Midtown Lunch

As is customary at Philly Lunch, every Tuesday we turn over the site to a different lunch’er for his or her recommendations for the best lunch in Philadelphia. This week, it’s Danya whose credentials include working for Zagat, nice.

Name: Danya

Age: 36

Occupation: Web/Graphic Designer; Zagat Buzz Philadelphia writer

Where in Philly do you Work?: Bella Vista

Favorite Kind of Food: My ideal meal includes whole lobster, NY strip, arugula, roasted beets, asparagus, goat cheese, macademia nuts and chocolate.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Hard to say. I don’t *dislike* any food that I come across, these days. I was a vegetarian for 12 years, so I used to dislike meat, but now it’s one of my favorites (see above). And when I was a kid I didn’t do seafood, but, obviously, my tastes have changed. I try not to be squeamish, and sample everything that crosses my path.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Philly: Mexico on the Square (1511 Pine St.) is amazing. Could eat it every day. Carnitas burrito or tacos. Love the Bibimbap at Tampopo (104 S. 21st St.), spicy with tuna. Light and satisfying. Also the mid-size sandwiches from Marabella Meatball Co (1211 Walnut St.), any of the types of meatballs will do, topped with spinach & pave vecchio. And if I’m anywhere near RTM, I have a hard time choosing between the incredible pulled pork at DiNic’s and the oyster po’ boy at Beck’s Cajun Cafe.

“Go-To” Lunch Place You and Your Coworkers Eat at Too Often? Little Italy Pizza (901 South St.). I grew up in NYC, so I’m a fan of that not-too-thick, crispy-but-still-floppy slice, burning hot after being reheated in the oven. Their pizza rocks. I can inhale a slice in less than 2 minutes, faster if I share it with my dog.

Place you discovered thanks to Philly Lunch (if any) The $6 buffet lunch at Thai Singa House. Can’t beat that deal. Chicken curry is my fave, I always ask them to add several extra spoonfulls of the sauce so it totally saturates the rice. Turns it into a curry risotto, almost. And their Pad Thai is among the best in the city, even after sitting in the steam table.

If you could work anywhere (just because of the lunch) where would it be and why? Athens, because I love souvlaki, gyros, tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, spanikopita, fresh fish, and their salty hard pretzels. The streets are teaming with restaurants and cafes. You can grab a seat and sit for 3 hours having only ordered a single espresso. Quick if you want it, relaxed if you prefer. Great food.

Is there anything you’d like to ask the Philly Lunch readers? I’ve been on a quest for great doughnuts for a while. I can’t stand the Dunkin’ Donuts signature plastic flavor that seems to pervade every single shop, across the entire world. I hear that Frangelli’s (847 Ritner St.) is the bomb, but the few times I’ve been down that way they were closed. What gives? And also, Krispy Kreme is supposed to open in Center City this spring, so that will work. Any others?

Krispy Kreme should be coming early spring but as a doughnut alternative, have you tried the creme puffs at Small Oven Bakery?

If you would like to be next week’s Profiled Philly Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d like to nominate), email me at jamie@midtownlunch.com