Midtown Lunch

Got multiple reports at the end of the last week that both Grill 44 (on 44th btw. Lex+3rd) and Crisp (on 3rd & 43rd) have been closed by the Department of Health.  The Grill 44 inspection happened awhile ago, so they might already be open again. As for Crisp, there is no report listed yet and considering how clean their other location is, it might just be a permit issue.  We’ll see. UPDATE: The owner of Crisp checks in to say this: “We forgot to file a renewal form with department of consumer affairs. Its an administration issue that fell between the cracks. We are now at the department of consumer affairs office trying to figure the paper work out.”  SECOND UPDATE: They have obtained the proper permit, and Crisp on 3rd Ave. is back open as of now.

I’m not ashamed to admit it (well, maybe a little bit) but I love the iced tea at Crisp, the unconventional falafel place with two locations in Midtown (40th btw. B’way+6th, 3rd Ave. btw. 43+44th.) They have a bunch of really good flavors like passion fruit/roiboos, strawberry/green, and pear/white, plus they add sugar syrup to order (so you can ask for it unsweetened, lightly sweetened, or fully sweetened). And they’ve just announced that in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, they will be selling plastic Crisp bottles that entitle you to free refills of iced tea for the rest of the year. The bottles cost $22, and included in the price is all you can drink iced tea until the end of 2009 (at which point I think you’ll be able to pay to “renew”.) Considering that the iced teas are $2.25, you’d really only have to drink one a week between now and the end of the year to make it completely worth it.

Related:
Crisp: Abomination… Or One of the Best Falafel in the City

Apparently Crisp (the great falafel place with two locations in Midtown) doesn’t think much about people who use their Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) coupons. Lunch’er “David” forwarded us this receipt, which makes it pretty clear what they think about freeloaders!

Out of a job or looking to subsidize your daily lunch out?  This could be the greatest job offer of all time.  Crisp, the Israeli falafel place with the unique sandwich combinations, is looking for a weekly “anonymous customer” to go into their locations, eat lunch, and report back to the owner.  They will pay you for each visit PLUS reimburse you the cost of lunch.  You might have to visit both locations each week (one on 3rd Ave. btw. 43+44th and one on 40th btw. B’way+6th) but I’m not sure.  Email Rakesh@eatatcrisp.com if you are interested.

Related:
Crisp: Abomination… Or One of the Best Falafel in the City

Neither of the two new places we thought may open today are opening. The new location of Crisp (on 40th btw. 6+B’way) didn’t get the visit from the gas company they were promised, so they’re planning on opening next Monday.  Panda Restaurant (on 46th btw. 5+6th) said they need one more day, but will definitely be opening tomorrow… and, we’re hearing it’s not just Chinese food- but also Italian take out.  Weird. I think I may have to be there on opening day.

Related:
Panda Restaurant to Open on 46th Street
2nd Crisp Location to Open Right After Passover