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Despite the slight change of name, Miss Maude's is indeed a spin off of Miss Mamie's, Norma Jean Darden's beloved soul food haven located on the border of Morningside Heights and Harlem. Although its menu is identical, Miss Maude's comes off as more authentic than Miss Mamie's, perhaps because it is situated in Central Harlem and draws more locals than tourists. Like its sister, Miss Maude's promises an experience that's "like going back home." And even if its 1950s-style kitchen with orange-and-white checkerboard tile and Motown soundtrack don't resemble the house you grew up in, the laid-back atmosphere and home-style eats will quickly make you feel at ease. Celebs from Angela Bassett to Mike Tyson to Bill Clinton have all dropped in for a taste of owner Norma Jean Darden's generations-old family recipes, like the perfectly seasoned and battered fried chicken, smoky collard greens, zesty potato salad or melt-in-your-mouth, fall-off-the-bone short ribs. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld

Sat.—Sun., 11 a.m.—3 p.m, $7.95—$9.95

Miss Mamie's "Sampler," $17.95; Louisiana catfish, $15.95; macaroni & cheese, $3.95