, strawberries, and some orange juice.

I went to Pink Tea Cup in the city for lunch. Every once in a while I go there when I need my dose of southern food. I go either there, or to Tavern on Nostrand in Brooklyn. At Pink Tea Cup, I had the fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. The cornbread there is pretty good, too.

For a snack, I had a banana.

Saturday dinner I went to STK. I like to go there, but in general I’m more of a stay-home guy. I went with my team — my assistant, my publicist — to talk about my foundation. I had the rib eye and string beans. I’m a big string-bean guy. Probably because I like collard greens but they don’t make them here much, and I need some source of greens. I had red wine to drink.

Sunday, June 28
I had waffles, two eggs, turkey sausage, and orange juice. I have a chef, but I cooked the breakfast myself. I’m a southern boy; I can do something.

I went to Tavern on Nostrand for lunch on Sunday because I went to go play ball in Brooklyn as an extra workout, and was near there after. My assistant lives in Brooklyn and told me about it. For an appetizer, I had the plantains. Then I had jerk chicken with black beans and rice. I just had Sprite to drink.

I went to the Yankees and Mets game that night so I had game stuff at Citi Field. I’m ashamed to say what I ate: I had nachos, Nathan’s fries ... I don’t do hot dogs. I don’t know why, but [between] the taste, what’s in them ... I’m not a believer. Everyone keeps telling me about the Shake Shack after I went. Is it good? I had an iced tea. No beer.

When I got home I went to a diner near my house and had chicken fingers and fries.

Monday, June 29
I had a banana, Cheerios, and orange juice.

It’s not official training, but I work out every day with the team. After the workout, I had Subway again.

Dinner, I went to Redeye Grill with a couple of teammates. I had the shrimp cocktail, then lamb chops with mashed potatoes. I’m not from New York, so my team is always giving me suggestions [about where to eat]. I’m still learning. I like dessert, but I try to stay away from it. I never eat it when I’m out. I had some Riesling to drink. That’s my favorite wine.

Tuesday, June 30
I had a plain bagel with cream cheese and cereal that morning, with orange juice.

Lunch, I did Ricardo’s again. This time I had the flank steak, green beans, and mashed potatoes. To start, I had empanadas, plain beef. I had water since it was lunchtime.

For dinner, I went to Houston’s in the city with my parents. They come up for games and when they’re free. I had a Caesar salad to start. I had the filet with a baked potato, and a glass of Riesling to drink.

Wednesday, July 1
This morning I had the traditional cereal, orange juice, and mandarin oranges.

I haven’t had lunch yet, but I’m hungry and I don’t know where I’m going to go yet. Suggestions?

Previously on Grub Street...