Archive for August 2011

Burger Heaven on Madison Closes Down

If you ever wondered how two Burger Heaven locations could operate so close to each other, and both stay in business, this news shouldn’t be a huge shocker. Lunch’er Harry reported in the forums that the Burger Heaven on Madison btw. 54+55th is now closed. Their website says “closed for renovations” but we hear that the space has been taken over by a new tenant and will become a Japanese restaurant.

Let Me See You Kati Roll: Ever wonder what goes on at Kati Roll (on 39th btw. 5+6th) at night, once all the Midtown lunchers have gone home from work for the night?  Well here's your answer:  Indian comedy troupes film music videos!  Eater discovered this video ode to Kati Roll, set to the music of Black Eyed Peas Ne-Yo.

Rickshaw, Salume & More Getting Kiosks in Times Sq.

Back in March the Times Square Alliance announced that they would be taking proposals from businesses who were interested in selling food from kiosks in the pedestrian area of Times Square, and today they announced the first four “winners”. Congrats to Salume (panini from the Soho restaurant of the same name), Snack Box (an espresso bar with gourmet hot dogs and milkshakes from the owner of Republic and Bond St.), Nuchas (an Argentine empanada stand), and Rickshaw Dumplings. Construction on the first stand (Salume) begins tomorrow, and it should open by mid september with the others to follow.  We know what we’re getting with Rickshaw, and Salume is supposed to be really good (although a bit expensive by Midtown Lunch standards.) I guess we’ll just have to wait and try it before deciding if we’re looking at completely overpriced tourist crap, or a few decent new lunch options in the already starved area of Times Square.

Shih Lee Satisfies My Beef Tendon Craving

Shih Lee

I’ve had Shih Lee on my radar for a while now but can never seem to make it over to their pretty far out of bounds location on 45th btw 1+2nd.   But finally the other day I had to run some errands around 2nd Ave and decided to use it as an excuse to finally hit up this fast food Chinese steam table place. We know that their noodle soups are pretty damn good but I was more curious about their lunch combos.

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39th & 9th is the New Food Truck Hotness?: Bian Dang is on 53rd btw. Park+Lex, Joyride is on Park btw. 53+54th, Korilla is on 46th & Vanderbilt *and* 51st & 6th, Coolhaus is on 39th & 6th, Gorilla Cheese is on 55th & 6th, Papa Perrone is trying out 55th btw. 5+6th, Schnitzel & Things is on 51st btw. Park+Mad, and both Comme Ci Comme Ca and Crisp on Wheels are testing out 39th and 9th Ave (but these days you'll probably want to double check the ML Twitter Tracker before heading out.)

‘wichcraft Opens Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Kiosk in Bryant Park

'wichcraft Ice Cream Kiosk

The long-standing ‘wichcraft kiosks in Bryant Park recently got a new outpost, an ice cream kiosk (40th btw 5+6th) close to the carousel. As far as I know, this is actually the first ‘wichcraft foray into ice cream, and they’ve decided to source their ice cream from Van Leeuwen! This actually makes a lot of sense knowing that ‘wichcraft likes to use organic and local products when available. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I headed over to the kiosk, but I ended up finding one of the cheapest ice cream treats around.

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Crumbs Times Square Opens Today With Massive Giveaway: Crumbs is ringing the NASDAQ bell today, and to celebrate they're giving away free cupcakes to the first 50 people at every single store.  It also coincides with the grand opening of their new store on 42nd and 8th Ave. where they're giving away 1000 free cupcakes starting at 7am.  Can't make it?  Every customer will get a free coffee with bakery purchases during the first two weeks of the store’s opening (until September 8th.)

Contributor Stalking (The “Glorious Seafood” edition)

Jalea Mixta at Urubamba in Jackson Heights. Photo by Donny.

Blondie took a beach day and ate burgers and ice cream in the Rockaways, Brownie discovered Canadian-style “All Dressed” potato chips in Maine, Donny had some tasty Peruvian food at Urubamba in Queens, Brian trekked to The Bronx to try the peanut punch at Ali’s Trinidad Roti Shop and I’m still traveling, but my photos of David Kinch in the Bon Appetit test kitchen were just published.

Elsewhere in the ML universe… Jamie had chicken soup at El Costoño in Philly, Andrea checked out the original Harry’s Italian Downtown, and Zach found Japanese curry and Italian pasta together at Fat Spoon in Downtown LA.

Half off Atomic Wings: Another day, another deal.  If you like Atomic Wings, the just out of bounds hot wings spot on 9th Ave. btw. 39+40th, you'll want to check out today's Google Offers deal.  Get $10 worth of wings, waffle fries, salads and more at Atomic Wings, for just $5.

Famous Dal Wagon’s Puri Bhaji is a Great Side Dish

Famous Dal Cart

A few weeks ago, Brownie discovered that Famous Dal Wagon (on 39th+6th) was offering Puri Bhaji, something neither of us had ever had. Well my curiosity finally got the best of me and I can say her nut allergy worries shouldn’t have been a concern. Puri Bhaji is definitely one of the better lunch deals around town, especially if you’re looking for a lighter Indian lunch.

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