Midtown Lunch

Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. In addition to being a long time fan of Kefi (on the Upper West Side), it’s no secret that I’m also a huge fan of the lamb burger at Anthos on 52nd btw. 5+6th. So I’m incredibly honored to welcome this week’s Profiled Midtown Lunch’er, Chef Michael Psilakis… PLUS we have a copy of his new cookbook “How To Roast a Lamb” to give away at the end of the profile.

Name: Michael

Age: 41

Occupation: Chef/Owner of Anthos, Kefi, Gus & Gabriel and Eos in Miami, FL.

Where in Midtown do you Work?: I float around to all of my restaurants constantly, but am mostly on the Upper West Side at Kefi in our offices up there.

Favorite Kind of Food: I appreciate any and all types of food, but if I had to pick one it would definitely have to be Greek food… or pizza.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: That’s impossible! I do not have one, does not exist.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: I love the cheeseburger at the Burger Joint (on 56th btw. 6+7th.) That place is like an oasis with neon signage. Another place I really enjoy, that is out of ML’s price range but worth a splurge, is Esca (on 43rd and 9th) for the whole grilled fish. It doesn’t matter what type of fish, you know when you go there it’s always fresh and doused with really, really good olive oil.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? The basket of hot bread waiting to be taken out by our waiters for bread service. What? We’re busy!

Place(s) you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? I can’t say that I have, unfortunately. I am always keeping an eye on Greek spots though and think I might check out this Uncle Nick’s and Poseidon Bakery over on 9th Avenue.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Greece, no question. The produce that is grown under that sun is just superb. I would sauté up some vegetables in a little extra virgin olive oil from Crete with some roasted whole fish or lamb. That’s heaven.

Is there anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? Wow man that’s a great question. Thank you. I don’t think anyone’s ever asked me that before. I think I am most curious about your readers’ mentality when it comes to their own definition of value in these tough times. Is value a casual meal from a Michelin-starred chef for $50 as opposed to $250? Or is it spending $2.50 on a souvlaki from a street vendor? And are they willing to travel that extra five or ten blocks, or take that subway ride for something cheaper than what’s around the corner, or are they traveling for the higher quality meal at the same price point? I’m really looking forward to reading what you all have to say.

All of the above as far as I’m concerned. This site is all about value! And traveling distances to find the best meal, as long as it’s under $10. I feel like nobody should have to pay more for a decent lunch (dinner is a different story!)

Alright on to business… want to win a copy of Michael’s new cookbook “How to Roast a Lamb: New Greek Classic Cooking”? Just make a comment below and you’re entered to win. Either answer Michael’s question about what your idea of value is, or comment about something else (say, your favorite Greek dish in New York City) and you’re automatically entered to win. A winner will be drawn a week from today at Noon (on 11/30.)

And as always if you would like to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate), email me at zach@midtownlunch.com.