Midtown Lunch

Earlier today, around 1pm, the first Midtown location of the falafel chain Maoz finally opened on 40th Street and 7th Ave.  (where Sahara Grill used to be.) The joint is tiny, so if you want to check it out without waiting in line you’ll probably want to go 30 minutes ago (because I’m guessing that’s the last time you’ll see it half empty!)

For those who have never been to Maoz (there’s one in Union Square), you order your falafel (in whole or half size) and then add the toppings yourself from their nice looking salad bar.  They also have Belgian fries and sweet potato fries, and to give you an idea of price- a combo with Maoz sandwich, Belgian fries, and a drink for $8.75. (The sandwich alone is just $5.)

Maoz Vegetarian, 200 W. 40th Street (on 7th Ave.), 212-777-0820

The fancy signage has gone up for Schnitzel Express, the fast food Glatt Kosher replacing City Burger on 39th just east of Broadway. It doesn’t look like much is being done to the interior, so they hope to be open in a week and a half to two weeks. Of course this news is much less exciting now that the Schnitzel & Things truck appears to be spending Mondays and Tuesdays in Midtown.

As for the new locations of Maoz Vegetarian and Five Guys, those look like they will take a bit longer. Photos and estimated dates, are after the jump.

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It looks like Sahara Grill, the old Turkish take out place on 40th & 7th that closed in January, is being replaced by a branch of Maoz Vegetarian– the European falafel chain. Maoz has locations all over the world, including three in NYC, but this is their first in Midtown; and while I haven’t tried it yet, Serious Eats:New York called it the best falafel in Union Square. The positives: you get your choice of some tasty looking toppings (like eggplant, hard boiled egg, avocado, or feta) and they have Belgian fries (the chain started in Amsterdam).  The negatives: another small, individually owned Midtown Lunch place is being replaced by a chain.

I doubt it will supplant Olympic Pita (on 38th btw. 5+6th) as my favorite falafel in the area- but it does set up the inevitable Maoz vs. Crisp falafel chain showdown.  Crisp’s second location is opening just down the street at the end of the week (on 40th btw. 6+B’way).  No word yet on when Maoz will be opening.