Midtown Lunch

Between yesterday and Today the Jamaican Dutchy (which has been M.I.A. from 51st and 7th for almost 3 months) realized that Monday is a holiday, so they are postponing their return by one more day. They’ll be back on Tuesday, and they’ll be armed with a bunch of new menu items. Hamburgers, salmon burgers, turkey burgers, and the previously mentioned “Jamaican Dogs” will be added to the menu this Tuesday. Plus they are planning on doing some sort of different special every Tuesday from now on. The inaugural special? Salt fish with beans.

I spoke with O’neill, the owner of the Jamaican Dutchy, yesterday and he filled me in on how a 3 week vacation has turned into 6 weeks. Apparently his permit is up for renewal, and the final meeting is on Thursday. If all goes well, he hopes to reopen a week from Monday. He also let me know that he’s got plans for some crazy specials every Tuesday. The first one will be a Jamaican beef stew topped hot dog (a Jamaican chili dog if you will.) Nice. I think I speak for everyone when I say: “Can’t wait to have you back.”

Photo courtesy of Chez Pim via Twitter

I remember the first time the Jamaican Dutchy’s stew peas entered my radar screen. They’ve been serving it as a Thursday special forever, but it never quite clicked that this was a must try dish until a few months ago. I emailed a former co-worker of mine, who is Jamaican, to ask if she would go with me to Jerk Pan, the newish Jamaican cart on Park Ave. and 48th Street. Her reply:

“Any day but Thursday — it’s Jamaican Dutchy’s ‘stew peas’ special day, LOL”

Really? So this day is blocked off permanently in your calendar. That’s crazy. Maybe it’s about time I tried these “stewed peas”.

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With all the bad stories we’ve been hearing about vendors lately, it’s good to read about one who is giving back. (Sadly I don’t think poor Midtown office workers qualify as “needy”.)

In what shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody, the map part of this morning’s New York Times article about Midtown Lunching meant big business for some of our favorite carts today. The famous Halal Cart (on the SE corner of 53rd and 6th) had a longer line than I’ve ever seen (maybe to try their new kofta kebab?), there were reports of longer than normal lines at the Biryani Cart, and the Jamaican Dutchy ran out of jerk chicken before Noon. (Apparently there are a few people in Midtown who read the New York Times?) Anybody go to XPL, or one of the other spots on the list? Reports are welcome in the comments…

Bobby Flay showed up at the Jamaican Dutchy (on 51st and 7th) this morning with cameras in tow. Apparently he has an escoviche throwdown planned for next Friday, and enlisted O’Neil at the Dutchy to give him some pointers. This isn’t he first time Bobby Flay has gone to a Midtown Lunch cart for help. Apparently he got assistance from the Kwik Meal cart for his falafel battle against Taim (although I haven’t been able to track down video of it!)

Related:
Bobby Flay Throws Down With the Dessert Truck
Gold Medalist Usain Bolt Visits the Jamaican Dutchy Cart!