Times Square, Manhattan, is stress at its most frantic. Overseas tourists block pedestrian crossings in an effort to find the nearest subway station; costumed Spiderman and Mickey Mouse rekindle nostalgic feelings as they panhandle for money; a seller on every street corner echoes, “Comedy Show tonight?”
No, thanks, I am already in one.
Planet Hollywood, a restaurant chain, was launched in New York on October 22, 1991, with the backing of Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, using celebrity fuel to feed the masses.
After climbing the seemingly everlasting steps to the upper floor, a 15-minute rush-hour line awaits. What then could possibly irritate the starved stomach more than being dragged out of line and forced to embarrass oneself in front of the fake paparazzi, taking a picture on the forged red carpet?
Maybe it is impossible to establish a miniature Hollywood without these childish games. After all, celebrity status comes with a price: visibility and ever-present photographs, right?
However, the sense of a Hollywood copycat does not permeate the entire dining experience. After finally being seated, the waitress deflates my negative aura with her calm and caring demeanor. Was I fortunate, or in love? Not really. She only proved her trained professionalism like the rest of the wait staff, scampering about to serve gawking tourists in their mid-thirties saddled with kids.
Food-wise, the two-paged menu brings those distracted by flying objects and television screens on the walls back to earth again. No culinary surprises, but a classic American kitchen with a modest international flair: Italian pizzas, Chinese soups and Mexican fajitas, making the diverse cuisine appeal to the vast majority of gourmands.
Without reflecting upon the literary meaning, the so-called appetizer ”Nachos Grande” overwhelmed me: a mountain full of crusty, triangular nachos, spread over the spicy ground beef, bedded with jalapenos and an outrageous amount of melted cheddar cheese. The colorful Mexican composition filled my body like a stringy rock song. However, the distasteful, messy presentation was not made for gourmet seekers.
My medium-rare beef delivered an elegant aroma; the burger platter whetted my palate, creating a harmony of textures, flavors and colors. But given the large enough appetizer, I was too full to enjoy the 200 grams.
The generous portions got energy pumping through my veins again, which is very much needed to make one’s way through the gift shop and down the yellow stairs. I did not purchase the unpleasant photo of myself. Not this time!
Considering the drama outside its doors, being a movie star for an hour and a half might not be too terrible. But rush hour is not the time to visit. While Planet Hollywood is flying around, it only reaches halfway to the stars.
Name: Planet Hollywood, NYC
What? American food chain, founded by Hollywood celebrities Demi Moore, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone
Location: 1540 Broadway
New York, N.Y. 10036. Entrance on 45th between Broadway & 6th Avenue
Phone: (212) 333-7827
Days & Hours of operation:
Sunday – Thursday 11.30 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11.30 a.m. – 12.00 a.m.
Price range: main courses from $14 - $29
Type of food: Classic American style, with additional international gourmand dishes
Credit card: Yes
Good to know: Family friendly
Overall rate: Flying in space, but only half way to the stars: 2.5/5
