Midtown Lunch

Lunchers: this Thursday, September 18th from 6-10:30pm is the Mt. Airy Street Fare. The evening with over 50 food trucks and local restaurants along Germantown Avenue. I have been working with Mt. Airy USA to put the festivities together and I would love to see you there. I have also been learning about Mt. Airy and its diverse food scene. Today, I want to share a lunch from one of the local restaurants that will be participating in Street Fare. 

Jyoti Indian Bistro is a family run restaurant  on Germantown Avenue. Every day, you can get a platter made up of a meat/chicken dish, a vegetarian dish, rice, roti, and a side salad for $8.50 (or 2 veg for $7.50). There are rotating specials along with some guaranteed staples like sag paneer and butter chicken. There are a few seats inside though it is predominately a take out spot.

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 Photo Courtesy of Zagat

• Its here, Tuk Tuk Real, the Thai/Mexican fusion spot has opened on South Street [The Insider]
• So has Bareburger, replacing 5 guys [Meal Ticket]
• Capogiro is doing pizza now [Zagat]
• A peak at what goes on under Reading Terminal [Philly.com]

Although there are countless little Mexican places below Washington Avenue, I never get sick of them and always look forward to trying the new kid on the block. This time it was El Sabor Poblano on Federal, which could not look less special if it tried.

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When South Street’s high-quality grab and go spot, The Quick Fixx, opened, Luncher John stopped by and was impressed with the gnocchi and flatbread. I have been staying away from the heaviness of pasta for most of the summer. As the unbearable heat has passed, I had a craving for something a little more rich.

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• I am kind of sad to hear that Sansom Kebob House is moving more south, it was a nice option for Center City lunch [The Insider]
• If I were in town this weekend, I DEFINITELY would be trying some bugs at Greenfest [Foobooz]
• The wursts look nice and crispy at Bierstube [Philly Lunch Hour]

19 Degrees Cafe fills a much needed beer to go and sandwich gap in the immediate neighborhood of the West side of Christian Street. They use Boar’s Head deli meat here. Their sandwiches are consistent and customizable, plus the beer selection is actually pretty solid.

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I have loved the original Dim Sum Garden ever since I moved to Philly in 2009. Its grunginess was part of the appeal. That’s probably why it took me so long to get around to the newer, cleaned up location on Race Street. Everything is bright and shiny without the added flavor of Philly’s homeless right outside the window. I just hoped the food stayed the same. For more on the ownership controversy behind the old and new spots, see here.

Sidenote: The new logo features a blushing/overheated soup dumpling with inquisitive eyes. Can someone please buy me a shirt with the logo? I must own it.

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