Midtown Lunch

The 7-11 turned Kwik E Mart on 42nd btw. 8+9th was pandemonium yesterday afternoon around 7pm.  They had already run out of Krusty O’s (a new shipment is coming in today), and there were no pink donuts to be had, but there was plenty of Buzz Cola and the Squishee machine didn’t seem to be having any problems.  I did however notice a big problem with this sign:

What is the wrong with the sign, PLUS some pics of a few friends hanging out at the Kwik E Mart, after the jump Read more »

 

 

I love it when restaurants closed by the Dept. of Health hang signs that pretend being closed was totally planned.  In this case, the Bombay Palace (on 52nd btw. 5+6th) decided to go big.

Don’t know exactly when they were closed, but it may have something to do with the 127 they got on their June 21st inspection (28 is failing).  Renovations indeed.

Photo Courtesy of Geekanerd

Not an actual Kwik E Mart, of course- but the closest thing.  According to ABCNEWS, a dozen 7-11s around the country have been converted to Kwik E Marts to promote the upcoming Simpsons Movie… and one of them is right here in Midtown.  The converted location is on 42nd btw. 8+9th, and comes complete with Squishees, Buzz Cola, Krusty-O’s and Pink Donuts.

It’s sort of funny to see 7-11 embrace the satirical emobdiment of themselves, and hawk products that were essentially created to make fun of the very real products they sell- but hey, I’m not complaining! If it means Krusty Os for breakfast, I’m all for it… 

Gothamist tipped us off to Geekanerd, who has got all the first photos.  And don’t worry too much if you can’t make it over there during your lunch break today…  they’ll be set up that way for the next month.

Two well known cart vendors, Jiannetto’s Pizza Truck (here in Midtown), and Calexico (in Soho) have new carts in production that will be appearing in Midtown in the next month or two.

Jiannetto’s Pizza, which already has two trucks in Midtown (one on Park+52nd, and one on 47+Vanderbilt), has another truck in production that will go somewhere on 6th Ave.  The new location will be perfect for those of you on the West side looking for some Sicilian Grandma style pizza out of a truck (and are too lazy to trek to Park Ave.)

Calexico Cart Photo posted to Flickr by ext212
Read more about it at Writing With my Mouth Full

Even more exciting than that- Calexico, a Vendy Award nominated Mexican cart situated in Soho, are having a new cart manuafactured for them to go in Midtown.  The cart will be burritos only, but will undoutedly feature their famous carne asada.  Should be up and running in the next month. 

More news on both of these new carts as it comes in… Thanks to tipsters Matt & Nancy for passing this info along, and as always, if you have any news, tips or recommendations, email them to zach@midtownlunch.com

• Midtown Lunch awarded “Most Useful Blog For Hungry Midtowners”.  Honored of course, but wonder- are there any other blogs for Hungry Midtowners? [Debonair]
• The food places in Grand Central seem to be pretty profitable [NY Post]
• If you have a ton of money to blow on Sushi, it doesn’t get much better than Sushiden [Chowmaster]
• Food & Wine Mag Blogger Looking for Google Employee to swap lunch with [Mouthing Off]
• This week’s Profiled Midtown Lunch’er goes off on the $11 Midtown Salad [What Pushes My Buttons] 
• Robyn Makes Us Want to extend the Midtown Lunch boundries again with her pictures from Island Burgers & Shakes [Girl Who Ate Everything]

 

I always thought the cheap Chinese place in a food court was untouchable.  Like a hot dog stand in front of the Museum of Natural History- some places don’t need to be good to make money, they just need to show up.  After all, who can resist orange chicken in a food court.

So much for that theory.  Manchu Wok, the terrible Chinese food place in the Rock Center Councourse, has closed.  I never met a cheap chinese food place I didn’t like… until I ate at Manchu Wok- so I’m not too upset.  But you can rest assured there a ton of lazy Chinese food addicts in 30 Rock who are finding it hard to get out of bed these days.  I guess they’ll have to walk a few blocks to Hing Won, Yips or Wo Hop/Ho Yip to fill their urge.

In a related note… this weekend I will be stepping up my praying for Panda Express to move into the now vacant space.  If anybody else would like to join in, feel free.

Thanks to Midtown Lunch’er DDR for letting us know about this ad that appeared in AMNY on Tuesday:

That’s awesome.  I’ve never been quoted before.  I feel Roger Ebert  (he’s the fat one right?).  Although I’m still not sure why they would want to publicize a website where someone posted a comment about the building’s roach problems. 

I noticed something else a little odd about the ad.  That quote doesn’t actually appear anywhere on Midtown Lunch.  Not in my review… or anywhere else.  But, I do think the Curry Dream buffet price is unbeatable… so no harm, no foul.  Thanks for the free publicity Curry Dream!

If you missed the news– today is the last day to enjoy Kati Roll at their 46th St. location.  They will be re-opening on 39th St. btw. 5+6th in a week and a half.  The reaction has been pretty predictable.  If you work near the current Kati Roll, you’re pretty bummed.  If you work near the new location, you’re pretty psyched.  But there’s one thing that there is no denying… come tomorrow there will be a Kati Roll void, waiting to be filled in the 40s between 6+7th.

A few weeks ago I wrote about the Biriyani Cart that started serving Roti Rolls on 46th & 6th.  A perfect replacement for Kati Roll (and half the price!).  Well now it appears that cart will have some competition.  Last week, a new cart quiety opened up between the Biriyani Cart, and Kati Roll- serving their own brand of Kati Rolls.  And there is no mistaking the intentions.  The new cart is looking to be Kati Roll replacement.  Don’t believe me?  Check out the signs they had printed up- after the jump Read more »

It is freaking hot out… so I figured I’d post some of my favorite summer time eats.  I’m not much into salads, or “lite” food- so here are a few things that are perfect for summer, but still tasty.

1.  The Gazapacho at Milant.  It’s time!  I’ve been waiting for this one since I wrote about this place in February.  June through August, this tiny specialty deli offers Gazpacho as one of the soups you can get with any sandwich order.  It costs an extra buck (normally soup comes for free), but it’s well worth it.  Who wants to be eating hot split pea soup in the summertime?  Super tangy, with chunks of cucumber floating on top of the cold red tomato broth.

Hiyashi Chuka from Menchanko Tei
Posted to the Midtown Lunch Flickr Photo Group by Jane! Jane! Jane!

2.  Hiyashi Ramen.  Summertime means one thing in Japan… it’s time for some Hiyashi Ramen- cold noodles served in a special chilled broth.  Lucky for us there is no shortage of ramen houses in Midtown, so Hiyashi can be found all over.  The picture above is from Menchanko Tei, I’ve had the one at Men Kui Tei, and you can get it at Sapporo as well. 

 

3.  The Octopus Salad at Margon.  Want some Cuban food, but can’t imagine wolfing down a giant plate of roasted pork? (I’ve personally never felt that way… but to each their own).  The cool octopus salad is the way to go.  It’s on the board as being offered Wednesday & Friday only, but occasionally you can find it on other days.

And finally… a perfect lunch to balance your fat guy tastes with the heat of summer- after the jump Read more »

 

 

After two consecutive Wednesdays on 38th St., the Treats Truck is finally hitting Midtown North.  It will be somewhere in the 50s today (6/27) selling their delicious (and reasonably priced) cookies, brownies and other assorted goodies.  Check back here later in the morning for the exact location.  As soon as they set up shop, I’ll let you know!

UPDATED 1:06 PM: They are still looking for the perfect spot.  Should be any minute now.  As soon as I know, you will. 

UPDATED 1:42 PM: Finally!!!  The Treats Truck is at 47th & Lexington.  Enjoy!

UPDATED 3:55 PM:  The Treats Truck will be there until at least 5:30pm tonight, possibly longer if there are a ton of people out.  For those in Midtown South who missed out today, don’t worry- The Treats Truck will be back at 38th & 5th tomorrow! (6/28)

Need a reason to get excited for the Treats Truck?  How about a peanut butter sandwich cookie… after the jump Read more »