Midtown Lunch

You might have seen this news in the Midtown Lunch forums yesterday, but Wimbledon is being shown on a giant screen in Rock Center Plaza- and to celebrate they’re giving away free strawberries and cream every day this week. I was kind of skeptical at first (thinking maybe it was half a strawberry or some nonsense like that), but it’s the real deal.  Three big strawberries and a little cup of whipped cream (apparently it’s a Wimbledon tradition?) And it’s free.  Not bad!  (Obviously the whipped cream makes it.)  Get yours any day this week from Noon to 6pm in the Rock Center Plaza between 50th and 51st.

I guess technically it’s frozen yogurt, and I think the cookie was made of some sort of granola, but it tasted good to me. And it was full size, and free. 7th Ave btw 34+35th, on the west side of the street. Freeloaders engage.

Last night was the Citymeals-on-Wheels “Global Street Food” benefit at Rock Center that we gave away tickets to last week.  Midtown Lunch favorites like the Dessert Truck and the Treats Truck parked themselves alongside famous chefs from all over the country who were all serving “street food” inspired fare.  With a ticket price of $450+ it’s too expensive for most of us, but all the money went to benefit Citymeals-on-Wheels and I have to say- if I had money, this is what I would spend it on.  It’s easily one of the best food events of the year (although admittedly this years street food theme catered more to my personal tastes than previous years.)

It was also funny to see all these rich folks sidling up to one of the Red Hook Ballfield Vendor trucks for pupusas and fried plantains, and the Kogi BBQ table for kimchi quesadillas (most of them completely unaware of the madness that took place yesterday.)  I overheard one lady ask her son what kimchi was, and listened to him confidently explain that it meant “to cook something in the proper way.”  (It’s actually fermented Korean veggies, most commonly cabbage, but close enough guy.)

Of course none of this really has anything to do with finding lunch in Midtown, so for humoring me reading this useless post I’m going to give away my favorite new cookbook! (Which also has nothing to do with eating lunch in Midtown, but whatever.)

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Tomorrow (6/5) is National Doughnut Day, and Krispy Kreme has one upped Dunkin Donuts’ “free doughnut with a purchase of any drink” shenanigans. Krispy Kreme will also be giving away free doughnuts tomorrow no purchase required (one per customer, at participating locations of course.) Your move DD.

This just in… today is the free cupcake day for the newly opened Crumbs on Broadway btw. 52+53rd. They’re only giving away 1000, and the employee I just talked to on the phone said they’re already at #600. Of course, if you don’t make it there, there’s always the free waffle sample from Noon to 1pm at the Wafels and Dinges Truck on 45th btw. 6+7th. Freeloaders engage! (Thanks to Blondie and Brownie for the Crumbs tip.)

It’s not all terrible news for those of you who have to work today (5/25).  Hebrew National will be giving away 45,000 hot dogs for free on Broadway and 45th starting at 11 a.m., and once you’re done with that, head to 7th btw. 46+47th, where Virgil’s will be handing out free ribs from Noon to 2pm.