Midtown Lunch

In the week and a half since we gave you the first look at the inside of Food Gallery 32, I’ve stopped in over and over again to check out the progress and to sample the food at some of the seven food stalls within. I’m now the FourSquare mayor and was told, ‘see you tomorrow!’ when I left yesterday. The upshot is that I’ve tasted a fair amount of the offerings and ogled some more… you know… for you guys.

Check it all out after the jump.

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45th Street btw Lex+3rd is the home to quite the number of Asian spots: Menchanko Tei, Hop Won, Oms/B, Oriental Noodle Shop. The block’s market may tilt a little too far in that direction, but apparently those are the only food vendors that can stay afloat. Yesterday I saw that we would be getting even more Asian inspiration, this time in the form of Taiwanese teas & juices. Coco Fresh Tea & Juice is opening in the old nail place, right below Midtown Comics. An internet search brought up nothing save the same curiosity concerning their Lex & 24th location. My hope is they sell some delicious snacks on the side.

• Portions at Bian Dang are bigger than the ones from the truck! [Midtown Eating]
• Where can I find chaat in Midtown East?  [Midtown Eating]
• Biryani Cart Wings is just days away [Midtown Eating]
• Cream based soups are the best option at Hale & Hearty [Midtown Eating]

And just like that, Tacos Zen is no more. I wrote about the Korean taco experiment at Pinnacle (3rd Ave. btw. 45+46th) back in October and apparently the generic deli has already pulled the plug. According to Lunch’er Garrett, the tacos are no more, and they’ve “partially restored a hot food section that makes hot sandwiches. They still do offer bibimbap.” I was far from bowled over by Pinnacle Deli’s tacos, but I think with some tinkering they could have been much better. I guess we’ll never know.

Every Tuesday we turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. This week it’s Tom, a media consultant with some great street meat recs near Columbus Circle.

Name: Tom

Age: 31

Occupation: Media Consultant

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Frank Magid Associates – Columbus Circle

Favorite Kind of Food: If its good, I like it.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Not a big fan of egg nog.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Honestly, I’m a big fan of the elusive five dollar lunch, so my top choice is the Mexican food cart on the east side of 9th ave between 58th and 59th. I usually go for the Pollo Milanesa torta with salsa verde and jalapenos. Its really awesome. Chicken cutlet, Mexican cheese, refried beans, Mexican pickled carrots, plus the aforementioned condiments. AND ITS ONLY $5! The tacos there are pretty good too. The halal street meet at 8th and 58th is also good. By far the best in the area. And if I’m wandering through k-town, Woorijip is my favorite bet there. Their kimbap is just as good as e-mo but cheaper. If I’m feeling flush and/or wanting to walk further… I like Topaz Thai on 56th between 6th and 7th. I always get the drunken noodles there. Another good noodle spot is MEE on 9th and 53rd. A bit far and pricey, but the sandwich with broccoli rabe, provolone, and steak at Shortys at 42nd and 9th is really mindblowing.

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