Midtown Lunch

Photo courtesy of Robert Sietsema

• Pam Real Thai makes one of Robert Sietsema’s favorite Thai dishes in NYC [Eater]
• Another look at Ippudo Westside [Food in Mouth]
• The iced Moroccan mint green tea is worth it at Blue Dog Cafe [Ramen+Friends]
• Mr. Softee is suing imposter ice cream trucks [Grub Street]
• The Minar on 31st delivers through Seamless [Fork in the Road]
• Guy’s American Bar & Grill is still open and the food is still terrible [Eater]

As Blondie reported in June, over the past year or so, the number of food trucks parking on 47th Street between Madison and Park has been growing. All summer, the block has been a reliable destination to catch any number of tasty food trucks. I guess there haven’t been any legal/parking conflicts yet, as evidenced by the fact that the trucks continue to park there. But now, it looks as though the food truck madness is spilling over to Park Avenue…

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There are some foods that I just find irresistible. Porchetta is a perfect example. Fatty, well-seasoned, roast pork with the skin on? How can anyone but the strictest vegetarian turn that down? I sure can’t, which is why on a recent trip to Piccolo Cafe (Madison Ave. btw 37th+38th), I was sold on their Porchetta Panino as soon as I saw it on the menu.

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Every Friday we go south of the ML boundaries in search of a delicious lunch. Sometimes it’s Murray Hill south or the Flatiron District, sometimes Gramercy and everything in between- but we just like to call it Flatiron Lunch.

Chal Chilli is a recent addition to the Curry Hill area, but instead of Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi, they have a tag line of “Thai fusion with a blend of south Asian Spices.” I thought Singapura delivered great non-Indian food in the area, so was hopeful for Chal Chilli.

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Over on our Philly site Jamie takes one for the team and tries the (admittedly awesome looking) new waffle chicken tenders at Popeye’s.  Her verdict? Don’t bother.  If you don’t trust her, or need to see for yourself, the Midtown Popeye’s on 40th btw. 7+8th does have them.  Godspeed.

We reported back in February that Roti Mediterranean Grill was opening a location on 43rd St. (btw Lex+3rd) in Midtown East. According to their signage, the spot is due to open this summer, but the days are getting shorter and time is running out for them to deliver on that promise. I walked by the location recently and, as you can see in the photo above, it doesn’t look close to opening. It might be a while before we get to try their healthier version of street meat in Midtown.

Way back in 2009, Zach shared with ML readers what he believed to be the worst burger he had had in Midtown, a $6.25 bacon-cheeseburger from some generic deli. In that post, he says, “Part of me thinks that there must be a decent one of these cheap deli burgers in Midtown, but there’s another part of me that thinks you get what you pay for.” For years now, I’ve been conflicted about the exact same thing – I really want to discover some amazing $5 burger from some unexpectedly terrific place, but the thought of making the rounds from one generic deli to the next, trying mediocre burger after mediocre burger, is absolutely daunting. So, you may be asking… what prompted my visit to Manhattan Gourmet?

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BoDillaz Famous Quesadillas Truck made an appearance in Midtown yesterday, parked on Park Avenue between 47th and 48th Street. The franchise, which is originally based in Richmond, VA, serves signature quesadillas based around breaded chicken, grilled chicken, steak, or veggie all in the $6-7 range. They also serve wraps, salads, chicken tenders and wings. The person taking orders said that they don’t currently have a set schedule for where they’re parking, so it’s best to check their Twitter or FB for locations. For a closer look at the menu, take a look after the jump. More in-depth review to follow soon!

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Blue Dog Kitchen, known for its extensive sandwich menu, has opened a new location on 50th Street between 8th and 9th. In celebration of the grand opening, they’re giving out FREE COFFEE all day and ALL WEEK LONG through Friday, August 30th!

Freeloaders engage! No excuses for being sleepy this week.

Blue Dog Kitchen, 308 West 50th Street (btw. 8th and 9th Ave)