Midtown Lunch

• The veggie plate at P.O.P.E. is as guilt free as it is tasty [Two Eat Philly]
• In honor of the Philles season starting soon, Jake’s Sandwich board has added 4 new (or previous offered for a limited time) sandwiches on the menu. I am looking at the “slow roasted turkey breast, smoky grilled bacon, cranberry apple spread, savory brown gravy and crispy potato pancakes” [Grub Street]
• The Far from Home truck started serving at Love Park his week with kinda weird but tempting burgers, hot dogs and…. empanadas! [Phoodie]
• An organic/green burger place is coming to South St [Meal Ticket]

Harmony Bakery is my #1 obsession of the moment for the fresh strawberry smoothie with yogurt bubbles in them. Since trying them in November I have been make countless times to get my bubble fix. Along with my regular order, I recently tried some more of the food on the menu and I was pleasantly surprised.

Read more »

This week Profiled Luncher Lauren went to check out the empanadas at Cafe Clave in University City.

There’s almost nothing I love more than a good empanada. I’ve had Cafe Cláve on my to do list ever since its mention in Daily Candy over two years ago, but I’ve tried my best to avoid empanadas in an effort to protect my waistline. After reading that the cafe’s empanadas were actually baked and not fried, I decided to give them a try.

Cafe Cláve is a cuban coffee shop on Locust street between 43rd and 44th, a great block that also boasts Koch’s Deli, a favorite spot for some of the biggest and best sandwiches in Philly. Open in 2003/2004, the spot changed hands to the Green Line Cafe, but returned to its original concept in October of 2008. I stopped by this week for lunch and was really impressed with the decorated interior and community vibe. The friendly server was chatting with many of the patrons and I heard her ask a few times if they wanted “the usual.” The crowd was a good mix of people who were hanging out for lunch and students doing work. For those looking to work on their laptops, the cafe has an outlet at every table.

Read more »

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 Danya whose credentials include working for Zagat, nice.

Name: Danya

Age: 36

Occupation: Web/Graphic Designer; Zagat Buzz Philadelphia writer

Where in Philly do you Work?: Bella Vista

Favorite Kind of Food: My ideal meal includes whole lobster, NY strip, arugula, roasted beets, asparagus, goat cheese, macademia nuts and chocolate.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Hard to say. I don’t *dislike* any food that I come across, these days. I was a vegetarian for 12 years, so I used to dislike meat, but now it’s one of my favorites (see above). And when I was a kid I didn’t do seafood, but, obviously, my tastes have changed. I try not to be squeamish, and sample everything that crosses my path.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Philly: Mexico on the Square (1511 Pine St.) is amazing. Could eat it every day. Carnitas burrito or tacos. Love the Bibimbap at Tampopo (104 S. 21st St.), spicy with tuna. Light and satisfying. Also the mid-size sandwiches from Marabella Meatball Co (1211 Walnut St.), any of the types of meatballs will do, topped with spinach & pave vecchio. And if I’m anywhere near RTM, I have a hard time choosing between the incredible pulled pork at DiNic’s and the oyster po’ boy at Beck’s Cajun Cafe.

Read more »

Recommended by Profiled Lunchers Thad, Hayley, and others, Little Thai Market was next on list of places to try in Reading Terminal. It seems like this little spot always has a line. Since there are not too many options to choose from, the staff quickly scoops up your order from the steam table and ushers you to the cash register.

Read more »

• Stick to the pizza at Coloesseo [CE Phood]
• Kennet has started making brick oven pizza [Meal Ticket]
• Spruce St Espresso is opening a cafe on 12 and Spruce [Meal Ticket]
• Corn Cafe has replaced Pico de Gallo, Foobooz has the menu [Foobooz]
• The crawfish bisque at Catahoula is delicious [Foodzings]