Comments on: You Decide: Is Picnic on 57th More Than Just a Generic Midtown Deli?

By: duncan

duncan — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:09:14 +0000

Some of the worst fries I’ve ever eaten, and service was so slow I had time to write 2 chapters of my new book on how to not run a deli in midtown!

By: adamprato

adamprato — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:27:45 +0000

stevenp – You have a new target.

By: mmills

mmills — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:25:28 +0000

Picnic 57 is churning out a variety of high end food like no other in the area. I can not vouch for their sushi, sandwiches or soups but their featured foods and saleds are on par with Mangia on 57th and the current loss-leader introductory lunch deal of $8.95 for a protein plus 2 sides is a ridiculous value. No way they can continue to offer this type of quality for that price point. I spoke briefly with the owner on Friday and he confirmed this is an introductory price hoping to build volume, which has not happened yet.

Im currently eating cucumber salad, brussel sprouts with pancetta and a slice of wild caught striped bass seared on one side and moist in the middle. Just to name a few things offered today (and there are at least 3x more offered): Mahi Mahi with endvies, grilled or blackened salmon, Skirt Steak Chimichuri, Orechietta w/sausage, giant pork chops with great looking cross hatches, asian chicken salad, broccoli rabe and spinach

I’ve worked in the area for 12 years and have tried everywhere. There is nothing remotely close to their level of diversity and quality. The even have Inko’s Mint tea which I love and can barely find in nyc.

The staff is just so-so but for a point-and-choose lunch at this caliber for under $10 (after tax), I don’t really care.

By: sushiburger

sushiburger — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:37:30 +0000

just had the banh mi… and actually it isn’t that bad.. but you can’t go into it thinking you’re getting a banh mi.. just think of it as a sandwich with a hint of banh mi… but for what it is.. not too bad.. i was expecting a horrible sandwich.. but got a decent sandwich..

By: Apikoros18

Apikoros18 — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:05:02 +0000

Nick— I know it is a generic deli, but the rosemary chicken at Toasties is awesome. they bake a whole garlic clove in there, plus you get 2 average sides, all under 10.00. The serving of the chicken is gigantic! If you need a re-hash of places that were reviewed north east, there are a few.

By: hightemp

hightemp — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:44:34 +0000

Zach, Sorry for sending you on a wild Bahn Mi chase.

The sandwich was filling for the price but the sauce was too sweet(for me). I’m a mustard bbq kind of guy.

I’m still intrigued by the Reuben Dog idea (just figured i’d wait a week to try again)

….in the meantime…any suggestions for northeasterly lunches is always appreciated (other than El Rey del Sabor)

Nick
ps. “Nicholas”?

By: Monique

Monique — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:21:49 +0000

that rib sammie doesnt look very appetising to me. I hope it was at least tasty for $8.50…it doesnt look very filling.

Id rather have street meat.

By: sushiburger

sushiburger — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:00:01 +0000

unfortunately, I’ll still have to try the banh mi…

By: Apikoros18

Apikoros18 — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:54:34 +0000

They are across the street from my office, and, yes, they are simply another NY deli, but on the upscale/expensive side. Closer to a Toasties then a Smilers. One of the things that did intrigue me, but not enough to buy, was a wedge of Iceberg Lettuce, about 4 strips of bacon, blue cheese dressing and a biscuit for 5.95.