Midtown Lunch

How do you go about making a place that is already pretty awesome, thanks to baked goods and 5 items for $5, even better? By making some really damn good noodle soups. We got a tip from Lunch’er “William” that Lunch Box Buffet (on 34th btw 7+8th) had hired a well-known chef from Flushing to make some of the most popular Chinese noodle soups. If it’s from Flushing it must be good right? I hope so! See what’s on the new menu after the jump.

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Thanks to Lunch’er “Moonji” for sending along this tip last week… “Just saw the attached sign this afternoon, on 45th between 3rd and Lex (where the old Tasti-D used to be). Hope it’s something reasonable and delicious! Their website is up but no menu/information up yet. I did see someone inside working on stuff.” Nice… could be good. We don’t really have a shortage of Latin food in Midtown, and Margon (on 46th btw. 6+7th) is actually run by Dominicans (despite calling themselves a Cuban restaurant.) But it will be cool to see a place that takes ownership of their Dominican heritage. More info as soon as we get it…

Have a tip of your own to share? Don’t be selfish. Send it to editor@midtownlunch.com

It’s been just over two years since Cer Te (on 56th btw. 5+6th) began pumping up crazy ass sandwiches for our ML Sandwich Challenge, many of which had made it on to their menu as permanent fixtures or weekly specials.  Last year they put a twist on things by turning over the sandwich creating duties to you, the reader, and it was so successful (Chubby Chinese Girl, anybody?) they’ve decided to do it again.  Starting today, Cer Te will begin taking suggestions for sandwich specials.  Got some crazy ass idea you’d like to see Chef Edward tackle?  Just email it to MyDreamSandwich@certenyc.com, and who knows… maybe you’ll be the next Chubby Chinese Girl. According to the email they sent last week, the prize for having your sandwich selected is bragging rights (plus having a sandwich named after you for a month), but I’m sure we can pressure them into giving out a prize too. Maybe a gift certificate? It’s the least they can do for such kick ass sandwich ideas.  UPDATE: They’ve agreed to award a $100 Cer Te gift certificate to the winner!

Margon’s Cuban. Photo by Food in Mouth.

• Margon has one of the best Cuban sandwiches in NYC [Food in Mouth]
• The Le Languedoc at Financier Patisserie is a flavor-packed sandwich [SENY]
• Tofu edamame balls are the best thing about the Kimchi Taco Truck [Fork in the Road]
• Schnitzel & Things makes it to the Food Truck Challenge semis [BusinessWeek]
• Did you know that the mayo at Oms/b is blended in house? [SENY]
• Manganaro’s might not be going away after all! [NYO via Gothamist]
• Your first look at the newly open Bierhaus [Grub Street]
• An ode to Le Rivage from Josh Ozersky [Eater]
• El Rey del Sabor is better than Mexicue [Tasty Eating]
• The Stage Deli makes a super juicy pastrami sandwich [Feisty Foodie]
• Frances Lam says Chipotle is better than Qdoba [Salon]
• Korilla BBQ is opening two more trucks [Eater]

Just in case the name “Mamacita” didn’t tip you off, I’m not Irish. My knowledge of St. Patrick boils down to two things. First, he rid Ireland of snakes. That’s right he had enough of those mutherf**in’ snakes on his mutherf**in’ island. So, he went all Samuel L. Jackson on a geographic scale! That’s pretty badass. Second, It’s a time for the millions of Irish expats and their descendants to celebrate their heritage and remember the motherland –preferably by getting stinking drunk. The Irish loom large in the history of this fine city so consider it your civic duty to raise a glass or five to the Emerald Isle.

This here concludes your history lesson now on to the boozing.

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Earlier this week I blogged about Late Night Snack, the newest flavor from Ben & Jerry’s, featuring a vanilla ice cream with a salty caramel swirl and chocolate covered potato chips. Yesterday when I was down in the Rock Center concourse, I noticed that the Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop had Late Night Snack on hand. Not terribly surprising since it was created in partnership with 30 Rock’er, Jimmy Fallon… but for those of you hunting around for the flavor, now you know where to go.

Today is the first Friday during Lent, which for our observing Catholic lunch’ers means no meat. Traditionally Lenten Friday lunches might include fish sticks or a tuna sandwich, which have their own special place in the lunch pantheon, but if you’re looking to expand your fish lunch horizons, we’ve got some suggestions for you in the coming weeks. First up the Boneless Fish Curry from Biryani Cart.

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Please welcome our newest contributor… Lunch’er Brian. Today he lets us know about a Wafels & Dinges special that is ending today.

Even in the blustery rain (like yesterday), the guys at Wafels & Dinges always keep the mood fun and playful. Besides witty tweets and charming customer service, they’ve been playing with their dinges. Get your mind out of the gutter – I’m talking about the wacky toppings they put on top of their scrumptious waffles. Unlike previous specials like sausage and gravy or chili con carne, this week they returned to their sweet roots with a delicious but goofily named Al Razzcapone. I’m not sure what Al Capone or gangsters have to do with waffles or raspberries, but since I’m more interested in the taste of the food, I’ll let the groan-worthy pun slide.

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This time of year is always the hardest for me. After months and months of darkness and snow, I can’t help feeling like summer will never make it. Thankfully, there are places that will give us a taste of summer even with months to go before the mercury reaches 75 again.

It’s been a few years now since BBQ burst into New York’s food scene, replacing the sad shadow of a thing that used to pass for BBQ in this city. In Flatiron Lunch bounds in particular, options abound. Blue Smoke, Hill Country, The Hog Pit, two branches of Brother Jimmy’s and Wildwood BBQ are all between 31st Street and 17th Street. And pretty much none of them have more than one or two options under $10. And then there’s RUB.

I was reminded of RUB in my recent (and regular) sojourns to get my doughnut fix. I peeked at the menu on the way one day and realized that half of their sandwiches and a few other items fell under the $10 mark.

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