Midtown Lunch

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 Grace, a Vegetarian from Long Beach who doesn’t understand why NYC can’t be home to decent Mexican food.

Name: Grace

Age: 32

Occupation: Director of Production

Where in Midtown do you work? NYC garment district @ a contemporary womens clothing company called Yoana Baraschi.

Favorite Kind of Food: I’m a vegetarian, so anything with fresh delicious veggies is a win. I’m a sucker for a good sandwich, and I’ll never turn a vegetarian mezze plate.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Pickles, pancakes, baked potatoes & French toast.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Pomodoro on 9th btw 38+39th. Everything is amazing, a few of my favorites are the carrot soup, beet salad & caprese sandwich. They use great bread and everything is super fresh! Cafe Piccolo on 40th between 7th & 8th. Don’t get me wrong, I love your basic egg on a roll that you can get at any deli in this city, but when I want an egg sandwich, and don’t want to look like I’m trying to cure a hang over, Cafe Piccolo is the place to go. I like to think of it as a “classy” egg sandwich. Really fresh, and they have all sorts of good extras like truffle! Kati Roll on 39th between 5th & 6th. Is there anything better than a warm paratha bread wrap filled with spicy & savory potatoes (aloo masala)?? This place is a god send in restaurant wasteland otherwise known as The Garment District. It’s a little bit of a walk from my office, but worth it if I can spare the time. Buongiorno Espresso Bar on 38th & 9th ave. They make a mean cup of coffee & brew their ice tea fresh when you order. A MUCH better alternative to Starbucks.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? At least one person orders from Pomodoro each day. I’m fairly certain we are their best customers!

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Back in Long Beach, CA. There are so many great little family owned restaurants serving every type of cuisine that you could imagine. Good, simple, authentic, no fuss stuff.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? Why is it impossible for restaurants in New York to make decent Mexican food???

Want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.