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 Michelle, the new Yelp Community Manager for Philly.

Name: Michelle

Age: Let’s just go with late twenties…

Occupation: Community Manager, Yelp Philadelphia

Where in Philly do you Work?: Technically speaking, I get to work from home (Graduate Hospital), but I am all over the city at any given moment!

Favorite Kind of Food: My grandmom’s Polish and German cooking (pierogi, kielbasa, pork and sauerkraut with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy) is tops. When dining out I’m all over the place with the types of food I like: New American, Northern Italian, Mediterranean, Thai, Mexican, Sushi, you name it. I’m also a junk food connoisseur.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Fennel is my nemesis and I despise beets. I also have a very ambivalent relationship with asparagus.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Philly: Han Dynasty: spicy cucumbers and dan dan noodles, always. Paesano’s II: pretty sure it’s a special, but the smoked turkey, sharp provolone, arugula, roasted red peppers and garlic mayo sandwich is crazy good. Good Dog: the Good Dog burger with sweet potato fries and garlic aioli dipping sauce. On weekends: Pub & Kitchen for a spicy pulled pork sandwich, fish & chips with mushy peas or pretty much anything else Jonny Mac whips up. I’m also dying to try the fried chicken Thursday lunch at Mémé. [Ed. Note: Me too, lets go!!!]

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? During the week I tend to eat lunch at home a lot, but on weekends I end up at Royal Tavern quite a bit. Their bloody Mary feeds my soul… and my hangovers.

Place you discovered thanks to Philly Lunch (if any) I’ve been to Oyster House but I saw that lobster roll picture you featured and now I’m on a mission to try it!

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? I am in my dream job location! I’ve traveled all over the country and I truly believe Philadelphia is the best city for food, followed by San Francisco.

Is there anything you’d like to ask the Philly Lunch readers? I LOVE french fries. Love. I’ve got several favorites around town, but I’m curious to know where everyone else enjoys their spuds?

My thinking cap is on to come up with my favorites, here are my top 4.

1. The fries at Chops are classic and great, especially with their $6 kobe burger.
2. Jake’s Sandwich Board fries are always good, even though consuming their big sandwiches barely leave room for them.
3. The frites at European Republic are worth the trip alone, especially with the plethora of dips to dunk them in.
4. And for something different, Maru Global sometimes offers japanese eggplant fries, yum!

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