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.

Continuing the month of healthy eating with Flatiron Lunch, we have Sweetgreen, an import from the D.C. area. When they opened, I notified a friend or two in the area to check them out, and a friend, that used to live in D.C., made sure I knew how much she loves their caesar salad. The New York Times even picked up their story and their passion for ingredients.

For those FL’ers interested in any type of design or architecture, Sweetgreen is worth a visit. The back wall is covered with wooden bleachers, yes, like in your high school gymnasium. Each ingredient in the bar has its own spot on the buffet, and it all looks very modern and clean.

It seems like they make an effort to keep similar toppings together so there is less of a risk of cheese or nuts ending up where they shouldn’t for those with allergies. I also loved that they asked me if I wanted “light, medium or heavy” dressing. Considering I loathe an overdressed salad, I appreciated that they made a point to ask before they started pouring. “On the side” is the silent dressing option.

Looking at the menu online in advance, I knew I had to get the guac greens ($9.65) with roasted chicken, avocado, tomatoes, red onion and crushed tortilla chips. Since I would make this salad for myself, I knew the ingredients would determine how much I liked this salad. The roast chicken had spicy seasoning which elevated it from normal grilled chicken.

The squeeze of lime on the salad was a wonderful idea in theory, but the flavor was a little too intense. Even worse, it started to soften the tortilla chips, which kills their crunch.

The earth bowl ($9) also caught my eye. Made with grains, arugula, roast chicken, white cheddar, grape tomatoes, raw corn and spicy broccoli. This is going to be the only time I will ever say this, but I think the hunks of cheese didn’t add much. I can’t believe I said that. But maybe a crumbled feta would be better. The spicy broccoli, the crispy corn and the pesto dressing were all perfect.

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

• This roasted chicken is almost too good for a salad.
• Better ingredients than every other salad bar in town.
• Sweetgreen is healthy for my body and my sense of style.

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

• Salad is a salad is a salad.
• The prices are high and a make-your-own salad will be above $10.
• The high-design doesn’t mean the ingredients are better.

Sweetgreen, 1164 Broadway btwn 27th and 28th Streets, (646) 449-8884