Midtown Lunch

Twitter Tracker: Almost everybody is in Midtown today, according to the ML Twitter Tracker: La Cense Burger Truck is on 47th btw. Park+Lex, Schnitzel & Things is on 48th btw. Park+Lex, Cupcake Stop is on 47th & 3rd, Rickshaw is in Columbus Circle, and Street Sweets is in front of Moma.

Is 9th Ave. New York City’s Thai Town?: Ever wonder why there are so many Thai restaurants on 9th Ave. in Hell's Kitchen? Crain's interviews the owner of the Yum Yum chain, who admits that he opened four restaurants within two blocks of each other because "he figured customers would consider the proximity a sign of success."

Speaking of Baja Fresh: From the owners: "We are hoping to open 41st and Broadway in mid Sept, tentative date is Sep. 14th. We are also bringing the Nacho burrito and Queso Fundido to NYC due to popular demand, as well as whole wheat tortillas. Also, at Lex we recently received our liquor license and have begun serving beers with wines and margaritas to come in the next week or so."

Asian Invasion: In addition to the Midtown Momofuku and Michael Hyuhn's OBao, Eater is reporting that Omido (on B'way btw. 53+54th) is being converted into Happy Face- a casual Japanese noodle spot with "eight variations of steamed buns". Still no confirmation that any of these spots will be cheap enough to qualify for Midtown Lunch status, but they all sound good to me!

Free Burrito Alert: Thanks to Lunch'er Neal for passing this along from fatwallet: Today from 2pm to 5:30pm you can get a free burrito with the purchase of any large beverage at Baja Fresh (on Lexington btw. 45+46th).  Just print out the coupon from the Baja Fresh Facebook Fan Page.

Get Half off at Oms/b: Today's Groupon is a good one... get $12 worth of food at the Japanese rice ball shop Oms/b (on 43rd btw. Lex+3rd) for $6.  I'm pretty sure you can buy as many coupons as you want, but you're only allowed to use one per visit.  [Groupon]

Twitter Tracker: Here's what's on the ML Twitter Tracker this morning: The Schnitzel Truck is planning to park on 48th btw. Lex+Park and is giving out free soup all week long to those who mention twitter, Streets Sweets is on 53rd btw. 5+6th, and Cupcake Stop is on 47th and 3rd with a brand new flavor: German Chocolate Cake.

Ultimate List of New York City’s Free Food Happy Hours: Wined and Dined has a pretty outstanding list of free food available at happy hours all of New York City. It includes a bunch of Midtown options (including free hot dogs and Rudy's and Port 41), although I would call ahead first to confirm. Our Happy Hour correspondent Mamacita was told that this deal is not available at the Palm in Midtown.

Free Soup Alert: Mention that you are a "twitter fan" at the Schnitzel & Things Truck between now and next Friday (9/4), and you'll get a free soup with any order.  Not sure where they are parking today... you can follow them on twitter or on the ML Twitter Tracker.

Free Frozen Custard Reminder: Don't forget, free 4oz servings of frozen custard at Spoon City (on 5th Ave. btw. 33+34th) today from 3-7pm. Freeloaders engage.