Midtown Lunch

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 Mike, a spice loving accountant.

Name: Mike

Age: 23

Occupation: Accountant

Where in Philly do you Work?: North American Building (Broad and Sansom)

Favorite Kind of Food: I generally am a fan of spicy dishes, as long as you can still taste flavors (Mexican and/or Thai.) I love the tapas idea. It allows you to try multiple dishes on a menu instead of just one (two if you have a dining partner willing to share). I’m a sucker for dishes I’ve never tried before as well.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Purple food (Turnips, Eggplant, Red Grapes, etc.) Food should not be purple, it’s not normal.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Philly: The Palace at the Ben (834 Chestnut) is a great option for Indian. They do a buffet spread with 8-9 options for $9.95 that is constantly changing. Garces Trading Company (1111 Locust) is a great spot if you can get someone to split a sandwich and a salad with you. There really isn’t a bad option on the menu. Mexico on the Square (1511 Pine) is a great alternative to Chipotle or Qdoba, for a little south of the border kick, and you get way more (authentic) bang for your buck. The chorizo sope ($4.50) is a lunch in itself and won’t hurt your wallet. If you can’t get to 15th and Pine, try out Santa Fe Burrito (212 S. 11th St.) They offer 17 burritos ranging from veggie to traditional to “ultimate”. Great place if you have a lighter eater with you, as they offer a mini sized burrito for $4.95. Thai Chef Noodle Fusion (2028 Chestnut) does a great 3 course lunch deal for $8.95 that won’t leave you fighting to stay awake for the rest of the day. The Kibitz Room (1521 Locust) is a great place to get a sandwich! They run a little high (Corned Beed Special Wrap @ $10.50) but they easily give you enough food for 2 lunches. [Ed. Note- this is now Schlesinger’s] Pita Pit (1601 Sanson) is a steal on the first Thursday of the month, when they offer a coupon on their website for 50% off any pita.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Pietro’s (1714 Walnut) is a bi- weekly Friday order for our entire office. Their Vodka Rigatoni is a simple easy choice (although the potential for food coma due to over indulging runs high.) They also have some fun pizzas, like the Pietro’s Classic (Smoked mozzarella, prosciutto, baby arugula) as well as a lot of veggie options for you herbivores. Unfortunately, Saladworks (200 S. Broad St.), is a frequent stop, since it’s a block away and there’s a Starbucks right in the Bellevue. I can get coffee on my way back to the office. Ellen’s in the Bellevue is a great little place. Mike and the guys there will recommend you options based on what you like if you’re stuck. Go for the Turkey Sicilian on wheat (fresh turkey breast, broccoli rabe, roasted peppers, sharp provolone and house sauce) for $8.95.

Place you discovered thanks to Philly Lunch (if any) Jean’s Café (1314 Walnut St.) was a once a week lunch for me until recently when I had a slight disagreement with the scale in my doctor’s office. Lying, cheating piece of equipment. They’ll make any sandwich on the menu into a wrap for $.75-$1.00 extra, if you ask. Maru Global (255 S. 10th St.) was also an awesome find. Their Japanese Curry burrito bento box is definitely a unique item.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? I’d have to go with Spain. Besides the fact that they embrace the small plate idea with every meal, lunch included, who wouldn’t want to go home and take a nap after lunch?

Is there anything you’d like to ask the Philly Lunch readers? Anything you’d like to ask the Philly lunch readers???: I’m spoiled in the NE, where we can get high
quality sushi for a steal ($20-$25 for 4 specialty rolls, including 20-25% tip.) Are there any hidden gem sushi spots in Center City that aren’t going to run me $25 for 2 rolls? I’ve checked out a lot of the places that run 2 rolls for $10 deals, but the rolls tend to be boring (tuna roll, California roll, spicy crab roll, etc.).

If you would like to be next week’s Profiled Philly Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate), email me at jamie@midtownlunch.com