Midtown Lunch

Grill 44 (on 44th btw. Lex+3rd) joined the kati roll revolution back in 2008 by adding ‘Indian burritos’ to their usual stream tray assortment of samosas, curries, lamb vindaloo and tikka masala. Now 44G is packing even more into their tiny storefront by serving a South Indian menu. It’s always dubious when a restaurant adds too many different items to one menu, but 44G seem to be pulling it off. I’m not a dosa expert by any means, but my taste buds know flavorful delicious food… so I set forth to expand my horizons.

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Going off a tip from Tuesday’s obligatory Kyochon (5th Ave. btw. 32nd+33rd) post, I popped into the newly renovated Woorijip (32nd St. btw. 5th+6th Ave.) and indeed found some great fried chicken wings on the hot bar. Though they weren’t covered in a sweet hot glaze, said sauce could be found on the side for self-spoonage, which allowed the skin to stay crispy longer (there’s an audible crackle on these despite sitting out on the buffet). Woorijip’s buffet selections rotate, so you won’t be guaranteed wings everyday, but you’ll be sure to find an array of other fried goods to satisfy and with the new renovations, there’s no more gauntlet of buffet-related death. As for Kyochon? Girrl, I don’t need your fancy egg table and high maintenance lines.

Related:
Woorijip Reorganizes, Shuts Down Noodle Bar?

When Zach first wrote about Previti Pizza (on 41st btw. Lex+Park) back in December, he mentioned that on Thursdays they served a special roast beef sandwich with garlic butter and potato chips in the sandwich (!?)  Well, Serious Eats: New York tried the sandwich this week (apparently it’s also offered on Tuesday) and reports that it is every bit as good as it sounds.  And, not only is the bread baked in house (and slathered in the garlic butter mentioned previously) but the house made roast beef is also dipped in its own juices.  And what do you know… today is Thursday.  What’s that?  You already ate a roast beef sandwich dipped in its own juices this week.  That’s loser talk!  (Photo courtesy of Adam Kuban)

Related:
Previti Pizza Gets the Slice Seal Of Approval
Newly Opened Previti Pizza Is Serving a Kick Ass Artichoke Slice

It’s official!  Famous chefs handing out free food from a branded truck is now part of the official PR gimmick handbook.  If you didn’t read about this on Grub Street last week, here’s a friendly little reminder.  Tomorrow (Thursday) Laurent Tourondel (of BLT restaurant fame) will take to the streets in a truck handing out free smoked bacon pizettas, spicy sirloin sliders, Corned beef hash egg sandwiches, and virgin bloody marys. It’s some sort of post-hangover thing sponsored by Tabasco.  The truck will be in Midtown from 7 to 9:30am (on 48th btw. 5+6th) before heading Downtown from Noon to 2pm (on Broadway across from the “charging bull sculpture”).

Related:
At Lunch Now: Boulud Says “Shake Shack Has Nothing On My Burger!”

I’ll admit when I walked by A+ Thai’s newspaper-covered windows a few weeks ago, I was surprised. Could it be? Another Thai place? I’ve had my share of under $10 Thai lunch specials (almost all are on 9th Avenue) and while most are reliable if you’re just looking for curry or cheap noodles, there’s no place I’d walk farther than three blocks for – especially on the East Side. So what’s a girl with a Thai craving and great expectations to do? Go hungry, that’s what. Then walk one avenue out of bounds and order the “I Love Pad Thai” and Mega Balls at Midtown’s newest Thai.

Check out the goods after the jump… Read more »

If you’re looking for something to do tonight, Mamacita filled you in on all the St. Paddy’s Day sweets and drinks specials but what celebrating St Paddy’s day at lunch? On a recent Rock Center concourse jaunt, I noticed that Pret a Manger is now stocking new Corned Beef and Pickle Sandwiches made from Niman Ranch Corned Beef. Could be a good choice if you are looking for your corned beef fix without the pub crowds, though the price tag seems a bit steep at $6.89. If you’re willing to brave the hoards of drunken revelers, Blarney Stone on 3rd Ave has a lovely looking corned beef sandwich that Zach calls his “favorite St. Paddy’s Day lunch.”

Pret a Manger (various locations)
Blarney Stone , 710 3rd Ave (btw 44+45th St)