Midtown Lunch

We were pretty excited back in May to hear that Wahoo’s Fish Tacos was coming to NYC, and according to The Feast their first location will be opening on November 15th on Park Ave. btw. 24+25th.  We were hoping that it would be in Midtown proper, but I guess Flatiron isn’t the worst news in the world (especially considering that they plan on opening at least 5 more locations in NYC, so there’s still a chance.) The actual worst news in the world is the tidbit that they are hoping to bring one of their food trucks to the city.  Seriously?  Have they not been reading about all the issues facing food trucks in New York these days?  It’s one thing to open a food truck because it’s your only option, or because food trucks have been in your family for years, or you are passionate about being a part of the fabric of the mobile food vending community.  But using it as a billboard for your 5 to 12 NYC franchises is unconscionable.  We love you Wahoo’s, and NYC should be excited for your fish tacos.  But leave your food trucks at home.

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Beginning of the Vendor Backlash: My Case Against the La Cense Burger Truck

As soon as I clicked on the Grub Street link about the newly opened Cafe China and spotted the wonton floating in spicy goodness, I knew I had to check the place out. Located on East 37th street (btw. Mad+5th) just a few blocks from Szechuan Gourmet and Lan Sheng, my go-to midtown Sichuan spot, Cafe China is entering a distinguished field, but in my book there’s always room in my heart for more good Chinese food. Read more »

You didn’t think we forgot about Street Meat Palooza, did you?  Now that the dust has finally settled on Midtown Lunch’s 5th Anniversary, it’s time to crown Midtown’s best street meat.  Every year we bring together a hand picked group of lunchers to taste 15 different plates of street meat, and crown a winner.  Three years ago the Famous Halal Guys won the inaugural palooza, but the next two years belonged to Kwik Meal and Kwik Gourmet.  All three have been retired from competition, and this year 15 new carts will vie for the chance to be crowned the winner of Street Meat Palooza 4!

Just like previous years, Street Meat Palooza will not be open to the public. It is an invite only, blind tasting of 15 different plates of street meat.  But there is a way for you to win a coveted slot at the “judges” table.

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Apparently September is National Breakfast Month (who knew?), and to celebrate Tri Tip Grill (in the Rock Center concourse) is offering a buy one breakfast get one free special all month long. The deal’s only good from 9-10am, and the free breakfast must we of “equal or lesser value” to the one you pay for. Valid through Sept 30th. The ML crew has given the thumbs up to the Brandy French Toast and the Buck Muffin, so if you’re the breakfast eating sort it might be worth grabbing a co-worker and splitting the bill.

• How are the huaraches and sopes at Great Burrito? [Midtown Eating]
• Has anybody eaten at Qi Thai? [Midtown Eating]
• The chicken w/ salad at Kushi is a decent “healthy lunch” [Midtown Eating]
• Taim’s cous cous: Yay or Nay? [Midtown Eating]

Every Tuesday we turn over the site to a different Midtown Lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Midtown. This week it’s Cheryl, a marketing manager who loves roast pork and oxtails.

Name: Cheryl

Age: 29

Occupation: Marketing Manager

Where in Midtown do you Work?: Midtown East – 46th Street and Madison.

Favorite Kind of Food: My goodness – there are just so many. But anything Asian (Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Chinese), and anything Healthy

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Beans and Peas (I know really random)

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Midtown: Hing Won (on 48th btw. 5+6th) – Beef Tendon with Turnip soup over those big broad noodles (awesome hangover or just need soup day food) & their Roast Pork (just because who can say no to Roast Pork?) Calista Superfoods (on 49th and 2nd) – Turkey Meatloaf Wrap (moist and super juicy), Bison Jalapeño Cheesesteak (ask for extra green hot sauce), and their PB&J smoothie. AND this place is healthy. WHAT? Margon (on 46th btw. 6+7th) – Oxtail

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If there was a guide to opening a generic deli in midtown, it would prescribe DIY salads, mediocre pizzas, predictable sandwiches, wan udon noodle soups, unnerving sushi, perhaps a by-the-lb buffet. The name should riff on variations of café, kitchen, market, fresh this and global that. It might also advise serving Korean food that’s practically decent, like Café Duke (on 51st btw. 6+7th), or a middling bowl of bibimbap, like the version found at Global Kitchen.
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Dumplings in Chili Oil from Cafe China. Photo courtesy of Grub Street NY

• Cafe China is now open on 37th, and some of their lunch specials are under $10 [Grub Street]
• Bis.Co.Latte makes a good risotto [Ramen & Friends]
• Another look at Totto Ramen [Law & Food]
• The chocolate covered grasshopper cake at Quality Meats is a trip back to childhood [FitR]
• Mother Burger in Worldwide Plaza is just OK [Tasty Eating]
• Wikipedia deletes the Famous Halal Guys cart’s page! [Eater]
• And here’s why we don’t accept invites to free PR lunches [Chubby Chinese Girl]