Midtown Lunch

Variety has always been the greatest strength of Cafe Zaiya, the popular Japanese lunch spot and bakery on 41st (btw. 5th and Madison). On a recent trip, I noticed their offerings have gotten even more varied with the introduction of some new Summer lunch items, including cold noodles. See their new menu and get a look at one of the new dishes after the jump.

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Do you wonder what the ML contributors do when they’re not eating lunch in Midtown? (They’re actually pretty easy to stalk!)

Photo courtesy of Ultraclay

Ultraclay was a big fan of the ribs at Fatty Cue, Danny from Food in Mouth tried the tripe and eggs and Maialino, Blondie and Brownie had a late lunch at Shopsin’s last week and followed it up with a blueberry doughnut from the Doughnut Plant. And finally, welcome back to Amy- who spent the second half of June eating here way through Ecuador!

Sorry… I know it’s a little late, but we couldn’t resist posting this one.  Bringing new meaning to the term ‘Pigs” it seems the Bacon Police were in full gear around 3rd ave and 50th street last week.  We know it was for a movie (anybody know which one?) but after reading about this hamburger made entirely of bacon, we’re starting to think Bacon Police might be necessary.

UPDATE: It was for a McDonald’s commercial in France.

Totto Ramen isn’t the only ramen place in the Totto empire that opened for lunch recently. Right before the holiday break Midtown East got their newest ramen spot, Hide-Chan Ramen, which began serving lunch in the former Yakitori Torys spot- also a sister restaurant to Midtown West’s Totto Ramen and Yakitori Totto (did I get that right, Zach? I’m getting confused between the Tottos, Ramens, and Yakitoris). While I work in a prime location for Menchanko Tei to be my main ramen spot, Hide-Chan has opened in an area that doesn’t have too much in the way of ramen. And let me tell you they are serving some awesome ramen, enough that I might haul it up a few blocks (in the winter months of course.)

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With all the fuss made over the opening of Hello Pasta, we were surprised that the other empire-building chain, Nooï (on Lex btw 40+41st), opened this week, entering the pasta-to-go fray pretty quietly. Unlike Hello Pasta, which is completely new, Nooï is a French import with branches across France and Belgium. Obviously, the US was a natural next step to taking over the world… Read more »

Just a friendly reminder regarding our favorite food event of the year… you have until Saturday to nominate your favorite vendor for the 2010 Vendy Awards. Plus, everybody who submits a nomination will be entered to win a pair of tickets… but truthfully, if you haven’t bought your tix for the September 25th event on Governor’s Island you probably shouldn’t leave it to chance. We heard that they are on track to sell out even earlier than last year. Tickets are $85, but it’s all you can eat (and drink) and all the money goes to benefit the Street Vendor Project– so it’s tax deductible. Need more motivation to buy your tickets now? Check out our coverage from last year, and the year before. (And when they sell out, don’t say we didn’t warn you.)