FreeFoods Duck Pastrami Sandwich is a Triumph. A Freakin’ Expensive Triumph.
We could go back and forth about whether or not FreeFoods NYC is a true Midtown Lunch (it’s not), or whether or not I should even be eating at a place like this (I shouldn’t). But the simple fact is this. They made a new sandwich, put it on their menu, called it “The Midtown Lunch Special”, and charged under $10 for it (if you don’t include the tax). So, according to the rules set forth in my Midtown Lunch sandwich challenge, I am obligated to go and eat the sandwich and post about it. I never said I had to like it… just eat it, and post about it.
Standing in FreeFoods, I could feel my anger rising. I mean, this place is really expensive. Sure, most of it is organic, they use the best ingredients, and it is one of the few places in Midtown where a vegetarian, vegan, or raw foods enthusiast can get a decent lunch. But I don’t fall into any of those categories, and my category (cheap fatso) is clearly not intended audience. The sandwiches are all $11 and up (except for the ML special), the by the lb. buffet is $395 a pound (or so it seems), and their non coffee drinks are $3 at their cheapest and $8 at their most expensive. In other words, if you want more than just a sandwich, you’re not getting out of here for less than $15.
There is only one problem. The “Midtown Lunch Special Sandwich”, a duck pastrami reuben, is really freakin’ good.
I am a cheapo, but to pretend like I never spend a lot of money on food would be disingenuous. I’ve done the $100 price fixe at Ko, and the $115 omakase at Soto (both amazing.) I enjoyed the $32 crab in chili sauce at Fatty Crab (even though you can get cheaper versions in Chinatown) and I’ve spent more on a steak than I spend on two weeks worth of lunches. But lunch? Sandwiches? There is something in my brain that snaps about spending more than $10 on lunch. (Especially if it’s just a sandwich. All you can eat buffets? That’s a different story.) I’m sure their profit margin on one of these sandwiches is significantly less than what, say, the Biryani Cart makes on their food. But this site isn’t about profit margin. It’s about what it costs to me.
So there I was, eating the duck pastrami sandwich at FreeFoods. Spending the big bucks, and doing what I said I would never do. But putting my cheapness aside, and my staunch Midtown Lunch views, I have to admit, this sandwich is not only good… it’s completely worth the money. Why? The duck. It’s not a big sandwich (it comes on 2 slightly smaller than normal slices of rye bread) but they do not skimp on the duck. You probably get a whole duck breast (something that would easily cost $20+ at a nice restaurant), and it’s perfectly cured, and sliced thick, with a really nice layer of fat (as it should be.) To give you an idea of its size, it’s about the same size as all of the “fat guy” sandwiches at ‘wichcraft.
The whole thing was perfectly complemented by the slaw, emmentaler swiss, and russian dressing. The fat from the duck and the cheese greases up the bread real good while it’s being pressed in the sandwich machine, giving you that authentic reuben feel. What can I say? It was really awesome, filling in that “fat fills me up” kind of way, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Do I love FreeFoods now? Let’s not get crazy. I was pretty angry every single minute I sat in that place, wondering how people could spend so much money on lunch at a place that doesn’t even have waiters. It also didn’t help that the other two sandwiches my friends ordered (the meatball sandwich and the chicken/lime sandwich with avocado ad mango), were pretty meh for $11… or maybe it just seemed that way after eating the duck pastrami special. Truthfully, if I’m in the mood for a meatball sub- I don’t need to spend $11 on this just ok version (with dry bread.)
The duck pastrami sandwich, on the other hand… I may have to return for another. Or better yet, maybe I’ll just order delivery.
Free Foods NYC (Two Locations)
- 150 E. 52nd St. (btw. Lex+3rd), 212-371-1945
- 18 W. 45th St. (btw. 5+6th), 212-302-7195
Posted: 11:45 am, February 5th, 2009 under FreeFoods NYC, Midtown Lunch Sandwich Challenge, Sandwiches.
58 Comments | RSS comments feed for this post
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58 Comments
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Oooooooo that looks good… mummmmmm droll…
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Wait! Are those little fried pieces of onion on the top of the bread?? Tasty caramelized bits!!
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The mere fact that it is a DUCK sandwich makes it a winner in my book. Where else can you get a duck sandwich, period, never mind a quality one for $10? One of the filthy chinese places (Dirty Eight) should do one on a bun for $5. That would rock.
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Droll? :) AS in…’You call him Doc Jones, Droll’?
WE need scale Zach…put a can next to it.
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Zach, did they know who they were making the sandwich for when you ordered it? Can everyone else excpect to receive the same amount of Duck if they order the ML special or was it an overstuffed “review version”? Just checking.
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Looks tastey–but my heart cries at the pricetag, even if it is w/in midtown lunch prices. I want something HUGE for a sandwich that costs nearly 11 bucks (including tax). I want a 3 foot sub packed to the brim with duck! How do the owners of this place sleep at night, knowing they are ripping people off so badly in these trying times…Best beleive they are cleaning up on this midtown lunch challenge profit wise.
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I just got back from the 52nd st. location. Like Zach, I had been pretty angry with their pricing. But I got a pretty good treatment when I asked for the special. they loaded the sandwich with meat (it looked pretty high before it got pressed) and actually turned around and showed me the sandwich before they put it down on the grill.
I dashed back to my cube and took a bite, the crunchy sullivan st. bread really makes the sandwich, I must admit they did a pretty good job.
For some reason I think the cashier may have made a mistake and rang mine up as $9.75 including tax. Thanks to Zach, I am treating myself to an expensive but pretty tasty lunch!
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If I’m not mistaken, the last post about it stated that the sandwich was only available for the month of February. So I supposed the question is, is it 9.99 for Feb.? Followed by a ridiculous price hike? Or is this sandwich going to be abolished ry 28th, 2009, never to be heard from again until the next challenge… in which case, Zach should just post random challenges to get this place to have ONE thing on the menu SOMEWHAT … a far stretch… but somewhat reasonably price item.
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“How do the owners of this place sleep at night, knowing they are ripping people off so badly in these trying times…”
- GoatsYou a communista?
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wow… that’s friday’s lunch for sure…
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@DDR: Not a communist but a realist…
At least I have my tantrums (which I used to throw at overpriced “glorified deli’s” like Silo every day) under control LOL -
I don’t know… the sandwich looks pretty large to me. And organic meat is really expensive. Compared to the chicken/lamb and rice combo from Kwik Meal, this is quite a bargain. I have never been to FreeFoods and am not a raw foodist, vegetarian or vegan. But I think that this looks like a place where I may want to splurge one day.
I think people have certain notions in their head that they can’t get away from… like lunch needs to be cheap (though I totally understand that your point of this blog is featuring food under $10), sandwiches have to be cheap, if entrees are above $10, you should have waiter service. If one tries to remove these notions and approach things with more of an open mind, you’ll probably find a whole new world opening up. I mean, you don’t see people balking at the notion of paying $10 (which I know is on the cheaper side in Manhattan) for a drink that probably costs cents to make. And most likely you’ll be drinking that drink standing up with only about a few inches separating you from the person next to you.
That said, Zach, I commend you for putting your prejudices aside and reporting back on this sandwich. Sounds lovely and can’t wait to try it soon.
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Shill.
But still on point. -
“balking at the notion of paying $10 (which I know is on the cheaper side in Manhattan) for a drink that probably costs cents to make.”
___________Here, my friend is where you are inncorrect. ML has also taken over the Drink scene, I do not drink a $10 cocktail! I shudder to think of it. Banish these horrible 10 buck drinks from my presence! (and check out my review tomorrow ;-P
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Instead of venturing into the scary realm of organic/fresh/raw foods, why don’t you take your $9 and turn it into a dictator special at Hallo Berlin? Since today’s so cold, there was only one other person on line. Mmm…brat breath.
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I hope they review this on Midtown Sandwich dot com. (Sandwiches in Midtown Manhattan for Under $10 Before Tax!)
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@wayne – if you venture out to flushing, there’s a take out place called corner 28 that sells individual peking duck “tacos” for $1.25 a piece i believe. you can eat 5 of these little gems and be full.
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Any single young women eating them alone?
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actually, i think it might even be $0.75 per peking duck taco
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@Niko – I just ordered the sandwich as if I was a customer. They don’t know who I am there…
@Goats – Actually, I think their profit margin on this one is pretty low. I really doubt they’re are “cleaning up” … but like I said in the post- our concern isn’t with profit margins, it’s with finding cheap lunch. If profit margins were the only concern, you could argue that a place like Del Frisco’s is a good deal… they pay a ton for rent, and serve expensive meat and seafood, so their prices reflect that.
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To Mamacita: Yes, I’ll definitely look out for your report!
To Anonymous: The peking duck sliders used to be 75 cents and was raised to $1 recently. But the best thing to have in Flushing is the Taiwanese burger at Temple Snack. $4 for a HUGE piece of braised fatty pork belly, pickled mustard greens and chopped peanuts in a steamed bun. Too bad that this place isn’t in Midtown.
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I just had the duck special at the 52nd St. location too, for $9.75. It is truly amazing. Not everyone behind the counter seemed to know about the special Midtown Lunch sandwich, but they have a sign about it near the front cash register.
It wasn’t very crowded when I went but it seemed to take forever to make this sandwich (not sure why). At one point it looked like four people were involved in the process. I don’t think I would go there regularly. Some of the egg sandwich choices (only available for breakfast) looked like they would be interesting without the egg.
I was actually looking for the F&B that used to be around there. Did FreshFoods take over that space?
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@ Boo—-10 bucks a drink??? ARE YOU FING OUT OF YOUR MIND?? It better be Johnny Walker Blue for 10 bucks a drink!!!!!! This Goat pays $6 for a double Captain and coke!!!! Max!@!!!
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To Goats:
I’ve been to many, many bars that charge $10 AND UP for a drink. Very common in Manhattan. Even 15 years ago I was paying $5-6 for a drink at not so chi-chi venues.
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The secret ingredient in the duck is children!
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bastards charged me $13 today for the duck pastrami rueben on seamless web.
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Find me a place with cheap Jack on the rocks and I’m there.
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@Wined and Dined: Apparently not so “seamless” eh?
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Goats, a double captain and coke? what are you, 17?
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FreeFoods is way too expensive; their delivery is hit and miss. If you do order delivery use their website, it’s more accurate.
Recently, I’ve hit more cons than pros (besides the prices) at FF, so I’m going to stay away for awhile.
I’m glad you got a rocking duck sandwich, that’s about the biggest sandwich I’ve seen FF offer.
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Zach that looks great.. nice work!
You think I can get a downtown spot to name a sandwich The Krieger? :) HA!
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Holy crap, live a little friends. With the crap we eat for $6 off the street, you need a little duck from time to time. Eat, drink and be merry :)
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Hold on Guys…this is duck sausage..it’ll be “mechanically recovered from the carcass” After all the good bits are cut off.
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It’s not mechanically separated duck meat, it’s duck PASTRAMI – a smoking/salting/curing method of meat making.
Want! -
Sometimes I like to eat more, sometimes I like to eat better. High quality ingredients cost more, so save FreeFoods for when you want to eat better. I am generally a soup-a-phobe except for their soups.
BTW, tell the cashier at Zeytin’s that you have a discount card, and you get a superb chicken (lamb on Thurs) doner sandwich on large wrap with chopped cucumber and tomato, yogurt and spicy sauce for about $8.25 (good and plenty).
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Eating one right now. Rudy, get your ass to Heathrow. This thing rocks.
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Am also eating one now. Holy duckorama. WOW
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I thought it was crazy to splurge $10 on a sandwich, but it was amazing. I don’t like duck nor pastrami by themselves, but this was just a delicacy.
I definitely recommend trying it once. I know we’re in touch economic times, but it’s worth it!
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I got there a little after 1 today but they were out. Is the special only specific days?
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wait, people paid $9.75? not to be a total cheapo but mine was $9.99 which i thought was pretty lame to make it one cent under the limit… and over the limit with tax. even odder- the cashier asked me how much it was, even tho there were of signs around that said 9.99.
that said- it was delish!! and actually really packed with duck, which surprised me after seeing the skinny sandwiches in the display (this was my first time in FF…$5 for one gluten free brownie? really?). thanks for this challenge zach! i look forward to getting to check out other overpriced places that i can now afford!
but how sad is it to watch other people in FF getting ripped off? it was like watching a car accident. guy right before me in the line had a tiny box of food from the buffet- $15!!!
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I went there today with my stack of $100 bills at around 1:30. They told me that they didn’t have the sandwich. It wasn’t clear if they ran out, or just didn’t have it. But this is the second one of these places I have gone to that didn’t have the sandwich (I went to Certe a couple days early). This seams like an easy way to leach customers.
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@Harry- Wayne sent me a photo of his sandwich, so they definitely had it. Sounds like they ran out of it by 1pm. Oh, and I went to Certe today… and they had the sandwich. And it was *amazing*. Full post coming on Monday…
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Harry – what darkly lit alleyways or other areas obstructed from public view and thinly travelled do you pass through on the way to lunch with your stack of 100 dollar bills, eh? Just curious :-)
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Had it today — unbelievable they can do this for less than $10. Such a freakin amazing sandwich.
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I had this today. It is expensive but worth every penny. I love duck (Peking Duck and Roast Duck are my guilty pleasure foods) and this duck was great – heavily seasoned and extremely tender. There was definitely at least 3/4 lb of duck meat in this sandwich. Think of it more as a really reasonably priced gourmet sandwich. They are pre-making them now – wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator – but still tasted fresh after a few minutes in the press. They sold 5 of them alone in the several minutes that I was waiting for mine.
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I finally had this today. It was delicious. The duck was tender. The spices and the bread really make the sandwich. The combination of flavors was terrific. There’s pepper to go with the duck and the dressing they use.
The sandwich was painstakingly made. They took their time and made it fresh from scratch. It took a little time, but it was totally worth it.
Funny thing is some guy came in and asked for the sandwich with lettuce and tomato. The guy that took the order went to the back and brought up the chef(?) who was dressed in a white coat. The chef said NO! because it would ruin the sandwich. He stood on principle and protected the recipe. The chef even offered to give him the lettuce and tomato separately. This is very admirable. The guy left, and it was his loss.
Anyway, it was a terrific sandwich. I would put it slightly ahead of Certe and way ahead of El Rey. I can’t wait to try Sophie’s cuban next.
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Can someone tell FreeFoods to make more of the Midtown Lunch sandwich? I went there at 12:30 and there were already sold out! Now I have to walk 10 minutes another day to try it…
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Send them an e-mail (from their website)…
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ordered the sandwich through seamless web (enticed by a $5 off your first order coupon). delivered to me with tax and tip under $7. you can’t beat that. about the sandwich: the duck was quite tasty! moist and flavorful with a good kick of pepper. the saurkraut not so much…. IMO too much ginger/carrot… could not taste the russian dressing at all (perhaps they forgot it in mine). overall totally worth $7, probably worth $10…. i’m a lunch packer (yes, how strange that i am addicted to this website) and also a self-titled cheapo and hate to spend ANY money on lunch……… but this was pretty good.
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I’m conflicted.
I do like duck. A lot. I like bread. I like cheese. I like all the components of this sandwich.
The appeal of this sandwich is pretty clear: quality components, time and care put into the preparation, for a reasonable price. The guy who put the sandwich together did a very generous job.
However, my sandwich looked nothing like the pink, moist, and gooey pic in Zach’s post. The duck was gray and a little dry-stringy, with a consistency not unlike that of liver. And for the first half of the sandwich I ate, there was too much pepper (for those naysayers who say that is just the pastrami-ness, I will offer up the fact that the taste of pepper overwhelmed all else). The sandwich press failed to warm the refrigerated duck and cheese, which results in crispy–and delicious–bread, but a cold sandwich. If you want a cold sandwich, fine, but the point of heat in the middle of the sandwich–of this sandwich–is to allow the components to become less disjointed and a happy ducky mess.
The point is, I’m willing to give the promise of the sandwich another try–even at $10.83–but this time around, the wonderful quantity of food was overwhelmed by pepper and the flavors kept separate by incomplete heating.
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i had the opportunity to try this today. like johannas had mentioned, mine looks nothing like the picture. not pink and fatty duck, but dry, grayish, and liver-y tasting meat. duck, cheese, bread, cannot go wrong, but i have to say i was disappointed. and probably would go as far to say that if one goes to freefoods expecting it to look like the picture above, they’d be let down. the bread in one half of it was falling apart and for a few bites i was holding the duck itself.
not sure if this is a trend or a few instances of negligence, but i’d say to anyone looking to try this sandwich to keep your expectations in check
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^^ I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, dammit, does this mean the good duck batch is done with? Did I wait too long?? :-(
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Sweet mother this sandwich is good. Juicy, vaguely spicy, perfectly prepared. I finally dragged myself over and ate it today. It’s only on the menu through the end of the month, or so says a sign in there, so get it while you can.
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A co-worker and I went and had this sandwich after reading this yesterday. It was delicious.
I hope that FreeFoods keeps it on the menu since I’ll be having it a lot more often.
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I tried the sandwich for the first time just now from the location between Lexington and 3rd Avenue on 51st Street.
The price of the sandwich is $12 + $1 tax. I usually don’t spend more than $6 or $7 for lunch in midtown so that hit me pretty hard. Also, they serve the bread on sourdough, which doesn’t look like the type of bread in the pictures above. I would’ve much rather had it regular white bread.
All that being said, the sandwich was pretty damn good. I think the best part of the whole sandwich, other than the nice thick pieces of duck, is the spicy-ness.
Sorry for the lack of comments but I ain’t no Food Network judge or anything. I just eat what tastes good and this sandwich definitely fit the bill. Would I get it again? Probably not. But that’s because I’m a cheapo and not because of any lack of goodness.
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Mike Cosentino is not my coworker
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The sandwich is no longer $9.99. They jacked it up to $12. Way out of my league
goddamn it now i wanna go buy a $10 sandwich. goddamn you zach!