Midtown Lunch

Finally Some Praise for Obika: Restaurant Girl posts her list of best under $10 bites, and the take out menu at Obika makes the cut. "Order anything with mozzarella, especially the salted croissant stuffed with prosciutto or the ciabatta sandwich with basil and tomato."  Also on the list... Midtown Lunch favorite Woorijip (on 32nd btw. 5th+Bway.)

Are You Dressed As a Burrito Today?: Eater posted a photo of the huge line for free sandwiches at Pret earlier today.  But we're a little more interested in seeing photos of people dressed like burritos to get free food from Chipotle at 6 p.m. Photos of you (or your co-workers) are welcomed at zach@midtownlunch.com

Last Day For Bon Appetit Pop Up Cafe: It's the last day to go to the Bon Appetit Pop Up Cafe on 57th btw. 7+8th... and I might have to stop by because today's special is a lamb burger from Michael Psilakis (Kefi, Mia Dona, Anthos).  It's $10, but whatever... that dude is awesome.

Today’s Free Pret Lunch is Confirmed: This morning in the comments: "I just went over to the new Pret Location at 44th and 3rd. They’ve started giving out flyers for a 'free lunch'. Good till gone." Showing up after 1 p.m. without a flier has worked for some in the past, but there's no guarantee.

Another Reason Not to Eat Lunch at Your Desk: Midtown Lunch has always been a strong proponent for getting out of the office for your full one hour lunch break, and our feelings are perfectly summed up by this graphic on Indexed.

Free Kyotofu Samples: It's just out of the Midtown Lunch boundaries, but if you find yourself eating lunch on 9th Avenue today than Kyotofu (the Japanese dessert bar/bakery/tofu place on 9th btw. 48+49th) will be giving out free samples of some of their new desserts in honor of their one year Annniversary.  Enjoy freeloaders.

Halloween Treats in Midtown: You already have heard about the Treats Truck's Halloween themed goodies, but there is also some crazy stuff to be had at Bouchon Bakery in the Time Warner Center (in Columbus Circle) and at a few of the places in the Grand Central Terminal Market (enter on Lexington & 43rd). None of them are as scary as the falafel sandwich I had at Crisp, but they'll do.

3 Lunchtime Sandwiches Worth Traveling Downtown For: Today's New York Times $25 and under column is about three sandwiches "worth taking an entire lunch hour to venture downtown" for, and it's hard to argue with any of the choices... especially if you've seen them on Serious Eats: New York (the site I am an editor for). Porchetta (which Ed Levine wrote about, and I've tried, and is amazing), Dogmatic (which Joe DiStefano wrote about, and looks amazing) and New York Hot Dog & Coffee (which I actually wrote about.)

Rainy Day Cart Update: Treats Truck has cancelled their service today because of the rain, but Wafels and Dinges (parked on 45th btw. 6+7th) and the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck (parked on 52nd and Lex) have vowed to stick it out, PLUS Wafels and Dinges will give you unlimited free toppings if you use the password "ELDRITCH". If you brave the rain, and notice any other carts not showing up (there will be a lot today), feel free to post them in the comments.)

Food Carts See Increase in Business: This radio interview Brian Lehrer did with three of the Vendy Award nominees was taped before the event this past weekend, but it's still interesting to listen to.  Especially the part about where the Calexico Cart and Kwik Meal (on 45th & 6th) both say they've seen an increase in business since the economic collapse. [WNYC]