Midtown Lunch

Every Friday we go south of the ML boundaries in search of a delicious lunch. Sometimes it’s Murray Hill south or the Flatiron District, sometimes Gramercy and everything in between- but we just like to call it Flatiron Lunch.

For those of you still observing a New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier, Flatiron Lunch is here for you. Through the end of the month, we will try to highlight healthier options, or at least “healthier “ options. For those of you with no plans to eat more sensibly, you might be surprised by how genuinely tasty these options are – health aside.

Terri is a vegetarian and organic restaurant right next door to a New York Health and Racquet club, which reminds me a little of when there used to be a ‘Wichcraft attached to an Equinox on Park Avenue. I always assumed that everyone ruined the good of their workout before even leaving the building. With smoothies and juices, Terri can offer great post-workout options, but I am sure enough people get distracted by the rest of the menu. With only a few stools at a countertop, Terri is really only a to-go place. The breakfast sandwiches also look appealing.

On my first visit, I ordered the hummus and avocado wrap ($8.05). I figured that smoked tofu was a better protein option than imitation chicken or tuna.

With the wrap perfectly grilled on the outside and the super-rich combo of hummus and avocado, this was one of the most decadent sandwiches I have ever had. It was hot, creamy and very filling.

After such a successful wrap, I went back to try something more. But not fear, I skipped over the salads, and opted for a “meatball” sub sandwich. Before you start complaining about fake meatballs and daiya cheese, I will tell you that I shared the sandwich with a friend who is a confirmed meat eater and loves Italian sandwiches (meatball, chicken parm, etc). Of course, I didn’t tell him it wasn’t real meat in the meatballs until after he said how good it was and asked me where I got it. When I told him it was vegan, he said, “So what you mean is that the cows that the meatballs are made from were vegans?” Amazing. The toasted rosemary bread (not vegan?) made the sandwich even better.

THE + (What people who like this place will say)

• Rich combinations of vegetarian ingredients come together perfectly.
• Fake meat that passes as real.
• Grilled sandwiches and wraps add a level of flavor.

THE – (What people who don’t like this place will say)

• A very unmemorable quinoa salad.
• No meat? No meat!
• This place can’t really be healthy.

Terri, 60 West 23rd Street, btwn 5th and 6th Avenue, (212) 647-8810