PROFILE: Midtown Lunch’er “Anastasia”
Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. This week it’s Anastasia, a Lawyer (and baker?) who loves anything at Just Salad and may or may not be a vegan (despite at one time loving the Burger Joint.)
Name: Anastasia
Age: 27
Occupation: Attorney/Baker
Where in Midtown do you Work?: Most expensive stretch of retail rents in the world, with the fewest cheap and good food options (57th and Madison), I guess high retail rents do not equal cheap and good food. Maybe Obika will change that… (Doubtful. The first mention of prices is not a good sign. -zach)
Favorite Kind of Food: Mexican
Least Favorite Kind of Food: Americanized Chinese, casseroles, chicken (a.k.a. sponge meat)
Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Pescado taco at Pampano Taqueria (3rd Ave. btw. 49+50th); anything at Just Salad; lox and tofu cream cheese on a whole wheat everything bagel at Ess-a-Bagel (3rd btw. 49+50th); quinoa conqueror salad at Uncle Marky’s Organics (53rd btw. 2+3rd); black bean vegan burger at the newly opened Good Health Burgers (on 53rd btw. 2+3rd); grilled cheese and tomato soup at Bouchon Bakery in the Time Warner Center (hold the grilled cheese these days); any slice/salad at Bella Vita (58th btw. 6+7th); anything at FIKA (58th btw. 5+6th); vegetable combo at Indian cart on 54th/53rd and Park; lobster bisque at Soup Man (great deal for a great bisque, a half baguette, a piece of fruit and a piece of chocolate).
“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Europa Cafe (it’s close and fast, but eating food that has gone through a shredder gets less and less alluring); Hale and Hearty (decent salads, great carrot ginger dressing, and the best side of bread in midtown, after Pret); Chef’s Kitchen (generally, no good excuse for going to this place); Pret (always good, though bland and over-priced); Mangia.
Place(s) you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? Certe (amazing lobster bisque and brisket wrap were go-tos when I wasn’t a fish-eating vegan, but now I just stick to the mixed grain salad, also, the desserts here are out of this world); Topaz Thai (on 56th btw. 6+7th); Burger Joint (B.V. – before veganism); La Strada (on 56th btw. Lex+3rd); Men Kui Tei (on 56th btw. 5+6th), Pro Hot Bagel (on 56th btw. 5+6th).
If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Does Wiley Dufresne’s kitchen count? Mexico City (or anywhere in Mexico, really), or Nice (can’t get enough bouillabaisse)
Is there anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? Where can one find a great CASUAL bar in the 57th/Mad nabe? I am not looking for anything high end (there’s plenty of that around here), just a hole in the wall with affordable beers (sadly, P.J. Carney’s closed).
My favorite happy hour in Midtown is after the jump…
It’s not in Anastasia’s range, but if you love New Orleans, the Bourbon St. Bar & Grille on 46th btw. 8+9th is not that bad- and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. all giant cocktails (including an ok hurricane) are $5. I can vouch for the red beans and rice (but that’s the only food I’ve had, so don’t hold it against me if their po’boys are terrible.) I normally hate Disney world crap like this, but there is something about this place that rubs me the right way. (And $5 hurricanes certainly doesn’t hurt their case.)
Got a bar to suggest? Put it in the comments. Maybe we need a Midtown Happy Hour correspondent to write about all the good bars. Any takers? Email me. (This should be fun…)
And as always, if you want to be the next Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er, or you’d like to nominate somebody in your office email me at zach@midtownlunch.com
Posted: 11:55 am, September 16th, 2008 under PROFILE: Midtown Lunch'er.
67 Comments | RSS comments feed for this post
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67 Comments
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Sorta out of the way kinda..
Jimmy’s Corner 140 W. 44th St. nr Broadway.
Awesome place.
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what?! they make vegan lox now? what’s going on in this world? or did lox become ok for vegans?
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When my office was in 9 West 57th, and when the credit crunch hit, we went to Whiskey Tavern a lot. They have free popcorn, Golden Tee, and a solid happy hour specials ($2 bud lights, and $3/$4 drafts). Other go-to place was Cassidy’s. Both of them are on 55th street between 5th and 6th.
If you’re feeling $9 beers or cocktails, go to 8 1/2 (57th btw 5th and 6th) or the Whiskey (6th btw 58th and 59th)
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I was also going to suggest Jimmy’s corner. great place. definite hole-in-the-wall.
and yeah, what’s up with the fish-eating-vegan thing? -
I’m there with you Danny, along with WTF?!? A VEGAN lobster bisque and brisket wrap?
Oy!
And yeah, after my interview tomorrow I’m up for planing a ML happy Hour (not sure if I will be drowning my sorrows or celebrating).
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I know, I know. Vegans don’t eat fish. I bought all of the vegan (what an ugly word) health arguments for everything BUT fish. I just don’t think fish is that bad for you, and I like it a lot. I carved out my own exception. :) I hope the vegan police don’t find me…
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Metro 53 on I believe 53rd and second has half price happy hour on everything… Im a jack drinker myself, so I like a $4 Jack and coke… $3 dollar Blue Moons are also my thing too… Don’t know if Id call it casual or anything, but I like the half price deal. What made you go vegan?
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please don’t say you’re vegan when you still eat fish. i might as well say i’m a vegetarian except for beef and pork and fish and cheese and chicken. oh, and lamb. mmm, lamb.
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I’m pretty sure you’re not a vegan if you eat fish. or bagels (hello, eggs?). you’re just a picky eater.
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Agreed, you are a picky eater. Face it, embrace it.
And you can’t be vegan and eat Mexican, so you might have to do some soul searching there. -
ML scrutiny at its best… LOL
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You can get great Mexican and be vegan! And There is no vegan police, but its not accurate to describe yourself as vegan if you eat fish. That said, anything that has you eat less meat, dairy, eggs is awesome.
As far as the health reasons for not eating fish – there are high levels of mercury and other toxins in sea animals and there are all sorts of parasites that you can get from them.
For more, please check out: http://www.chooseveg.com/reasons-not-to-eat-fish.asp
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It’s always funny to me to see what visceral reactions people have when someone mentions voluntary dietary restrictions as opposed to declarations of gluttony. I use the term vegan because it’s the easiest way to convey most of my food preferences. Yes, I could say that I don’t eat meat, dairy or eggs, but that’s longer than saying that I am vegan, but eat fish sometimes. It’s also not the easiest thing to regulate, since lots of things have eggs hidden in them. I would rather not make a fuss about those things (i.e. I will eat a bagel once in a while, even though I know it has some traces of egg in it). We all make concessions, but saying that I have dietary aspirations doesn’t mean that I have to be militant in following them ALL of the time. I just know that I feel better when I don’t eat meat, dairy or eggs.
I love food, but if taking something out of my diet so that I don’t get sick after every meal, then I will do it.
…and loving Mexican food doesn’t have to end if you don’t eat meat, dairy or eggs. -
Im a vegan too, but i eat meat,offal ,game and eggs…and fish….and chartuterie…blood sausage/drisheen.
But Im a Vegan.
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Nope, you can’t eat good mexican, not even NYC mexican, and be vegan. I suppose if you stretch what you consider edible and ‘mexican’
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You’re a pesco-vegetarian! You also eat dairy!!! :)
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Good, chill bar in midtown for happy hour is Bill’s Gay Nineties on 54th b/t Park and Mad. Papillon Bistro has a pretty happenin’ happy hour at 54th and Mad.
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what a bunch of assholes
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@Mamacita: Almost, just replace ‘mexican’ with ‘food’.
Nope, you can’t eat good food, not even NYC food, and be vegan. I suppose if you stretch what you consider edible and ‘food’I couldn’t resist taking a shot at vegans, even though there is plenty of good food that happens to be vegan.
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Visceral doesn’t even come close to describing these reactions. Is this a red flag to anyone who volunteers for a profile? Maybe it’s because we share Zach’s guiding vision. Street meat and cheap Chinese are our staples and I’m very happy to say that I had a Margon Cuban yesterday and can’t wait to check out the Jamaican Dutchy in just a few more minutes.
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Hands down – best casual bar is the Subway Inn on 60th and Lex.
They’ve raised their prices a bit over the past 10 years, but if you want casual – look no further.
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Ashton’s – 212 E. 50th between and Lex, between 2nd & 3rd (closer to 3rd) has a good (read: good specials, and friendly bartenders) and a FREE buffet on Wednesdays.
It’s a shame about PJ Carneys on 56th….
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Wait, backup a minute, Mamacita, were you serious about a ML Happy Hour tomorrow? I have a happy hour I have to go to around 7, but could probably hit up an earlier one before that should the occasion arise.
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Veganism is the culinary technical virginity. I blame that hat for the Independence Day violence in Mexico City today.. I am totally down for the ML happy hour. Maybe have it at Rick’s and call it a Happy Ending Hour? ha ha.
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Used to work for Merrill Lynch……if i go…can i stab a lawyer?
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Now tomorrow guys, but maybe next week? Too much on my plate tomorrow.
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Nice smile
Nice eyes
Nice cheekbones
Nice eyebrows
Nice hat
Nice beads
Lose the sweater
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Bossman,enough about me.
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I don’t get it … Anastasia’s full of oxymorons. Besides the vegan-fish thing, she calls chicken “sponge meat,” but eats lox tofu spread? What do yo think tofu is … a non-meat sponge!
@ JoeR … Subway Inn is scary looking from the outside.
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Thanks to everyone for all of the great suggestions!
Point of clarification, I didn’t start cutting out meat, dairy and eggs from my diet until about six months ago, so some of my favorite dishes in midtown are things that I used to it but no longer eat. I just wanted to let everyone know about them, whether I eat them or not.
People volunteer to be profiled because they love ML and want to spread the word about places they have found on ML or in midtown that are good. I think that’s what makes this community great, but when you start flaming people for no good reason, people are less likely to offer their views.
(Does it really offend the sensibility of some of you fragile people that I use a not-100% accurate shorthand term for my food choices that you have to start attacking? Really?) -
Who’s attacking? We are simply trying to understand you. Hey, count your blessings, wayne could be talking about your vegan melons.
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Unless, of course, they’re egg bagels. Sugar, yeast, flour, and water are the basic ingredients. Not eggs.
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My melons are not technically “vegan”.
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Tasting is believing.
….and Rudy, you know I have a major mancrush but she’s an attorney, hence, much more experience screwing folk, besides her melons are nicer.
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Lol!
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Wasn’t this comment section supposed to be about “booze?” The only thing I enjoy more than food.
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not sure if tehre are so many comments b/c of the fish-eating vegan controversy or that shes good looking…
althought that weird oyster shucking guy from last week had alot of comments too…
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I need a drink. I work for a bank that is on the verge of ruin and my job will soon become “obsolete”. I pretty much hammed my resume just to get the job so I am pretty screwed. I know that havana central has $3 pints till like 7 but its more restaurant than bar. Where can i go to get cheap booze and pity from pretty ladies?????
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The Tuesday Freak is the highlight of many a cubical dwellers working week.
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MM: Subway Inn looks scary on the inside as well. That doesn’t make it a bad place….It is in midtown.
When you go in, be sure to tip your hat to Charlie, the owner. He’s usually in the back booth with his forehead on the table.
He’s not wasted, just old.
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words for you to look up in the dictionary in addition to “vegan:” flaming.
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My dearest Anastasia:
I commend you for having the courage to become a vegan. One’s health should always come first, though it may not matter since over 25% of all NYC residents have infectious herpes. Or so I’m told.
That “hat” you are wearing very much resembles a serving platter my wife (much younger than I am — lucky ME!) purchased on a trip we took a few years back.
If it weren’t so heavy, she could wear it while she performs (she has a WILDLY successful caberet act).
She is NOT a vegan, yet has preserved her youthful figure and good looks, wouldn’t you say?
Here she is: http://www.tripadvisor.com/MemberPhotos-a_uid.5406690-w1#1747436
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I think i just threw up in my mouth….alot.
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hlb!!
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I once had an eventful St. Pat’s Day in Subway Inn. It involved a bagpipe, an Irishman, and a drunken 17-year-old Blondie stealing Heinekens from behind the bar. I’ve avoided it like the plague ever since.
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Tried a salad from hale and hearty wth carrot ginger just cause i was runing out of new options… good stuff Anastasia. Nice name by the way.
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@ Lou: Good to hear! Also, the sunflower seeds with the carrot ginger dressing seal the deal.
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Do they sell this dressing in bottle form? Sounds intriguing.
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Good shit… I’ll have to give that a try when I’m feeling Vegan for a day again… In the meantime my goal is to find the new hotspot happy hour like so many others on this site…
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Judge Roy Bean
38 W. 56th St.
(5th & 6th Aves.)
Food is a couple steps above average pub grub, and with a weekly happy hour (5pm-8:30pm), eight beers on tap, and 17 bottle selections.I can’t believe no one has mentioned!
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best kept secret in the land of midtown happy hours (not for price, but for experience) is sipping a cocktail poolside at the bar in the QT on 45th street. prices aren’t really bad, just not a steal. and if you’re inspired, slip into your suit and swim on up to the bar!
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actually, apparently it is now known as hotel grace, but i believe the poolside bar still exists.
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mmmm hot vegan attorney lawyer i am in love
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Also; for anyone who had to listen to a lehman employee talking loudly about their bonus so everyone one else in the fucking place could hear….it’s pay back time….find some drunk crying banker…and mention your new aston martin and upper beach front villa in the e.hamptons.
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Marina, because Rosa Mexicana is right next door, and you can get margs and tequilla there
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wednesdays turtle bay
1$ drafts and 50 cent wingsthose are like college prices…cant beat that!
or black finn 20$ open bar
or naples 45 …4.50 beers and free pizza
i drink alot.
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When I bailed on the vegan/veggie camp by eating fish, I felt that Pesco-vegetarian was a real “I’m a wussy in denial” term.
Now I call my self a highly selective omnivore. More honest.
I advise it for you, Anastasia.
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@noni: … or I could just stop defining my eating habits and let people think that I am a picky eater.
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But Rosa Mexicana does not have a happy hour. I rather have a large strong $3 G&T at the Judge then a $10 weak-ass margarita
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Hi Anastasia, you were at my table at the wedding in Chicago the other weekend. funny seeing you on here. The best authentic mexican i’ve had in nyc is Palacio Azteca. its a tiny little place on 73rd and york. maybe they’ll deliver to your office. if not, its worth the venture up there after work sometime… I moved out of the neighborhood and haven’t been there in a little while but pretty sure its still BYOB
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For some odd reason, shortly after DocChuck viewed Anatasia’s photo, he put a sombero and a sarape on me and then went at it, his catheter bag sloshing about madly bck and forth. The worst part was the finishing “dirty sanchez”, if such things interest you.
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Disturbing… lol
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@ Lou: SO disturbing!
@ Sean: Great to hear from you! Palacio Azteca is pretty awesome, and completely unassuming. Have had a few great meals there. El Paso Taqueria is also good on the UES/East Harlem (one on 97th, off Park, one on 103rd and Lex, and another further north) I love Baby Bo’s Cantina on 34th and 2nd (great fresh salsa/pic, great margaritas), and just discovered Pinche Taqueria on Mott, b/w Prince and Spring. Oh, the fish tacos there are phenomenal, and the yucca fries are fantastic. The agua fresca there is also pretty tasty (so is the agua fresca at Pompano).
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i can eat 50 eggs
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in an hour
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I’m 6 months preg so no drinking for me now, this blog is like a God send, food food and more food in midown for cheap pluss all the food porn I need to get me through the day :)
But yeah happy hour blog…I’ll take notes. My mom did tell me that when she had me in the 70’s they used to say dark German beer was good for boobie feeding. I wonder if that’s still true….
Casual bar at 57th and Mad – Try Fitzers in the Fitzpatrick hotel at 57th and Lex