Name: Ada

Age: 21

Occupation: Study Coordinator at Bellevue Hospital Emergency Department/Senior at Barnard College/ Food blogger

Favorite Kind of Food: Sushi, ice cream sundaes, salads (I’m an anomaly, I know), seared tuna, ostrich burgers

Least Favorite Kind of Food: mayonnaise (yuck), bone marrow, blue cheese

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Baoguette (on Lex btw. 25+26th) for some mean bahn mi sandwiches, Saravaana Bhavan (on Lex btw. 26+27th) for lunchtime thalis/dosas, the second floor of Kalustyan’s market for inexpensive lentil sandwiches, Murray’s Falafel (on 1st btw. 15+16th) for the awesomely monikered Shwafel.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? ThaiNY (on 3rd btw. 28+29th), for the $7.50 lunch special. Mostly out of convenience, though, rather than quality.

Places you have discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? I owe you guys big time for revealing the wonders of Woorjip! (on 32nd btw. B’way+5th)

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Probably somewhere in Maine. I could definitely get used to daily lobster rolls served with an ocean view.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? Where should a newly-christened 21 year old gal go for post-work Friday happy hour?

ML commenters may not be the best group for a “newly-christened 21 year old gal” to ask. (I shudder to think what they may say.) Might I direct you instead to our weekly happy hour column? As always, if you want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Joe D.

Age: 43

Occupation: Food Writer

Where in Midtown do you Work?: These days I live and work in beautiful Rego Park, Queens, and eat almost exclusively in Queens. For many years I worked at Rockefeller Center.

Favorite Kind of Food: Ethnic soul food, what I like to think of as grandma food. Food that has a very strong connection to culture and conmmunity. Stuff like eating crispy pata–fried pork leg–in a Filipino joint in Woodside’s Little Manila. Come to think of it I do have a strong affinity for pork.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Bad fried food. Bad Thai. It’s almost as if the operators of such places have this idea that “this is what we think you think Thai food is…you don’t know the difference any way. Eat up!” (Insert Mexican, or any other “ethnic” cuisine.)

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Pulpo salad, Cuban sandwich, and chicken at Margon (on 46th btw. 6+7th). Any thing at Tehuitzingo Deli (on 10th Ave. btw. 47+48th), particularly the pancita de chivo, a sort of goat blood sausage. Gyoza set at Sapporo (on 49th btw. 6+7th). Friekedele at Hallo Berlin.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? We used to do a lot of special occasion lunches at Ruby Foo’s, which was not as bad as I thought it would be, but got old pretty quick. I used to hit Hale & Hearty quite often when I was in a rush.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Hong Kong. Two words :dim sum.

As always, if you want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Sara

Age: 22

Occupation: Student at FDU

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Former intern on the Rachael Ray Show

Favorite Kind of Food: Any Spanish food and/or comfort food

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Can’t think of one (serious.)

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Potbelly Sandwich Shop for the Roast beef sandwich with lettuce, tomato & italian seasoning. 696 Deli (on 3rd btw. 43+44th) for their Bacon Egg & Cheese. Sophie’s Cuban for the Ropa Vieja with rice & beans & their empanadas are legit too! Blarney Stone (on 3rd btw. 45+46th) for their Rotisserie Chicken with 2 sides or Hamburger Lunch Special. Mangu Dominican Restaurant’s Sancocho Soup. And McFaddens on 2nd btw. 42+43rd for their Shepherds Pie

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? 696 Deli

Place(s) you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? I went to Blarney Stone once before I saw it on Midtown Lunch. I saw the review and got the chicken so I was happy I went again! I love it!

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Any city, well preferably New York, Philly or even Boston. I fell in love with Midtown East while I interned and even started my own blog: Small Chick Big Deals that has reviews of those places and more! I love all of the variety in the city!

Anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? Which food trucks are the best and where are they located in NYC!

Go an answer for Sara? Put it in the comments. And, as always, if you want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Patrick

Age: 35

Occupation: Editor at Maxim

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Midtown East

Favorite Kind of Food: Italian and Chinese

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Overcooked meat. It’s like, what’s the point?

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Fried Oyster Po’ Boy from Grand Central Oyster Bar, Double Cooked Sliced Pork Belly from Szechuan Gourmet (on 39th btw. 5+6th), Cuban sandwich from Margon (on 46th btw. 6+7th).

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Uncle Gussy’s cart (on 51st and Park). The food is consistently good and–even though I’m straight–I have a total man-crush on the bald guy there.

Place(s) you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? The Trini Paki Boys Cart (on 43rd and 6th). I love doubles!

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? I’ve never been, but maybe Saigon? All the pho and bánh mì I could eat, plus I’ve always wanted to drink from a bag.

Anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? Is there anywhere in this city with decent Buffalo wings?

Go an answer for Patrick? Put it in the comments. And, as always, if you want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Sarah

Age: 22

Occupation: Operations Assistant

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Bryant Park Corporation (Twitter @34thStNYC, probably know as the “cafeteria” for all you Midtown lunchers. People watching in the park is really amusing, and I’ve seen lunches & lunchers of all types.

Favorite Kind of Food: I love my starchy foods, anything with corn, yams, chestnuts, hash browns, probably because I’m from the Great White North. And the usual Thai and Viet food: Bahn mi, pad thai, summer rolls. For dessert: Laduree macarons. For anytime: oyster and more oysters.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Generally bland overpriced sandwiches you are eating just because you didn’t have breakfast. ( I’m looking at your Pret a Manger; why do you stuff an entire cucumber in your wraps?). Also Subway: is it just me or does every Subway restaurant have this particular weird smell? I’m extremely sad I can’t eat anything of theirs because $5 subs looks like a great deal for lunch.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: For the past few week it has been at the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, though the shops just closed for the season this week. They had Vegetarian Oasis food kiosk and Daisy’s Grits, which I had for the first time, kind of taste like congee.  Le Pain Quotidien, great spot for quality food and a great ambiance, you feel relaxed even though you probably don’t have long to scarf down your organic whatever salad. The only downside is that the portions are too small for guys.  Szechuan Gourmet (39th & 6th)has the most authentic Chinese takeout I’ve gotten on this side of the ocean. Korean food in Ktown is generally my answer to the dearth of diverse food choices around here. I love Arirang for their handmade noodles. Bisques at Hale & Hearty, and Oren’s for their coffee and baked goods ( The Donut Plant donuts and Balthazar almond croissants)

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Duke’s café around the corner, Crisp just across from our building.

Place(s) you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? Probably whenever food trucks are parked near me: Comme Ci Comme Ca, and Priceless NYC deals. Thanks Midtown Lunch!

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? I wish I could shop for lunch in the East Village and bring it up to Bryant Park to eat.

Anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? If you had to brave a tourist spot to eat at in Time Square, where would it be?

Go an answer for Sarah? Put it in the comments. And, as always, if you want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Christine

Age: 22

Occupation: Edit Assistant for a food show, food blogger on the side

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Smack dab in the 30s–an area most lacking in awesome food trucks

Favorite Kind of Food: Dumplings, truffles (both the sweet and savory kinds), peanut butter and jellies, brunch food, anything Korean, bacon, shakeshack burgers, macarons, Ippudo ramen, roasted brussels sprouts, Momofuku pork buns. Any meal involving a combination of the above would make me exceedingly full and happy. It’s hard to believe that I was a vegetarian just a year ago.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Thanksgiving leftovers, Ethiopian injera, lackluster salads with far too little topping. Just say no.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Cafe Zaiya (on 41st btw. Mad+5th) for Japanese comfort food (I may or may not have inhaled a curry pan for breakfast), Nanoosh (on Mad btw. 33+34th) for organic hummus made in-house, Ktown’s Food Gallery 32, Mandoo Bar, E-mo Kimbap, and Woorijip for cheap and delicious eats, currently the Flex donuts pop-up at Zocalo in Grand Central (who says dessert isn’t lunch…), Num Pang (on 41st btw. Lex+3rd) for “Vietnamese” “Cambodian” sandwiches, also the awesome selection of food vendors at Bryant Park/Columbus Circle Xmas Market.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Unfortunately, my midtown hood is somewhat uninspired in the food department. So the I’ve become far too familiar with the usual suspects like Hale & Hearty, Pret, yet another convenient deli, and suspect Japanese joints with menus 2340920934 items too long.

Place(s) you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? Cafe Zaiya, and my life is forever changed! Also the insane takeout lunch special at Miss Korea which I’ve taken advantage of quite a few times. And E-mo kimbap! I’m always searching for another lunch spot that doesn’t require a serious trek, and I’ve read about Dig Inn, Kati Roll, Mai Sushi, and Cafe China on ML, and will be trying all of these in the upcoming weeks.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Probably Seoul. If it wasn’t obvious already, Korean food is kind of my favorite (there may be a slight bias here). Seoul’s a culinary heaven full of everything I love, from greasy and delicious street food, to traditional dishes full of bold and punchy flavors (bibimbap, pajeon, etc etc the list goes on).

Anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? It’s hard to find good places to eat in the upper 30’s; it seems like most places I read about are at least 10 blocks away! Anywhere I should definitely try around the area?

Go an answer for Christine? Put it in the comments. And, as always, if you want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Caryn

Age: 23

Occupation: Program Coordinator

Where in Midtown do you Work?: 30 Rockefeller Plaza

Favorite Kind of Food: Really good hot, melty gourmet sandwiches with high quality cheese.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Sushi. It’s embarrassing for a foodie, but I just can’t get into it.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Since my lunch break is limited, I typically don’t stray far from the concourse of 30 Rock. But the billion options keep things interesting. For example: ‘Wichcraft’s Pressed Zucchini, Roasted Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Parmesan Panini deliciously tricks me into believing it’s a healthy option with all the veggies. When I’ve sat at my desk too long and it’s suddenly 3pm and I need to eat something monstrous, Potbelly’s Meatball Sub is my drug of choice. My co-worker is also addicted to their fresh baked chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. If I’m feeling Mexican, Tri Tip Grill’s burrito is really fresh and the chicken is juicy. For a lighter day, Hale and Hearty’s Sengalese Chicken with Peanuts soup with a half of Balsamic Chicken is satisfying. The limited-time Holiday Toastie from Pret a Manger (Roasted Turkey, Brie, Cranberry Sauce, Veggie Stuffing) is a festive addition to the lunch rotation. When I’m pretending to diet, I order Just Salad from their online system and pick it up 15 minutes later, which allows me to skip the massive line and avoid making excessive compulsive topping decisions.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Bill’s Bar and Burger. They’re always good for an (alcoholic) milkshake and some juicy sliders. We had a work lunch party there a few months ago where tater tots, buffalo wings, fries, sliders, mini milkshakes, and red velvet cheesecakes were passed around. It was by far the greatest day of my life this year. Also, Magnolia Cupcakes are an ever-present force in my office. Birthday? Magnolia. Coworker leaving? Magnolia. Crappy Tuesday? Magnolia.

Place(s) you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? Food trucks! The twitter tracker has been an incredibly valuable resource for finding roaming treats. Gorilla Cheese and Coolhaus are some of my favs. Also that Mastercard promotion with the free lunches was the bomb dot com.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Paris. When I went for a weekend in 2009, I made an itinerary strictly based on eating, with some museums and cultural attractions sprinkled in. French onion soup from Au Pied de Cochon, Ice cream at Berthillon, macarons from Pierre Hermes, fondue at Le Refuge des Fondus. Paris is a food heaven.

Anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? Yes, Midtown Lunchers I need your help!!! I’m responsible for ordering catering for 50+ people every week. As an avid Midtown Lunch reader and a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve tried to keep our dining choices interesting. However, there are only so many reasonably priced catering options that I know of and I’m going to have to start repeating meals. Do you have any suggestions for cheaper but delicious catering options? Thanks so much and happy eating!

Go an answer for Caryn? Put it in the comments. And, as always, if you want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Peg

Age: 45 (tomorrow!)

Occupation: Quantitative Analyst

Where in Midtown do you Work?: 55th & 6th

Favorite Kind of Food: Tasty.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Boring.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Jerk chicken at Jamaican Dutchy’s multimedia experience & food cart. Drunken noodles with pork at Topaz (56th bet 6th & 7th). Original or spicy Menchanko noodle soup at Menchanko Tei (55th bet 5th & 6th); with a side of shrimp or pork gyoza for a splurge. Cheeseburger & fries at The Burger Joint (56th bet 6th & 7th), Five Guys (55th bet 5th & 6th), or Island Burger (9th bet 51st & 52nd). Ma Paul Tofu at Wu Liang Ye (48th bet 5th & 6th). Falafel sandwich at Meze Grill (8th Ave bet 55th & 56th). Korean tacos at Bann Next Door (50th bet 8th & 9th). Korean tacos or superbowl from Korilla – bacon & kimchi fried rice is worth the extra $1. Cuban sandwich at Margon (46th bet 6th & 7th) or Tina’s Cuban (56th bet 5th & 6th). Coffee & panini at Zibetto (6th bet 56th & 57th). A pie at Angelo’s Pizza (57th bet 6th & 7th). Out of price range splurge: unagi rice box at Radiance Tea House (56th bet 6 & 7th), the eel-sashimi combination meal – a total deal! – at Ise (56 bet 5th & 6th), lobster salad BLT or grilled cheese & tomato soup combo at Bouchon Bakery (Columbus Circle).

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Our subsidized company cafeteria is the ultimate no-brainer go-to place. Great food (sorry fellow lunchers).

Place(s) you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? Too many to list since I’ve been a fan and follower of the midtown lunch site since their inception but here’s a few: free curry at MOMA, Jamaican Dutchy cart, and Taiwanese fried chicken from Cravings cart

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? NYC – the variety and availability of food in our city is unmatched. If I tire of the immediate neighborhood, the occasional field trip via the subway opens up fantastic ‘out of bounds’ choices – 5 dumplings for 1 buck at Prosperity Dumpling (Eldridge bet Hester & Canal), or killer chicken wings and absolutely anything else at Dinosaur BBQ (125th & 12th Ave), for example. How can you beat that?!

Anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? Do AUTHENTIC southern California fish tacos exist in midtown? OK, in NYC?

Go an answer for Peg? Put it in the comments. And, as always, if you want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Alexa

Age: 24

Occupation: Music Publisher and Musician

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Midtown East – 51st and Madison

Favorite Kind of Food: Generally Asian – Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean – as well as Italian and Polish/Eastern European. And Tacos.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Salads (usually too boring), Nuts (most things are just better without ‘em)

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Schnitzel & Things (the truck, when it’s parked on 51st between Madison and Park): The pork schnitzel platter with spicy Sriracha mayo, accompanied with beet salad and potato salad. Yes, I have a Schnitzel & Things sticker on my electric stapler…it looks good on there. Hing Won (48th Street btw. Rockefeller Plaza and 6th Ave): Cantonese Wonton Noodle Soup with Roast Pork. I’m a noodle soup junkie from when the temperatures start to drop to the most humid days of the summer. Glaze (Lexington Ave btw 54th and 55th Street): Salmon Teriyaki w/ a side of pork gyoza. Every time I go to this restaurant, I’m bound to hear Phoenix playing on their speakers and it makes me even more pumped to eat my salmon teriyaki. And, as a transplant from Seattle, this place tastes like home – it’s the real deal for Seattle teriyaki. Bian Dang (last encountered on 46th and Vanderbilt): Fried chicken over rice!

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Our office goes through phases of running a place into the ground. In the summer time, we were hitting up Uncle Gussy’s for their tasty lamby sammie (aka Lamb Gyro). They also have some of the most delicious french fries in Midtown. So crispy! Toasties is located in our building, and is always an option, purely out of laziness. Currently, as an office, we’ve been on a Chipotle kick as a result of one of my coworkers winning a 25-burrito party a few weeks ago. There were only 8 of us in the office that day, and each of us received three burritos (or tacos or burrito bowls). Chipotle totally duped us with that gimmick.

Place(s) you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? Most free eats and tips are thanks to Midtown Lunch. I first heard about Sprinkles Cupcakes when Midtown Lunch announced they had parked their promotional truck outside of Rockefeller Center with one thousand free cupcakes. My co-worker and I pretty much bolted out the door after that announcement, and the folks at Sprinkles were kind enough to give us a few extra to bring back to our office.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Japan. A country that has offered us the deliciousness that is udon, ramen, sushi, teriyaki, and sake? Take me there.

Anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? Does anyone else have a Schnitzel & Things sticker beautifully adorned in their cubicle? Please?

Want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Julia

Age: 23

Occupation: Account Executive

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Ad agency @ 41st and Madison

Favorite Kind of Food: The best kind of food is the free kind. After all, if it’s free, it’s for me! In terms of cuisine, I will never turn down Thai, Caribbean, or anything carby and cheese covered.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Salads that cost $9+. This is wrong.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Pork Curry Katsu at Sunrise Mart (on 41st btw. Mad+5th). Ropa Vieja with yellow rice and beans and “green sauce” at Sophie’s at 41st and 3rd. Pork belly sandwich at Num Pang (on 41st btw. Lex+3rd) with a liberal dousing of Sriracha. Giant bibimbap with a runny fried egg at Bibimbap Deli on 41st & Madison. A cream cheese & jelly blueberry bagel from Delmonico’s on Lexington & 41st (Favorited because I always get a heart drawn on my bagel foil).

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? I can be found most weekdays at either Yagura, Cafe Zaiya, or Sunrise Mart getting Pork Katsu Curry and multiple rice balls. I’d like to say that I buy this much food at once to satisfy credit card minimums, but my food coma at the end of the day would reveal otherwise.

Place(s) you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? Hop Won on 45th & Lexington. Ginormous, greasy packages of Chinese food tastiness. Half the menu is written in Chinese, so that means it’s authentic, right?

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Buenos Aires. I could brush up on my Spanish over chocolate con churros at breakfast and have steak and eggs on the beach during lunch. After work happy hours would consist of Flamenco dancing and impromptu castanet jam sessions, obviously.

Anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? For those of you that have actually been to Argentina, how realistic is my Buenos Aires scenario?

Got anything to say to Julia? Put it in the comments. And, as always, if you want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate) email editor@midtownlunch.com.