Midtown Lunch

Marco? The Salume and Nuchas kiosks are not in their regular spots today due to Thanksgiving goings-on in Times Square. In fact, there’s a massive tent spanning the width of the pedestrian area where Salume usually resides for a Frigidaire event starring chefs Anne Burrell and Jeffrey Zakarian. And, Nuchas was moved out of their spot due to parade prep. You can find both kiosks safe and sound just a few blocks north in the pedestrian area between 47th and 48th, and they will return to their regular locations after the Thanksgiving festivities are over.

Gourmet empanada vendor Nuchas is the latest of the Times Square Alliance kiosks to open, joining Salume and Snack Box in the pedestrian areas of Times Square. The good news for Midtown Lunchers is that every item on the menu is just $3. The bad news is, because of their smaller size, you’ll definitely need at least three empanadas for lunch.

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As we reported earlier this week, Nuchas opened for business today, although you might not be able to tell because of the giant trucks and cranes parked right in front of their window. (They are thrilled, let me tell you.) The gourmet empanada kiosk joins Salume and Snack Box in the Times Square pedestrian walkways.

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First there was Salume, then there was Snack box. Now, there will be Nuchas! Lunch’er Mike sent us a tip that a kiosk called Nuchas is setting up in Times Square to sell gourmet empanadas. According to the Nuchas Facebook page, we can expect six varieties, including Argentine (ground beef, onions, peppers, scallion), short rib, pulled pork, porto (portobello mushrooms, spinach, mozzarella), spicy cheese and capresse.

They’re definitely not open yet, as they are painting the entire street from 44th to 45th street blue today. But, the nice folks inside the Nuchas box said they’d be opening on Friday. Based on Snack Box’s precedent, I wouldn’t hold my breath, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be stopping by to check out their progress!

Nuchas, Broadway btwn 44th-45th Streets in Times Square

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In August, the Times Square Alliance announced the first round of vendors who will have the opportunity to sell food from kiosks in Times Square. Salume was the first to open in September, and it looks like Snack Box is currently under construction at the 47th street end of the Times Square pedestrian mall. Here, we’re expecting American street food from the owners of Republic and BONDST. Gourmet hot dogs, milkshakes, espresso, bagels, muffins, etc will range in price from $1.50- $6.

Workers at the kiosk anticipate a Monday opening and, eying the caramel macchiatto in my hand, told me to expect “better coffee than Starbucks.”

Back in March the Times Square Alliance announced that they would be taking proposals from businesses who were interested in selling food from kiosks in the pedestrian area of Times Square, and today they announced the first four “winners”. Congrats to Salume (panini from the Soho restaurant of the same name), Snack Box (an espresso bar with gourmet hot dogs and milkshakes from the owner of Republic and Bond St.), Nuchas (an Argentine empanada stand), and Rickshaw Dumplings. Construction on the first stand (Salume) begins tomorrow, and it should open by mid september with the others to follow.  We know what we’re getting with Rickshaw, and Salume is supposed to be really good (although a bit expensive by Midtown Lunch standards.) I guess we’ll just have to wait and try it before deciding if we’re looking at completely overpriced tourist crap, or a few decent new lunch options in the already starved area of Times Square.

Noticed a bunch of stuff being set up in Times Square during lunch?  It’s because today is the annual Taste of Times Square festival, when restaurants from the area gather on Broadway between 42+47th to offer up a taste of their menus.  It’s free to get in, and then you purchase “taste tickets” which get exchanged for food (most dishes cost $1-5).   As much as we liked to joke about the food options in Times Square sucking, this event is usually a pretty fun time (if you choose wisely.)  Get all the details here>>

It’s that time of year again!  Today from 5 to 8:30pm, 46th btw. B’way+9th Ave. will be shut down for the Taste of Times Square.  As horrible as a lot of the participating restaurants are (we’re looking at you Hard Rock, Planet Hollywood, and Applebee’s) it’s still a fun after work event… and it’s a great way to test out some of the tourist traps restaurants around Times Square, without having to commit to a full meal.  It’s free to get in, but you have to buy “tickets” good for food at each booth.  Get all the details here>>

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Digging for nuggets of goodness at the Taste of Times Square