Midtown Lunch

Sometimes it seems all we get down in the FiDi is crappy overpriced sandwiches or really good, but still overpriced, sandwiches. There are a couple of exceptions to this rule but the typical generic deli is not going to wow anyone with its offerings. A walk down the cobblestone streets off of South Street Seaport has led me to two good lunches at Barbarini Alimentari and Table Tales. The other day I found a third place to check out called Made Fresh Daily, on Front St. (btw. Peck Slip & Beekman). My interest was piqued when I saw a picture of a ham and cheese sandwich on a biscuit from there that made me want to lick my computer screen. That didn’t happen, but I did make it there recently for lunch and discovered they have something far more exciting than a sandwich.

The inside of the cafe is more spacious than most down here and is also more artful than the average lunch place. It actually looks like I was eating in a kindergarten classroom based on the above photo.

They have some pretty inventive sandwiches on the lunch menu, but anything on a biscuit seems to be relegated to breakfast. Most of those on the lunch menu hover between $9 and $10, so Subway this is not. I don’t mind paying that much once in a while, but the sandwich had better be good enough that I don’t feel ripped off and angry afterward. There are a few constant sandwiches and salads on the menu but most of the other things change daily and are listed on a sheet at the front counter.

I ordered the turkey sloppy joe that came with chips and coleslaw ($9.75). And then I sat down between two tables of people who were clearly having work meetings. It’s that kind of place.

My food came out quickly enough and it was maybe 30 seconds before I went to pick up the sloppy joe and found that eating this with my hands was not going to happen. The bottom part of the bun was completely soaked through and disintegrated when I picked it up, leaving me to eat my sloppy joe with a knife and fork. It was still delicious, but they might want to think about using a more structurally sound bun.

The coleslaw was more vinegary than creamy and pretty tasty. One thing I found a little odd was that for a place focused on artisan and quality goods, they gave me Lay’s potato chips. I’m not asking for homemade ones made from organic potatoes, but maybe some kettle chips?

The most exciting thing I found about this place is that their extensive selection of baked goods includes Doughnut Plant doughnuts! If I hadn’t spent all of my cash on lunch I so would have bought the Brooklyn Blackout one that seemed to be calling my name. Next time I will bring more cash.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• They have more inventive sandwiches than you usually see in the FiDi.
• Doughnut Plant doughnuts!

THE — (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Why is everything so expensive?
• It’s kind of out of the way unless you work right by the Seaport.

Made Fresh Daily, 226 Front St. (btw. Beekman & Peck Slip),(212) 285-2253