Midtown Lunch

Want a better look at the food inside that dome in Bryant Park aka #PepCity? Well, lucky for us, I attended their media preview this morning because… well… free food. Yes, every dish makes use of Pepsi Co. products, the sample tasting size is small and it needs to be eaten immediately or will go cold quickly. But some of them are quite delicious and if you happen to stop by today (or Saturday if you’re stuck working on the weekend), here’s what you should double fist…

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If you’re looking for an after work snack the annual Taste of Times Square is this afternoon on 46th btw. Times Square and 9th Ave. Everything is $1-6 and there are always some really good bites hidden amongst the touristy chains. Plus this year features new vendors Bareburger, Shake Shack, and La Pulperia- the newish seafood place in Hells Kitchen that’s a bit out of ML price range. Plus Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar will be there, so if you’ve ever wanted to try it but didn’t want to be caught dead inside the restaurant, here’s your chance! Get more info here>>

About six months ago, Times Square Hot Bagel lost their lease leaving Midtown West sad and bagel-less. The space has seen little action since then, but this week a Ben & Jerry’s sign appeared over the space on 44th street, just west of Times Square. While it doesn’t make up for the lack of a great egg-and-cheese-on-an-everything in the area, but if you were one of those people who were super bummed when the Ben & Jerry’s on 43rd & 8th closed a few years back this is a small consolation.  It will also hopefully makes the lines shorter at Rock Center on free cone day!

When the Microsoft holiday pop-up store took over the old Planet Hollywood spot in Times Square, I thought maybe this chain thing would go away. No such luck. Although the facade looks like a mess, apparently the inside is now open.

As if Guy Fieri coming wasn’t enough…

Guy Fieri’s Times Square joint Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar on 44th between 7th and 8th avenues now has an elaborate marquee, and the blue boards out front are coming down today. I guess that means they’re on track for that September opening. Sigh.

I don’t know if you’ve paid any attention, because I hadn’t until now, but there really are a lot of T.G.I. Friday’s in Midtown. Sadly (or not!), the one in the heart of Times Square (46th & Broadway, just one block north of the temporarily-closed Planet Hollywood) has shuttered, leaving its giant arrow signs hanging. Literally! The tourists are going to be so confused. Here’s hoping for something more exciting! T.G.Indeed.

Usually I walk right by Tonic, a Times Square sports bar that serves overpriced food to tourists. The other day, their new $9.95 lunch specials menu caught my eye as I was heading back to the office at lunchtime. The waitstaff outside were quick to tell me that usually the menu items offered on the specials menu go for around $12-$16 each, according to the normal menu, and they also assured me the portion sizes are the same.

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Next Monday June 11 marks the return of Taste of Times Square, the annual food festival that sets up on W. 46th between Broadway and 9th Ave. The event runs from 5pm to 9pm and features offerings from dozens of restaurants in the area like Toloache, Carmines, Juniors, Schnipper’s and more. Most dishes are $2-$6 (which you pay for with food tickets that you buy when you get there), and while it’s bound to get pretty crowded, it could be a tasty and fun after-work excursion. If you’ve been in the past, let us know how it is in the comments. More info here >>

I was kidding when I suggested that Salume‘s return to Times Square could mean lower, more ML-friendly prices. I mean, who actually lowers prices? Ask, and ye shall receive, I guess. While passing by this week, I stopped to inspect the menu, and their “real Italian panini” are definitely cheaper than last summer. That, in and of itself, is good news. Even better? They’re also serving gelato!
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