Midtown Lunch

Like McCormick’s, Tazia offers both a late night (10pm-12) and early bird happy hour (3:30pm-6:30), meaning you need to get your tush over here to take advantage of this late lunch option. Drink specials include $3 beers and carafes of sake. A long list of $3 small plate “tapatizers” are the main draw. I’ll look over the fact that the word “tapatizer” kinda weirds me out, because the pickins sound pretty good.

$1 skewers and $1 selections from the raw bar can supplement your apps.

The regular menu also has a lot of inexpensive and interesting combinations, but ordering (or better yet, sharing) several “tapatizers” allows you to try so much more.

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Back at my holy grail of eats, Reading Terminal, I wanted to try a more random, less frequented spot for lunch. Wan’s Seafood sells a lot of… well, seafood clearly. But most of what they sell is fish to take home and make yourself. They also do platters and sandwiches of fried seafood, which was just what I was in the mood for. Considering I was a person who rarely ate fish a few years ago, I sure do love me some fried fish in my old age. I ordered the flounder platter, which was fried up fast. Too fast for me to yell- STOP, when I noticed that clam strips were on the menu. I was super bummed out; a fried clam strip platter is even more awesome than fried fish in my eyes. Luckily, the fish held its own and my day was not ruined.

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As is customary at Philly Lunch, every Tuesday we turn over the site to a different lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Philadelphia. This week it’s Felicia, the former co-editor of Meal Ticket (which I love) and the brand new Community Manager for Yelp in Philadelphia (which I also love).  She certainly knows a thing or two about Philly lunches.

Name: Felicia

Age: 29

Occupation: Community Manager of Yelp.com here in Philly

Where in Philly do you Work?: Primarily out of my home office at 6th and Reed in South Philly, but I’m always out and about on my bike.

Favorite Kind of Food: Grandma food. My mom-mom, your Nana, that guy’s Tete — if a matriarch made it, that’s what I want.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Any sort of fermented fish-flake thing that people are always going to Penang to seek out, and this chick does not abide raw onions. They are kryptonite.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Philly: The only time my inner carnivore quits whispering “bacon-wrapped cheeseburgers” in my ear is when I manage to get to Chickie’s Italian Deli (1014 Federal St.) before 3 p.m. or they run out of bread (whichever comes first) to score a Chickie’s Veggie Hoagie. Broccoli rabe sauteed with garlic, eggplant baked with tomato gravy, coarsely-ground provolone and roasted red and yellow peppers is just one of those alchemical admixtures that transcends its ingredients to achieve legendary levels of sandwich greatness.

If it’s more of a leisurely day, Mr. Joe’s Cafe (1514 S. Eighth St.) serves lovely, tender gnocchi with glorious Bolognese, as well as other pasta dishes that are all handmade at Termini Bros. bakery across the street (same family). For $12 you are treated to a fresh salad, a pasta dish and dessert-y bite also made at Termini, plus a glass of complimentary jug wine in the bargain. Keep in mind this place is pure Italy jetted over and plunked down at 8th and Tasker — don’t go unless you have plenty of time to chill and really enjoy your meal. It’s the Anti-Express Lunch.

Now that my South Philly cred is indubitably established, I will say the Chick-Fil-A in the Ikea shopping center (2204 S. Columbus Blvd.) turns out some quality chicken boob strips, PLUS they have fountain Diet Dr. Pepper and the staff are probably the friendliest people in the 215. Sometimes they bring your order to your table! While smiling!

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When Zavino first opened, there was no lunch service. But as of 2 months ago, lucky for us, they open at 11 with an all-day menu. Unfortunately, only one of the pizzas fall below the $10 range. So lunching here you can chose the $9 meatless, cheese-less option, but it is probably worth spending a few extra dollars to get the fancy  toppings. The pizzas are almost too big for one person, but too small for 2 people to share; probably the best scenario would be having 3 people to share 2 pizzas.

Zavino boasts a lovely wine and beer menu. I love the decor at Zavino; sliding blackboards, exposed wine racks, and wood everywhere. Just watch out not to sit too close to the hot oven. Other pluses,  the staff is amazing here and the pizza is served pretty fast.

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Photo Courtesy of Munchi Monster

• EWWW! Sandwich in a can! [NY Times]
• Phoodie likes the variety of chaat at Desi Chaat house [Phoodie]
• Eggplant stuffed with shrimp at Beijing Restaurant looks really tasty [Munchi Monster]
• Boo! Bebe’s BBQ is closing (temporarily?) [Grub Street]
• But a franchise of Famous Dave’s is coming to Center City to make up for the bbq deficit [Meal Ticket]