Midtown Lunch

Had to hit up Kolache Mama (on 45th btw Mad+Park) on opening day just to see what these things looked like. Size wise they vary- but the reuben (shown above) was not so small that it’s a ripoff but not so big you think you’re getting a great deal. I would say 2 savory and one sweet would make an acceptable lunch. As for taste, don’t want to judge on the first day- but i’m guessing they taste far better fresh out the oven (mine were both cold). When you order just ask for the freshest ones. Full report coming tomorrow… (and early adopters don’t hold back in the comments.)

I was pretty excited when the company that owns Beard Papa announced that they would be bringing the Onya Japanese Noodle chain to the US. Admittedly I’ve never been to Osaka, so I’m not really the best person to confirm or refute their claim of being the very first udon spot in New York City to offer freshly made Osaka style udon… but it sounded good enough!  And unlike Udon West, which is just a block away on 46th btw. Lex+3rd, their menu seems far less interested in dumbing things down for the Western customer.

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There were so many things I wanted to try on my first visit to Güllüoglu (on 2nd Ave. and 52nd St.) two weeks ago, I was completely overwhelmed. I ended up going for one savory pastry, and a box of sweets- but vowed to return to “eat my way through their lunchtime offerings” (and there are quite a few delicious looking options.) I haven’t been able to make it back to start chopping away at my list, but thankfully Robert Sietsema has made it a tiny bit shorter by posting about their “sausage sandwich Istanbul style”, which turned out to be just a “gussied-up hot dog”. That’s good to know… now all I have left to try is their lamb burger, beef burger, sausage/salami/kashkaval sandwich, their “gypsy chicken wrap”, Turkish style toast, simit sandwich, their “salty special donut”, pretty much every one of their savory pastries, rice pudding, and pistachio ice cream made from goats milk.

Check out the full menu after the jump…

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In case you missed it in the forums a few weeks ago, Chiyoda Sushi (on 41st btw. Mad+5th) has discounted a number of their bentos and one of their large sushi boxes.  It doesn’t say on the signs when it ends, but according to their website today is the final day-  so this is your last chance.  (Unless they decide to extend it… hint hint.)

Related:
Chiyoda Sushi (aka more Japanese fun!!!)
20% off on all bento boxes at Chiyoda Sushi in midtown

Just a friendly reminder for those of you who are incredibly eager to try kolaches, the stuffed Czech pastry that is all the rage in Texas. Kolache Mama opens their first location today on 45th btw. Mad+Park. My curiosity has officially boiled over, and at 2 for $5 it’s a relatively guilt free investment.

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The New York City Wine and Food Festival is less than two weeks away, and Thrillist wants to give one lucky Midtown Lunch’er tickets to their Bacon & Blues Event hosted by Tyler Florence.  It has nothing to do with Midtown, but whatever… when people offer to give you guys free sh*t, who am I to say no, right?  The event is happening on October 8th, from 7-10pm at the Standard Hotel and will feature bacon inspired snacks from famous chefs, live blues, and delicious drinks (obviously.)  The event is already sold out, so this is your only way in.  Register to win a pair of tickets here>>

I love all you can eat buffets… and within that vast and wonderful realm the Chinese buffet is probably my favorite.  I don’t discriminate against any buffet, but sushi buffets tend to be too expensive, Mexican buffets don’t seem to stand up well to the steam table treatment, and Latin buffets are fine- but rice and beans and plantains always kill me in that equation!  Indian buffets are plentiful in Midtown, and I’m all about a good Indian buffet… but Chinese is my all time favorite.  Sadly Manhattan is practically devoid of Chinese buffets.  And in Midtown, there is only one option.  The “Midtown Buffet” on 7th Ave. btw. 40+41st.

It’s only $8 (and actually used to be cheaper) and I used it as the backdrop for the Midtown Lunch Guide to Beating the All You Can Eat Buffet a few years ago.  But it didn’t really get a full +/-, so yesterday on the holiest of holy Jewish days I hit up the Midtown Buffet for a little Yom Kippur lunch action.

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Every Tuesday I turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. I think it’s pretty well established that I am not exactly the healthiest eater when it comes to lunching, but I am well aware that occasionally some of you like to eat healthy. Every once in awhile a brave healthy eater will step to the plate and recommend some places for those Midtown Lunchers looking for a less gut busting lunch. This week it’s Alexi, a health and wellness coach that doesn’t like Chinese food (stick a dagger in my heart!) but likes rice balls.

Name: Alexi

Age: 28

Occupation: Health & Wellness Coach (plus I have a blog), but my day job is Office Manager/Receptionist

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Zelnickmedia – office is near Bryant Park

Favorite Kind of Food: I love creative food that is healthy and made from whole foods but doesn’t compromise taste. Basically, anything fresh and full of flavor – from Ethiopian to sushi.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Not a fan of Chinese, or anything fried

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: The dolce vita hummus salad bowl from Crisp, with whole wheat pita – SO tasty. Rice balls from Oms/B (on 45th btw. Lex+3rd) are really good. I also love picking at Free Foods‘ food bar, and their fresh shakes are juices are great. When I need a major boost I get the Curious George with cacao nibs, banana, coconut and espresso. You can’t lose. And the raw vegan macaroons are to die for. If I’m feeling uninspired I’ll hit up Dishes for a salad (but recently I was elbowed in the chaos of a lunchtime mass so I think I’ll take a break).

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