Midtown Lunch

Serious Eats’ Ed Levine devoted his weekly New York review to Dallas BBQ today (there is one in Midtown on 42nd btw. 7+8th), and the Feedbag’s Josh Ozersky came down on him, saying that restaurants like this are an “affront to the city”. As much as it pains me to say this, I tend to agree with Mr. Cutlets on this one- but admit to always being curious about the Dallas BBQ $9.95 2 chicken take out special I used to see advertised in the subway. (Do they even have that deal anymore?) [via Grub Street]

Last week I lamented that one has to travel all the way to Astoria for some (delicious) bZ Grill action. This week Lunch’er Marie has some possibly amazing news in the comments: “My ‘rents went into bZ over the weekend after I showed them this post and the owner said he’s looking into bringing bZ Grill into the city because the rent prices have come down so much. Looks like Zach might get his midtown wish.”  I shudder (with joy) to think…

Had to hit up Kolache Mama (on 45th btw Mad+Park) on opening day just to see what these things looked like. Size wise they vary- but the reuben (shown above) was not so small that it’s a ripoff but not so big you think you’re getting a great deal. I would say 2 savory and one sweet would make an acceptable lunch. As for taste, don’t want to judge on the first day- but i’m guessing they taste far better fresh out the oven (mine were both cold). When you order just ask for the freshest ones. Full report coming tomorrow… (and early adopters don’t hold back in the comments.)

I was pretty excited when the company that owns Beard Papa announced that they would be bringing the Onya Japanese Noodle chain to the US. Admittedly I’ve never been to Osaka, so I’m not really the best person to confirm or refute their claim of being the very first udon spot in New York City to offer freshly made Osaka style udon… but it sounded good enough!  And unlike Udon West, which is just a block away on 46th btw. Lex+3rd, their menu seems far less interested in dumbing things down for the Western customer.

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There were so many things I wanted to try on my first visit to Güllüoglu (on 2nd Ave. and 52nd St.) two weeks ago, I was completely overwhelmed. I ended up going for one savory pastry, and a box of sweets- but vowed to return to “eat my way through their lunchtime offerings” (and there are quite a few delicious looking options.) I haven’t been able to make it back to start chopping away at my list, but thankfully Robert Sietsema has made it a tiny bit shorter by posting about their “sausage sandwich Istanbul style”, which turned out to be just a “gussied-up hot dog”. That’s good to know… now all I have left to try is their lamb burger, beef burger, sausage/salami/kashkaval sandwich, their “gypsy chicken wrap”, Turkish style toast, simit sandwich, their “salty special donut”, pretty much every one of their savory pastries, rice pudding, and pistachio ice cream made from goats milk.

Check out the full menu after the jump…

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In case you missed it in the forums a few weeks ago, Chiyoda Sushi (on 41st btw. Mad+5th) has discounted a number of their bentos and one of their large sushi boxes.  It doesn’t say on the signs when it ends, but according to their website today is the final day-  so this is your last chance.  (Unless they decide to extend it… hint hint.)

Related:
Chiyoda Sushi (aka more Japanese fun!!!)
20% off on all bento boxes at Chiyoda Sushi in midtown

Just a friendly reminder for those of you who are incredibly eager to try kolaches, the stuffed Czech pastry that is all the rage in Texas. Kolache Mama opens their first location today on 45th btw. Mad+Park. My curiosity has officially boiled over, and at 2 for $5 it’s a relatively guilt free investment.

• Momofuku invite sparks debate over $100 fried chicken [Midtown Connections]
• Onya is a complete waste of money [Midtown Eating]
• Shendy’s has changed their packaging! [Midtown Eating]
• A farewell haiku for Miss Softee [Miscellaneous]
• What did you think of the Vendy Award results? [Miscellaneous]

The New York City Wine and Food Festival is less than two weeks away, and Thrillist wants to give one lucky Midtown Lunch’er tickets to their Bacon & Blues Event hosted by Tyler Florence.  It has nothing to do with Midtown, but whatever… when people offer to give you guys free sh*t, who am I to say no, right?  The event is happening on October 8th, from 7-10pm at the Standard Hotel and will feature bacon inspired snacks from famous chefs, live blues, and delicious drinks (obviously.)  The event is already sold out, so this is your only way in.  Register to win a pair of tickets here>>