Midtown Lunch

Get 50% off Reader’s Poll Winner Pitopia: Pitopia received quite a bit of buzz on this site when it opened back in the fall on Broadway and 37th. We haven't gotten around to a full review yet, but maybe this will be just the incentive we need. Jewish deal site Jdeal is offering $12 to spend at Pitopia for just $6. Is it really better than Maoz? Cheapskates, falafal lovers, vegetarians, etc...Engage!

Free Chili Alert: Apparently tomorrow (Thurs 2/23) is National Chili Day (who knew?!) and to celebrate Virgil's BBQ, on 44th btw. 6+7th, will be handing out free samples of chili outside their restaurant from Noon to 5pm.  We don't like the sound of "samples", but we like the sound of "free" and "chili".  Freeloaders, prepare to engage.

Comme Ci Comme Ca Raises Prices: Just a heads up so you can avoid sticker shock... it looks 2011 Vendy Award nominee, and Street Meat Palooza 4 winner Comme Ci Comme Ca has raised their prices. A luncher hit up the truck today and discovered a newly printed menu with all dishes $1 more expensive across the board. $11 is a lot to pay for street meat, but in the case of the cous cous royale, it might just be worth it!

Greeley Sq. Crisp’s Grand Opening Special: The new location of Crisp in Greeley Square (on 32nd btw. B'way+6th) is now open, and to celebrate they're having a bit of a grand opening special. From today until 2/29 you can purchase any CRISP sandwich, hummus bowl or salad for only $6 (add a drink for just $1.)  It's only good at the new location, and you have to print out this page and bring it in to get the deal.

Changes at Bon Chon & Yagura?: Word has come in the forums about a couple of changes to two of our more popular Midtown Lunches.  The latest raves about the 2nd Ave. Bon Chon's bulgogi burger w/ LaFrieda meat has caused us to wonder if they have changed it since we first tried it. And apparently Yagura (on 41st btw. Mad+5th) has undergone a moderate makeover, coupled with a small price hike.

Batali Pang Starts Today: Just a friendly little reminder... the new Mario Batali created sandwich for charity we told you about last week (aka "The Batali Pang") launches today at Num Pang (on 41st btw. Lex+3rd.) It's $9.75 and features cotecchino sausage with balsamic pickled onions and Cacio de Roma cheese, w/ homemade chili mayo, pickled carrots, cucumber, and cilantro. Want to see a photo of the thing? Food & Wine has got you covered.

Free Ice Cream Alert!: Because ice cream always loves you--and to raise awareness for their fight to get corporate money out of elections--Ben & Jerry's is handing out free scoops of Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream tonight from 5pm to 8pm! The only store left in Midtown, in the Rock Center Concourse, will be participating, so head on over to drown your sorrows in free ice cream.

Get 53% Off Bon Chon: There's only thing better than Korean fried chicken in this whole wide world, and that's cheap Korean fried chicken! Today on our deals page you can get $15 worth of food at the Bon Chon for just $7. The deal is only good at the location on 2nd Ave. btw. 50+51st, and can't be used for beer or delivery. But on the plus side, you can use it for their lunch specials.

Planning a Trip to Los Angeles Anytime Soon?: Midtown Lunch kingpin Zach defected to Los Angeles two years ago this week, and to commemorate the occasion he has compiled a list of 21 lunches that are supposed to make us jealous.  Riiiiiiight. Call us when you get a Shake Shack, a decent slice, and a street meat cart! (Admittedly, some of it looks pretty damn good.)

Lobster Roll Madness and More: Red Hook Lobster Pound is on 46th btw. 5+6th, Luke's Lobster is on 46th & Vandy, Comme Ci Comme Ca is on 36th & B'way, Gorilla Cheese is on 47th & Lex, Valducci's is on 52nd & Park,  Crisp on Wheels is on 46th & 6th, Kimchi Truck is on 47th & Park, Seoul Food is on 51st, plus get 10% off Urban Lobster Shack when you order online with the code LOBSTER10. As always check the ML Twitter Tracker before heading out.