Midtown Lunch

Ed Levine Gives AQ Kafe a C: Ed Levine weighs in on the newly opened AQ Kafe (Broadway btw. 57+58th) on Serious Eats: New York, and finds it pretty disappointing. He didn't like the Swedish meatball sandwich, and almost all of the over $10 entree type dishes. There are one or two worthwhile items, but in the end says "you'll probably fare better at Le Pain Quotidien" (two locations in Midtown). [Serious Eats: New York]

Oh, Well That Explains It: Pop Burger is just raising their prices to pay for the lawyers they'll need to defend themselves against the Campbell's Soup Company.  Well that makes me feel better. [via Eater]

Even ‘Recession Special’ Hit By Recession: The New York Times reported yesterday that Gray's Papaya, which has a Midtown location on 8th Ave. and 37th Street, will be raising the price of its famous "recession special" (2 dogs and a drink) from $3.50 to $4.45. *Sigh* Is nothing sacred?

Midtown Lunch Commenters Are the Greatest: Finally, a Midtown Lunch commenter did what nobody else seems to want to do... reveal the winner of the Throwdown between Bobby Flay and the Dessert Truck. Before I give you the link, you have to promise first to watch the episode anyway, so that nobody at Food Network gets mad at "Seth" for ruining the surprise. Done?  Ok, here it is.

Morning Truck Report: The Treats Truck is now serving a bunch of Halloween themed treats, and they'll be parked on 45th btw. 6+7th today. The Wafels and Dinges Truck will have their pork topped waffles again today, but unfortunately for most of us, they'll be parked just south of Midtown on 27th Street and Park Ave.

Does “Dinges” Include Pulled Pork?: From the Wafels and Dinges Truck's twitter this morning: "We're on 45th between 6th and 7th today. Today we have a LUNCH SPECIAL: Smoked Pulled Pork BBQ on a waffle with coleslaw and sweet BBQ sauce."  Oh yeah? That could be interesting.  Photos and/or reports from anybody who tried this are completely encouraged.

More Mobile Sweets Action: The Vendy Awards are just 2 days away, and yesterday AMNY did a feature on the four dessert nominees (The Treats Truck, Dessert Truck, Wafels and Dinges, and Van Leuewen Ice Cream), three of which park in Midtown during lunchtime.  There's also a Treats Truck recipe for those who want to make Cran-Almond squares at home.

Only Because It’s Tough Out There Right Now: It pains me to post this email I just got: "I know how much you hate the generic delis, but wanted to let you know that a new Cafe Europa opened on Madison btw 42nd and 43rd Street, and they're offering $2 breakfasts (muffin and coffee, bagel and coffee, egg white sandwiches), and $6 lunches.  Not sure how long this will last, but might as well take advantage until the price goes up 50% for real."  (Is this really a deal?) For those who must... *shudder*

Dessert Truck/Food Network Day of Truth: Today from 2 to 6 p.m. is the big Dessert Truck/Food Network taping in Union Square, and we are still dying to know if it is indeed a Throwdown. Did anybody RSVP to go? We hear there are non-disclosure agreements involved... but we promise not to tell a soul. *wink wink* Email tips to zach@midtownlunch.com

Best $1 Eats In New York: The New York Times City Blog has compiled a list of the best $1 snacks in New York from recommendations made by me, Serious Eats New York, and Cheap Ass Food. It includes such ML favorites as 99 Cent Fresh Pizza and the slightly out of bounds Piece of Chicken. Plus the $1 Chinatown hot dogs that Daniel wrote about in his Downtown Lunch column.