Midtown Lunch

Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. This week, meet Harry- an IT guy who hates tofu and wishes he worked in Greece (or at least could find a decent gyro in Midtown.)

Name: Harry

Age: 32

Occupation: IT Manager

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Madison in the 50’s

Favorite Kind of Food: Burgers, fries, greasy, organic, sausages, seafood, bacon, eggs, flat noodles, spicy, BBQ, Greek, Mexican, South American, and anything else that tastes good.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Tofu and other forms of mush. Anything with the word “curd” in it. Uni sushi.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Burger with the works at Goodburger (multiple locations). Two meat platter (steak and sausage) at Carnegie John’s (on 56th and 7th). Anything at the Hallo Berlin Cart (on 54th & 5th). Salads with fried chicken and Tex-Mex Ranch dressing at Chopt. Braised Beef Noodle Soup at Pearls (7th Bet. 48+49). Pearls is a hidden gem discovered by my old boss. Korean dishes and the salad bar at Café Duke (on 51st btw. 6+7th). Especially the Thursday Korean special (Spicy Chicken stew). Whole Foods (Columbus Circle).

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Remember the profiled lunch’er who admitted that he didn’t like Thai food, and then became the most ridiculed Profiled Midtown Lunch’er of all time? Well, for once, your ridicule actually worked to effect positive change in the world- and “Matt” is happy to report that he tried Thai food again and… (well, I don’t want to spoil it.)

After the spirited feedback from the comments section (side note to the person who accused me of living in my parents basement: you’re insulting random people on the internet and I’m the one who lives in my parents basement?), I decided to journey out and try Thai food. The choice was Pam’s Real Thai Food (on 49th btw. 9+10th), although I generally don’t eat at restaurants that cite their realness in the name, I decided to trust the comments section. I selected a number of co-workers so we could maximize our order. While the shrimp roll we started with was typical, I found the Thai Beef Jerky to be quite a treat. I don’t even like regular beef jerky – could this Thai cuisine improve on other dishes as well? As the different entrees were passed around the table, I noticed the Pad Thai coming my way. This was the big moment.

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Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. This week, I’m pretty excited to welcome Sisha Ortuzar, the cofounder of ‘wichcraft, which has many Midtown locations. Whether or not you love or hate ‘wichcraft, Sisha is an amazing chef who has cooked in some of ML’s favorite cities- including Chile, New Orleans, and of course NYC (at Grammercy Tavern). And he co-wrote the brand new ‘wichcraft book (along with Tom Collichio). We actually have 5 copies to give away at the bottom of the profile.

Name: Sisha

Age: 36

Occupation: Restaurant owner, so it depends on the day (sometimes chef, sometimes designer, sometimes architect, sometimes marketer, sometimes dishwasher, etc.)

Where in Midtown do you Work?: ‘wichcraft (several locations in Manhattan, a lot of them in Midtown)

Favorite Kind of Food: I like almost everything; it really depends on the day. The food that I find most interesting tends to be spicy (Szechuanese, Korean, Indian) but I also like simple and straight forward food. One of my favorite things to eat is toast with butter.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Puerto Rican food. It just seems very bland and one-note to me.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Bar Zippeto (on 6th btw. 56+57th) for espresso. The halal meat cart on 6th Ave. and 49th for meat on a stick. A cheeseburger from the Burger Joint at the Parker Meridien (on 56th btw. 6+7th), and Yushi (on 47th btw. Park+Lex) for a healthy snack.

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Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. This week, meet David- an amateur foodie who is trying to make his way through the entire Tony 100.

Name: David

Age: 23

Occupation: Financial Services and Amateur Foodie (http://amusemybouche.blogspot.com)

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Bryant Park

Favorite Kind of Food: Is all of the above an option? Bagel with cream cheese and lox, chopped liver, pan-seared tuna, dumplings, hot pastrami sandwiches, fried calamari, meatloaf, seafood fra diavolo, barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, spicy mustard, cheeseburgers, eel sushi, and raad na, a Thai dish made with soft noodles and gravy; I love the fact that vinegar, hot chili flakes, and sugar are condiments used to temper the heat and sweetness of the dish).

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Green, red and yellow peppers, I’m a fan of grilled octopus, but I can’t seem to enjoy octopus sushi, capers, pears

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Though I only just made it there recently, the fried pork sandwich from Sophie’s Cuban is certainly in the upper echelon of midtown cuisine. The falafel from Azuri Cafe (on 51st btw. 9+10th), pickle pork soup from Hing Won (on 48th btw. 5+6th), salads from Ranch 1 on 41st because it’s only $6.50 for soup and salad, buffalo chicken pizza from Cafe Duke (on 51st btw. 6+7th), enchiladas suizas from Viva Pancho (one of the only places I will go to for a sit-down lunch since for under $10 with tax and tip I can get a pretty good meal).

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Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. This week, meet Rebecca- an executive receptionist who loves chili fries, and needs help tracking down a Mongolian BBQ place.

Name: Rebecca

Age: 30

Occupation: Executive Receptionist

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Private equity firm in midtown; 56th and 5th avenue

Favorite Kind of Food: Indian, Thai, French fries, BBQ, Cheese, Steak, Cheesesteaks! Don’t forget Chili Cheese fries…so gross, so GOOD…. ANYTHING with bacon.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Italian and Sushi (i know, i know!) These are good foods in my book, but if I had to prioritize, they would be my LEAST favorite.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: I love the Asia Grill (on 65th & 2nd) for their marinated beef cubes and Bun Xao with beef, Tina’s Cuban (on 56th btw. 5+6th) for their pork and plantains sandwich, the Tofu BLT from Uncle Marky’s Organics (on 53rd btw. 2+3rd) and I’m not nuts for tofu, Pita Grill’s Fish tacos (on 2nd Ave. btw. 50+51st), Kati Rolls, Scallion pancakes from Joe’s Shanghai (on 56th btw. 5+6th), Bibimbap from Korean Pro (on 56th btw. 5+6th), the Mexican and Jalapeno hummus from Crisp (on 3rd Ave. btw. 43+44th), the Woody Allen from the Carnegie Deli (on 7th Ave. and 55th), big noodle bowls from Lili’s 57 (on 57th & 7th).

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Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. We’re just one week away from Choice Eats 2009– the Village Voice’s annual food event featuring restaurants hand picked by VV food writers Robert Sietsema & Sarah DiGregorio. Last year we profiled Mr. Sietsema, and gave away tickets to the event (which was awesome, btw) and this year we’re super excited to welcome Sarah DiGregorio. Obviously their offices aren’t in Midtown, but Sarah discriminates against no neighborhood- and eats in Midtown all the time. In fact, she is the one who discovered the spicy off the menu Indian sandwich with doritos at that now shuttered Blimpie on 45th Street. Not surprisingly, Choice Eats is completely sold out this year- but we have got a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky Midtown Lunch’er. Details are at the end of the profile…

Name: Sarah

Age: 29

Occupation: Food Writer (and head blogger for Village Voice’s Fork in the Road)

Where do you Work?: Village Voice, Cooper Square

Favorite Kind of Food: Curry Laksa

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Bubble tea

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: I love Sukhadia’s Gokul (on 45th btw. 5+6th) for bhel puri and vada pav and I like Azuri Cafe‘s falafel pocket (on 50th & 10th). It’s a little more expensive, but there’s nothing like Tout Va Bien (on 51st & 8th) for old-school French dishes like calf’s liver Lyonnaise (sauteed with lots of caramelized onions) and country-style pate. I like to sit at the bar and people-watch–the restaurant has been open and owned by the same family since 1949, and it’s still a French sailor hangout.

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Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. My request last week for a St. Paddy’s day themed profiled luncher went unanswered… so you’ll have to settle for Doug, a technology and investment firm guy who can’t understand why anybody would say they don’t like Thai food.

Name: Doug

Age: 24

Occupation: Technology and Investment Firm

Where in Midtown do you Work?: 45th btw. 6+7th

Favorite Kind of Food: Thai (seriously, the guy who “couldn’t handle Thai” is insane; it isn’t even that spicy or heavy), Indian, Mexican (authentic, i.e.: I hate Chipotle), porterhouse steaks, anything with duck, Italian appetizers (mussels, clams, bruschetta, mozzarella), any type of fried rice, couscous, pork and chicken dumplings, turkey chili, brussel sprouts, sushi, any and all types of breads, roast beef, waffles, chocolate chip cookies and muffins. I am also on a constant search for the best hamburger in the city. Right now, J.G. Mellon is probably in the lead.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: I really dislike celery and broccoli. I’m also not a huge fan of Korean (kimchee makes me gag) or German food.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Chicken over rice with a side of pita or falafel with extra white sauce from Kwik Meal (on 45th & 6th). Chicken tikka masala with extra white sauce (I have an addiction) from Biryani Cart (on 46th & 6th). Half rotisserie-chicken with rice and beans and mashed potatoes on the side from Tio Pio (on 36th btw. 5+6th). Make sure to pick up extra green sauce. Any oven-baked flatbread sandwich at Café Duke (on 51st btw. 6+7th). Thai fried rice with pineapple and chicken from Wondee Siam (out of bounds on 9th Ave.). I’ll also head to Dishes and get the by-the-pound buffet, but its ridiculously expensive. Just load up on coconut-encrusted chicken fingers and forgo any rice or noodle to get more bang for your buck. Recently started hitting up Minar (on 46th btw. 6+7th) for their two meat, one veggie lunch special.

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Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. This week it’s Nicholas, a blogger/student/web guy who may be the only person in the world more addicted to Chinese food than I am.

Name: Nicholas

Age: 20

Occupation: Web Developer, American Express Publishing/Student, Columbia/Blogger

Where in Midtown do you Work?: 43rd & 6th

Favorite Kind of Food: I absolutely love Chinese food (I try to pay tribute to my cultural identity, specifically a good bowl of beef noodle soup, knife cut over hand pulled), which is followed closely by Korean barbecue. Add to the list Japanese ramen and you get the whole gamut of Asian foods! This isn’t to say I would say no to a finely crafted burger or slice.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: I can’t stand the generic halal carts anymore, even though I used to adore the 53rd and 6th cart (before I started working in midtown and had immediate access). I will have the occasional chicken tikka from Biryani cart (on 46th & 6th), but only as a last ditch fallback when it’s impossible to walk more than a block. Oh, and vietnamese pho, it just pales in comparison to a good bowl of beef noodles…

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: In no particular order, the steam tray option at Ho Yip (on 45th btw. 5+6th) was the first place I went to on my interview date, and I fell in love. Greasy and cheap at its finest, especially after 2:15. Szechuan Gourmet (on 39th btw. 5+6th), as introduced by my coworkers, never disappoints with their double cooked pork… requested extra spicy of course. Hallo Berlin cart (on 54th & 5th) was pretty solid as I remember it for their ‘dictator special.’ Finally, perhaps the most versatile of all my midtown spots… Cafe Zaiya (on 41st btw. Mad+5th), their convenient placement of pastries next to bento holds a special place in my heart/stomach.

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Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. This week it’s Liz, a great golfer (I’m guessing) who loves barbecue nachos. (Nice.)

Name: Liz

Age: 30

Occupation: Advertising Assistant/Freelance Writer

Where in Midtown do you Work?: 45th & Lex.

Favorite Kind of Food: Cheese, Burritos, Ice cream

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Sushi (sorry! I’ll turn in my New York City resident card now)

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: The Roast Turkey Sandwich from ‘wichcraft makes me not afraid of turkey sandwiches anymore (too much bad deli turkey can make a person fear it), Pampano Taqueria (on 3rd Ave. btw. 49+51st) pescado, vegetarian or alambre burritos with tons of their tomatillo green salsa. Curried corn chowder from Dishes (Multiple Locations). If I’m really feeling sad and deserving, a mini chocolate cake from the Little Pie Co. in Grand Central. Virgils BBQ (on 44th btw. 6+7th) in Times Square – any kind of pulled meat from them, or their barbecue nachos will do. Chopped salad from Josie’s (on 3rd Ave. & 37th St.) Any burger or sub from Jackson Hole (3rd Ave. & 35th St.) because they’re smothered in melted cheese. Grilled cheese for breakfast for lunch at the Comfort Diner (45th & 3rd). Tomato Cheddar soup from Hale & Hearty contains addictive chemicals, I’m convinced. And it should be said that I am 100% devoted to Oren’s Coffee in Grand Central any time of day. Best coffee and nicest staff, hands down.

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Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. This week it’s Michael, a PR guy who loves Sinatra but hates generic delis…

Name: Michael

Age: 24

Occupation: Public Relations – Food Blogger – Eating Enthusiast

Where in Midtown do you Work?: The Daily News Building (42nd between 2nd and 3rd Ave)

Favorite Kind of Food: I could spend hours writing my favorites, but some that come to mind are: Italian, Japanese, Kosher/Jewish Deli, and standard American fare (who doesn’t love burgers/fries/dogs/cheese steaks/etc)

Least Favorite Kind of Food: I don’t do Indian… I’ve tried, and just can’t handle it

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: – The Old Bridge Deli (on Lex btw. 40+41st) is my go-to place. I share a similar sentiment as everyone else… I HATE GENERIC NY DELIS. However, I really find their sandwiches to be fresh and original, the hot/cold bar is clean and appears fresh, and the rolly wraps, which have disappeared of late, are one of midtown’s best lunch options. Boi to Go (on 2nd btw. 42+43rd) is a great quick/healthy option. I go for the Chicken/Soft Rice Noodle/Veggie combo. At Carl’s Steaks (on 3rd Ave. btw. 34+35th). I get the Chicken Steak with all the toppings you could imagine. As close as you can come to Philly in NYC. And Oms/B (on 45th btw. Lex+3rd) for Japanese Rice Balls. I will typically dive into anything with tuna or shrimp.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Pret-a-Manger. It’s good and being located right across the street makes it super-convenient. However, how many chicken/avocado somethings can one person have?

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