Midtown Lunch

The question of ‘Who makes the best phở?’ is a hotly debated topic – NoVa versus Seattle versus NorCal versus SoCal – it’s a showdown with an impossible conclusion. But I doubt that I’d get too many dissenting opinions if I proclaimed New York’s pho joints to be generally mediocre, with even lousier options in Midtown Manhattan. But we should work with what we have. After multiple visits to the newly opened Cha Pa’s Noodles and Grill (on 52nd btw. 8+9th), I’ve found that the quality of the food and maturity of the service has markedly improved. And they serve, in my humble opinion, one of the best bowls of phở that I’ve tasted in Midtown.

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Is there such thing as the perfect sandwich? Perfection is subjective, but a proper bánh mì comes close to that lofty moniker in my opinion. In the pursuit of a good bánh mì in Midtown, we’ve tried fancy versions, we’ve tried bad versions, we’ve tried vegetarian versions, we’ve tried chain restaurant versions, and now we’ve finally tried the version at the newly opened ChaPa’s Noodle and Grill (on 52nd btw. 8+9th).

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At long last, the enigmatic ChaPa’s Noodle and Grill (52nd between 8th & 9th) has opened to the public. Until only yesterday, the actual theme of the restaurant (aside from being about “noodles and grill”) was a mystery, and when we found out that these noodles and grilled food would be Vietnamese, we got really excited. So excited that I sloshed through some seriously crummy weather to check it out after work. I was, for the most part, pleased with what I saw and tasted. However, since this was their first night of operation, it would be unfair to comment on the food. Instead, here’s a preview of what you might get for lunch.
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Remember how back in March we thought that Totto Ramen might take over Bombay Eats (the former home of Indian pizza on 52nd btw. 8+9th). Well, Totto Ramen did end up opening on that block, but in a different spot… and it looks like Bombay Eats is still becoming a noodle spot. Thanks to Lunch’er Andy who sent over this photo yesterday of the new sign that is now up on Bombay Eats. We have no clue what exactly Cha Pa’s Noodles and Grill is, but we’re excited to find out.