Midtown Lunch

I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve scavanged in the basement of Zeytuna on Maiden Lane (at William) for a decent lunch, and usually ended up with soup or a random container of stuff from the by-the-pound buffet. Yes, even serious lunch’ers have lame lunches once in a while. When I’ve ventured further afield to the Mexican station or tried the falafel I’ve only been met with disappointment and regret. Lunch’er Mel recommended the pizza (and Indian) which I’d never thought to try. Grocery store pizza, here we come! Read more »

Shop at the Gap, then eat this. Courtesy of Serious Eats.

• Wait, there’s actually a good place to eat at the Seaport? [Serious Eats NY]
• Is the Open Air Cafe by 1 Centre St. closed? [Eater]
• I could really go for a turnover now. [Lunch with Front Studio]
• There are a bunch of new eateries opening in Tribeca. Yes, including fro-yo. [Tribeca Citizen]

Way back in May of last year work began on the first location of Hot Clay Oven on Maiden Lane (btw. Gold & Pearl) and after numerous delays it’s officially opening next week. It’s supposed to be the first location of a chain with an Indian fusion menu where you can choose among a bunch of different items in a bunch of different forms, hence the Indian Chipotle label. There is a preview onTuesday from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. with free food. Wednesday and Thursday are soft opening days from 11 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. with half off everything. The store officially opens at 11 a.m. Friday, although I’m guessing everyone who reads this site will have taken advantage of the free/deeply discounted food before then.

Back when Toloache Taqueria opened, some had wondered if they’d ever do delivery. According to a sign in their window, the answer is yes, from the hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the minimum order is $15. The curious part was that the day before when I walked by the hours were 1 to 8 p.m. and the minimum was $25. I’m thinking maybe someone complained. A downtown lunch’er also wrote in to say that they ordered delivery and the tilapia tacos travel well. They also asked about the guacamole served at the midtown location being served downtown, and were told it’s a possibility.