Midtown Lunch

So as painful as it is to say, this is my last week of full time Midtown Lunching. Don’t worry… the site isn’t going anywhere, but I’m moving to L.A. so this week I’m making sure to hit all the places I’ll miss the most. A “Farewell Lunch Tour” if you will. Here’s where I’ll be today…

Since Noodle Bar opened Momofuku has always been synonymous with the East Village. The food, the style, the attitude, the music… nobody would mistake any of the Momofukus for uptown restaurants. But that didn’t stop me from occasionally mentioning my favorite New York City empire on Midtown Lunch. The first time was in June of 2006, in a post about Sapporo (on 49th btw. 6+7th), and on many other occasions I practically begged David Chang to bring his pork buns to Midtown- both on this site and on other sites.

Well this year my dream finally came true when Momofuku started serving a limited menu in the mezzanine of the Chambers Hotel on 56th btw. 5+6th (a preview of Ma Peche, their new Vietnamese influenced restaurant opening sometime this year.) And in a move that practically made my head explode in disbelief, even offered a $10 “Midtown Lunch” menu of specials for those of us who are financially challenged (aka cheap bastards.)

How could I leave without stopping by one last time…

It’s not a huge sandwich, but Tien Ho is a master with charcuterie and there’s no better way to eat his genius than as part of the Banh Mi du Maison. The three terrines are to die for, and even though I would normally crow about how $10 is too much for a sandwich this size I can’t bring myself to do it. Momofuku quality food… in Midtown… during lunch… for $10? I’m there. Literally, right now. While you’re reading this… I’m there. Munching on this sandwich. Thinking about how much I’m going to miss it…

So, that’s why it’s Stop 1 on the tour. There ain’t no Momofuku in L.A. (for now… hint hint!)

Related:
Your First Look at Ma Peche’s “Midtown Lunch” Specials
The Perfect Space For the Next Momofuku is in Midtown