Penn Plates is Another UrbanSpace Food Fest

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I recently stumbled upon another food market in the vein of Broadway Bites and the Garment District. This one is slightly hidden above Penn Station between 33rd and 34th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. It’s smaller than the other two, but that sometimes helps narrow down the choices.

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Become A Citizen Judge at This Year’s Vendy Awards

We know all of you have opinions (we read them in the comments), especially when it comes to food. Now’s your chance to really let your voice be heard.

The nominees for the 11th Annual Vendy Awards will be announced in the coming weeks, but before then, Gothamist is giving you a chance win a seat at the judge’s table at the event on September 12. To enter, you need to take a photo of your favorite plate of street food and post it with the hashtag: #VendyCitizenJudge. You can enter as many times as you’d like, but you get points for doing it at Vendy Plaza (which is like a mini-Vendy Awards every Sunday in Harlem) or including iconic NYC backdrops.

Even if you don’t win the grand prize, they are picking runner-ups every week which will earn you a pair of free tickets to the big day. All the details for the contest are on their website. If you don’t trust your photo skills, tickets are now on sale here.

Souvlaki GR Will Open A Brick-and-Mortar in Midtown

The two time Vendy Award winning Souvlaki GR truck has recently made Midtown a more permanent part of their rotation and will also be making regular appearances at the New York Public Library this summer. But now for those of you who work in Midtown West, there will be one more opportunity to get Greek fries and souvlaki sandwiches.

We got a tip from Luncher Stu that signage is up for the company’s second brick and mortar location in Manhattan (the first is on the Lower East Side). We reached out to the owners but have not yet gotten word on when they plan to open. We’ll let you know as more info comes in. In the meantime, get ready to be transported to Mykonos on 56th Street and Seventh Avenue.

Lunch Gives You a Small Taste of the Meat Madness at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong

I’ve been wanting to hit up the Korean BBQ sensation Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong since they opened their first location in Manhattan late last year. Problem is the place is perpetually mobbed and the prices for the delicate cuts of meat are pretty high. When Chris reported that they are now open for lunch, I thought this might be my opportunity.

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Honorary Good Humor Man Keith Hernandez Serving Up Free Ice Cream

Baseball legend Keith Hernandez will be joined by Mr. and Mrs. Met tomorrow at the SNY Plaza on 51st Street between 5th and 6th Avenue to kick off the Good Humor Summer of Joy campaign by giving out free frozen treats. In their mission to bring joy across the neighborhoods of NYC, there will also be chances to win Mets tickets and take Joy Rides in Good Humor Pedicabs.

After today, the Good Humor Joy Squad will roam the city for the next 3 weeks with more free frozen treats and surprises. Check out their twitter @GoodHumor for details, though here is their schedule for the next three days:

Looks like this is the only day this week they’re in Midtown, but… freeloaders, engage!

(PS Hatred and verbal abuse of the Mets will not be tolerated here!)

Croque Monsieur Coming Soon to Midtown


Attention, cheese ‘n carb fans! The Union Square gem, Croque Monsieur, has a second NYC location in the works at the corner of Lex and 45th St. For those that don’t know the original store, the grilled cheese is king here, and it speaks French. The owners even had the balls to open a sophomore store (and then some more) in Paris, so safe to say their grilled cheese is worlds away from your 3am hangover savior. And with all menu items under $10, you won’t get a financial hangover either.

From the looks of it, the new spot will only have enough room for a takeout counter. Okay, no cute upstairs window seat overlooking trees on the street. No backstory like the original Union Square digs, former apartment of writer Anaïs Nin. But we have damn low expectations of ambiance when stuck in the lunch rush. If the food is anywhere as good as the Union Square location, then Melt Shop has some competition to deal with. Let the comparisons begin!

New Coney Shack Truck Spotted in Midtown

Some of the best advertisements for food trucks are when they drive around the city – not selling a thing – just driving around. This is how I noticed a truck I had never seen before. It was called the Coney Shack and upon doing my research, I’m eager to find them when they’re actually selling food.

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Zhá Pan Asian Introduces Vendy-Winning Food to Broadway Bites

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Joining the likes of Madison Square Eats and Garment District, Broadway Bites has resurfaced for the early part of the summer. Prices here are also frustratingly high and lines can be long, but there are a few gems among the usual crop of vendors, including last year’s Vendy Award for Best Market Vendor.

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Holy Shit… Today is Our 9 Year Anniversary

Roast Pork, Rice & Plantains @ Cafe Cello, NYC Midtown

It’s hard to believe but 9 Years ago today I posted my very first review on Midtown Lunch.  I know it’s been a tough few years for the site while I’ve tried to figure out exactly what to do with it, and how to keep it going from almost 3000 miles away.  As I’m sure you know, none of us really make any money from this site.  We do it because we know it’s a worthwhile endeavor, and we also love it. And most importantly it’s a great excuse to stuff our faces every day at lunchtime.  Thanks for being so patient, and sticking with us all these years.

Here’s Where We’re Getting our Free Donut Today

Dough Doughnuts at CultureI don’t condone making sweets your entire lunch, but don’t waste free food opportunities! Today is National Donut Day, which means you can score a free Krispy Kreme flavor of your choice. Unfortunately, at Dunkin’ you have to first pay for a drink, before receiving a free donut (though if you already run on Dunkin’ coffee, this one’s a no brainer.)
If you’re more for “artisanal” New York-based donuts, head to Dough inside the newish City Kitchen. Dough blows the competition away with amazingly airy texture and unique flavors, including a new matcha flavor launching today. Sorry, it’s not free, but if you buy 6, you’re entered to win a year’s supply of donuts. Now THAT wouldn’t be diabetes-inducing at all. Hope you get your donut fix today!