Midtown Lunch

Yesterday, I noticed an unfamiliar dessert truck on Park Ave. between 52nd and 53rd Streets, Andy’s Italian Ices. The truck has been spotted downtown before, but I haven’t seen it around these parts until now. They pride themselves on their large variety of Italian ice flavors, a healthier and “guilt-less” indulgence. They’ve got 45+ flavors in water ice, crème ice, and sugar-free ice varieties, plus a good deal of hot and cold caffeinated beverages.

Read more »

It’s been a while since I’ve eaten lunch from a food truck and even longer since I’d had good Mexican food in Midtown, so it was good fortune when I learned that the Tacos Juquilita food truck, a Mexican food truck that had been parked in front of the Mexican embassy (39th btw. Park+Madison) for a short time a while back, had once again returned.

A couple years ago, when the truck first appeared, Donny T. reviewed Juquilita’s tacos and tamales. The tacos were found to be a bit wanting, but unfortunately Juquilita was kicked out of its embassy spot by the police before it got a chance to hit a stride, and moved to 28th St. at 6th Ave.

Read more »

The Go Go Curry eating championship is in its fifth year and for the big milestone they’re upping the ante a bit.  The U.S. winner will be flow to Japan to compete in next year’s Japanese competition.  There are three more chances to qualify  the next one being tomorrow (6/5) from 6-8pm.  There’s a $20 registration fee and contestants will be judged on how quickly they can eat 2 walk-sized plates (small) of original curry without cabbage. The top 4 times will advance to the finals on July 6th to compete against the Japanese champ.  The winner will get a $500 gift card, $55 worth of Go Go Curry, and trip to Japan for next years competition. Runners up will get a $200 gift card and $55 worth of Go Go Curry. For all the details and remaining chances to qualify, go to the Go Go Curry website.  Good luck!

I feel like most New Yorkers have been to a Blockheads at some point or other, if not for the food, then for the super cheap margaritas. They’ve got locations all over Manhattan, including a few in midtown. Until last week, I didn’t consider the place to be in the realm of Midtown Lunch possibilities (it’s more of a sit-down type restaurant), but then I happened to see this sign outside of the 2nd Avenue location (between 51st Street and 50th Street)…

Read more »

It’s a new month and that means new sandwich specials at both Cer Te (on 55th btw. 5+6th) and Pizza by Cer Te (on 56th btw. Park+Lex)! Cer Te’s getting their summer lobster fix on early with lobster salad on a sweet and savory french toast (whoa) to make for the Count of Stonington. But the one that I’m most excited about is Pizza By Cer Te’s new ravioli burger.  What’s a ravioli burger you ask?  Try a jumbo meatball sandwiched between two house made raviolis.  Done and done.  Early adopters, let us know what you think in the comments.

If you’re looking for an after work snack the annual Taste of Times Square is this afternoon on 46th btw. Times Square and 9th Ave. Everything is $1-6 and there are always some really good bites hidden amongst the touristy chains. Plus this year features new vendors Bareburger, Shake Shack, and La Pulperia- the newish seafood place in Hells Kitchen that’s a bit out of ML price range. Plus Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar will be there, so if you’ve ever wanted to try it but didn’t want to be caught dead inside the restaurant, here’s your chance! Get more info here>>

The more noodly ML readers might recall that almost a year ago to the day, we reported on Tabata’s second location opening on 8th Ave. A reader sent us a photo of the signage, now up on 8th at 38th (right next to 2 Bros) and we swung by. The photo above shows the storefront papered off with a lot of clutter in the very tiny space, with construction permits expiring on 6/13. The original Tabata is but one long and one short block away – wonder how much draw this’ll get? We’ll be sure to report on them when they open, because a hot bowl of ramen is ten times better when it’s 90 degrees outside!

• Get the combo, but avoid the fish at Domo Taco [Food in Mouth]
• Salvation Taco got zero stars from Pete Wells [NYT]
• Cafe Grumpy is coming to 39th & 7th Ave. [Grub Street]
• The Famous Halal Guys on 53rd & 6th are one of the 10 best cheap eats in NYC [Gothamist]