The New York Diet

Jets Safety Kerry Rhodes Makes the Most of Summer Break With Riesling and Rib Eye

Jets safety Kerry Rhodes likes the steak at Ricardo's in Harlem.
Jets safety Kerry Rhodes likes the steak at Ricardo’s in Harlem. Photo: Melissa Hom

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?

Jets Safety Kerry Rhodes Makes the Most of Summer Break With Riesling and Rib