Planet of the Grapes

1514 Broadway & 44th St

Amidst the tourist insanity of Times Square (it was nice to feel like we were outside of New York for a few moments) sits Toys “R” Us, a nightclub for children. We of course knew what we were getting into so forgave the noise, obstacle course of kids, and epileptic fit-inducing visuals. Though hard to get to, the bathroom made the escalator trip worth it. Somehow it combines the playfulness of childhood with a touch of the avant-garde, much the same way Michael Jackson’s fans now view him.

We were clued into this immediately, as an unusual display of many small round mirrors greeted us as we entered. We’d heard that removing one of them leads to a secret chamber where Barney and Big Bird store all of their money, but cannot confirm this rumor. The L-shaped sink in this bathroom provided cleanliness and sensibility, a monument to form and function. The color scheme of deep blue and green provides something for both adults and children, like a well-written cartoon which cleverly delivers the occasional dirty joke that sails right over the youngsters’ heads.

Rating: 7