Name: Jen

Age: 32

Occupation: Grant Writer

Where in Midtown do you work? Bryant Park

Favorite Kind of Food: Anything that’s spicy. I love exxxtra hot Thai and Indian curry. Peruvian aji sauce = amazing. I’m always looking for great Buffalo Wings. Piri Piri chicken needs to happen in this city, stat.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: I’m wary of raw seafood and fish dishes, but I’ll usually still eat it if it’s there.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Right now? Go! Go! Curry (on 38th btw. 7+8th), Bian Dang, Comme Ci Comme Ca, and Cinnamon Snail.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Zeytinz (on 40th btw. 5+6th). Huge sandwiches and a bibimbap bar.

Places you have discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? I haven’t been working in midtown long, so almost everything I eat is recommended by Midtown Lunch.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Hong Kong. You can find off-the-beaten-path restaurants on any floor of any building, not just by the service elevators.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? What’s your number one choice of an authentic cuisine you would bring into Midtown that you just can’t find (under $10)?

Got an answer for Jen? Put it in the comments. Want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Brooke

Age: 26

Occupation: Attorney Editor for a legal publishing company

Where in Midtown do you work? 46th & 3rd Ave.

Favorite Kind of Food: Italian, Sushi, Mexican…and really good buffalo wings. I went to college in Buffalo so I have pretty high standards for buffalo wings now, and really, who doesn’t love buffalo wings?

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Quiche…just the thought of it makes me sick.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: I’m a big fan of the chicken (original or grilled) wraps at Schnitzel and Things (45th and 3rd). It’s right by my office so it’s convenient and they give a pretty great amount of food for the money. Pulled duroc pork sandwiches from Num Pang (41st btwn 3rd & Lex). I also really like the salads and platters at Uncle Gussy’s (always parked at the corner of 51st and Park). Nick and Franky are two of the nicest people serving food in Midtown, they’re always so friendly, they leave you and your stomach happy.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Well, I’m pretty sure my coworkers invest so much money into the Pret next door that they could pretty much own it by now. However, I prefer Cowgirl caterers (53rd & 3rd) for go-to salads.

Places you have discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? I check the site daily for recommendations and new ideas. I love trying out new food trucks and this blog has been my guide. Schnitzel, Num Pang, Uncle Gussy’s, Gorilla Cheese, Falafel King, Pizza by Cer Te, pretty much anywhere I eat I found through ML.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Do I really have to pick one location? My dream job would involve traveling all over so I can experience the fare in all different places . I’m not picky and I love discovering/trying new food, so having to pick one location just seems so unfair.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? Since a few of my friends and I decided to start a happy hour gathering every other week, where we will be rotating around to different places in the city, where are the best places for happy hour (preferably in Midtown)? And good wings?

Got an answer for Brooke? Put it in the comments. Want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Mike

Age: 34

Occupation: Non-profit marketer

Where in Midtown do you work? 61st & Columbus

Favorite Kind of Food: Mexican

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Chinese-American (I won’t say Chinese because I’ve never had the real stuff)

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Chai Thai (55th and 8th) – super tasty, quick and cheap sit-down joint. The Pad Sea Eiw is like crack. The Flame Diner (58th and 9th) – dependable diner food; vines on the ceiling. Turkey burger and turkey club are standards. Halal Food Cart (61st and Broadway) – in a land of a thousand Halal carts, the guy with the beanie hat is king. Chicken over rice goodness for just $5.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Alan’s Marketplace (60th and Columbus) – salad and sandwich combos that fill you up and don’t break the bank. Try a make-your-own salad or any of the numbered sandwiches (including a better-than-it-should-be Chicken Parmesan – #19)

Places you have discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? Tacos Y Quesadillas Mexico – I love this truck, even though it’s “out of bounds” (as are most of my places). Quick, flavorful and (what I’m told is) authentic Mexican street food that really satisfies.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? I’ve been watching a lot of No Reservations lately, and I’m always overwhelmed by the food stalls in Singapore. Looks like an awesome place to have lunch…forever. I also love food trucks, so maybe LA or San Francisco?

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? Any strategies for grabbing lunch at Whole Foods without going over $10?

Got an answer for Mike? Put it in the comments. Want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Yesbelt

Age: 32

Occupation: Assistant and Blogger

Where in Midtown do you work? 46th & Park and 48th & Madison

Favorite Kind of Food: Pizza! I can eat it all the time but it has to be good as I’ve become a bit of a pizza snob. I also really like sandwiches and I don’t discriminate, I like all kinds. I find it hard to be disappointed by Mexican food; tacos and enchiladas are so good.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: It’s hard to answer this but I’m going to go with authentic Chinese. I just think it is scary.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: 48th St between Madison and 5th has three of my favorite places. Mangia: the food is so good especially the Telera sandwich, anything in the food court, and the fresh juices. Toasties has delicious and creative sandwiches and a very good hot food buffet. Hatsuhana has the freshest and best tasting Sushi around; I like to go there when I want to treat myself.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Toasties and Pret a Manger. Toasties because the sandwiches are awesome and Pret a Manger because its two doors down.

Places you have discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? Udon West, which has great udon and dumplings. Also, the food truck twitter tracker keeps me in the know as twitter is blocked at work.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Naples, Italy so I can have amazing pizza and pasta every day.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? Where can I find really good pizza in midtown?

Got an answer for Yesbelt? Put it in the comments. Want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Ross

Age: 26

Occupation: Finance (day) / DJ (night)

Where in Midtown do you work? Markit, 40th & 8th Avenue, in the NY Times Building

Favorite Kind of Food: Mexican

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Cheap sushi

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Shorty’s (on 9th btw. 41+42nd) for their classic and Mozzarella Triangles, Potbelly’s wreck, Italian, and chicken Salad, Tabata Noodle (on 9th btw. 39+40th) for their shuo and miso ramen (spicy ramen is amazing as well), and Totto Ramen (on 52nd btw. 8+9th) for the Totto spicy Ramen and Totto miso ramen.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Potbelly’s & NYtimes Cafeteria

Places you have discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? El Sabroso (on 37th btw 7+8th) & Shamas Deli (on 38th btw. B’way+7th)

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Barcelona, went for a weekend in April 2011 and was blown away by the food there. Purely amazing and delicious.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? Where is the best breakfast in Midtown West?? Have been unable to find anything mind boggling yet.

Got an answer for Ross? Put it in the comments. Want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Megan

Age: 22

Occupation: Digital Strategist

Where in Midtown do you work? The wonderful corner of 57th and 3rd.

Favorite Kind of Food: Vietnamese, Dim Sum, Brussels sprouts and all the sandwiches of the world.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Bean sprouts

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: The Buffalo Artichoke and Italian Wedding slices at Pizza by Cer Te on 56th btwn Lex and Park are killer (dab a little bit of their habenero sauce for an extra kick). At Chola Eclectic Indian Cuisine on 58th btwn 3rd and 2nd, $8 gets you all-the-indian-food-you-can-stuff-into-a-to-go-container and it’s pretty damn good but always makes me super sleepy. Korilla BBQ was awesome but then they stopped parking at 56th and Lex (what’s up with that?).

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? We’re in the deserted wasteland of Midtown East so there’s slim pickins. Our most frequented establishments are Pizza by Cer Te on 56th btwn Lex and Park, the new location of Kati Roll on 53rd betwn 2nd and 3rd, El Rey Del Sabor on 60th btwn 3rd and Lex, La Baguette Cafe on Lex btwn 56th and 55th, C’est Bon Cafe on 57th btwn Lex and Park and XPL Cart on 53rd btwn 3rd and Lex.

Places you have discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch? El Rey Del Sabor! Thanks, Midtown Lunch! You’re the best!

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Chinatown, NYC. Words can’t describe my love for Chinatown. I try to eat down there once a week. There are so many amazing, cheap, hole-in-the-wall places. Dumplings, steamed buns, hand-pulled noodles, I LOVE IT ALL.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? Know of any good sushi lunch specials around the ‘hood?

Got an answer for Megan? Put it in the comments. Want to be next week’s Profiled: Midtown Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate)? Email editor@midtownlunch.com.

Name: Jessica

Age: 27

Occupation: Art Museum Worker Bee

Where in Midtown do you work? Flatiron, formally at 75 Rock

Favorite Kind of Food: I grew up around a lot of different cultures, so I have a lot of favorites. Sicilian, Colombian, Lebanese, Chinese … if I had to choose one dish I’d probably pick a big ol’ plate of rice, red beans and sweet plantains for my go to comfort food. Close seconds include: ANY pasta, pork dumplings, and Entenmann’s banana cake with the chocolate and the crumb topping (yup, I went there).

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Raw Onion, Yogurt.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: El Sabroso aka the garment district freight elevator, Qwik Meal, Hallo Berlin, Woorijip, the counter at Grand Central Oyster Bar.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? I would say the ubiquitous Bread and Butter, but I’ve been staging a personal boycott since it’s way overpriced and everything tastes faintly of soy yaki.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? I’ve done a fair amount of traveling and I’d have to say of all places I would pick Lahore, Pakistan … really. In the city they have a place called “Food Street” (actual name), where the sidewalks are lined with the most amazing array of food vendors imaginable, and there are tables in the center for you to hang out and snack. All Pakistani dishes — so no pork — but everything was out-of-this-world good (for the travelers out there, it makes an Asian night market look like the Manhattan Mall Food Court). I’d say the dish that sticks out the most was this large (at least 10 lb.) fish that was marinated in spices, breaded, deep fried and served whole … too good.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? If you could make an adult, Midtown Lunchable, what would you put in it?

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

Name: Grace

Age: 32

Occupation: Director of Production

Where in Midtown do you work? NYC garment district @ a contemporary womens clothing company called Yoana Baraschi.

Favorite Kind of Food: I’m a vegetarian, so anything with fresh delicious veggies is a win. I’m a sucker for a good sandwich, and I’ll never turn a vegetarian mezze plate.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Pickles, pancakes, baked potatoes & French toast.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Pomodoro on 9th btw 38+39th. Everything is amazing, a few of my favorites are the carrot soup, beet salad & caprese sandwich. They use great bread and everything is super fresh! Cafe Piccolo on 40th between 7th & 8th. Don’t get me wrong, I love your basic egg on a roll that you can get at any deli in this city, but when I want an egg sandwich, and don’t want to look like I’m trying to cure a hang over, Cafe Piccolo is the place to go. I like to think of it as a “classy” egg sandwich. Really fresh, and they have all sorts of good extras like truffle! Kati Roll on 39th between 5th & 6th. Is there anything better than a warm paratha bread wrap filled with spicy & savory potatoes (aloo masala)?? This place is a god send in restaurant wasteland otherwise known as The Garment District. It’s a little bit of a walk from my office, but worth it if I can spare the time. Buongiorno Espresso Bar on 38th & 9th ave. They make a mean cup of coffee & brew their ice tea fresh when you order. A MUCH better alternative to Starbucks.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? At least one person orders from Pomodoro each day. I’m fairly certain we are their best customers!

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Back in Long Beach, CA. There are so many great little family owned restaurants serving every type of cuisine that you could imagine. Good, simple, authentic, no fuss stuff.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? Why is it impossible for restaurants in New York to make decent Mexican food???

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

Name: Yaniv

Age: 37

Occupation: Education Software Designer

Where in Midtown do you work? Pearson, 37th and 7th Ave.

Favorite Kind of Food: Spicy, unusual, only-in-new-york, cheap

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Boring sandwiches, Pret a Manger

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Achari paneer rolls at Kati Roll (on 39th btw. 5+6th). Hot wings lunch special at Bon Chon (on 38th btw. 7+8th). Pastrami on rye at Ben’s Kosher Deli (on 38th btw. 7+8th). Hot tofu ramen soup at Sapporo (on 49th btw. 6+7th). Cheeseburger and beer at Keen’s (on 36th btw 5+6th). Italian hero at Shamas Deli (under the parking garage on 38th btw. B’way+7th). And for a splurge, oysters on the half shell at The Oyster Bar in Grand Central. For dessert, the by-the-pound M&M bar at the M&M shop in Times Square.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Pret a Manger (Sigh.) Worlds most boring lunch, but they are fast and sometimes speed comes first. My colleagues and I joke that Pret is a “lunch fail” – the place where you go when you’ve shirked your lunch duties.

Place you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch It’s closed now, but I really loved Pick-A-Pita on 8th Ave. They had a killer chicken shawarma platter. Midtown lunch gave me the tip when it was still in the basement of that weird building on 38th street. Since that’s not an option any more, I have to go with Kati Roll.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Probably Hong Kong so I could sit on the street and eat amazing noodles and weird seafood and pork products and drink a cold beer and watch the city unfurl.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? Good tips for a non-cheesy, not-too-crowded after work bar. Our goto place, the Spanish Taverna, has sadly closed down. R.I.P. amigos.

If you’ve got a recommendation for Yaniv, 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: Sandy

Age: 63

Occupation: Theatre Critic

Where in Midtown do you work? Mostly Times Square/Hell’s Kitchen

Favorite Kind of Food: Eclectic (virtually all)

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Fast (McDonald’s, etc.)

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: For a spur-of-the-moment Bryant Park picnic, I’ll stop in at Zeytinz (on 40th btw. 5+6th) for the Mediterranean cold buffet, especially the curried chicken salad, and some impeccable fruit (if you have a Times Square Alliance Card, they give a good discount). But I might get distracted en route by Cafe China’s (on 37th btw. Mad+5th) nostalgic atmosphere and well-priced pan-fried lamb with scallion. In the shadow of the New York Times building, I’m susceptible to Boi Noodle’s (on 40th btw. 7+8th) assorted banh mi. For a “walking lunch,” especially if running late, I’ll grab some fresh-made spanakopita and/or galakatoboureko at Poseidon Greek Bakery (on 9th btw. 44+45th).

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? I like the strapped-actor pricing and unapologetically brusque service at Cafe Edison (they make an exemplary Reuben). Also a bargain, and within easy reach of Theatre Row: the unremarkable but pleasantly unrushed Westways Diner (on 9th & 44th). Oh, and the spiffy new cafe at the Signature Center (New York’s answer to London’s National Theatre), which could price-gouge its captive audience but chooses not to.

For a splurge, we keep returning to Five Napkin Burger: sometimes only a super-juicy two-hander with caramelized onions, gruyere, and rosemary aioli will do. For a special treat, and to impress out-of-towners, we’ll head to the West Bank Cafe. Prices aren’t at all exorbitant, given an inventive and expertly rendered New American menu (butternut squash gnocchi!), and discreet celebrity sightings are virtually guaranteed.

Place you discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch Street meat carts (I hadn’t dared).

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Paris, Rome, Madrid … or, in fact, New York, where all the cuisines of the world collide.

Anything you’d like to ask the midtown lunch readers? Please just keep the good recommendations coming!

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.