Midtown Lunch

"Hey Chef Garces, mind if I snap a picture?"

Yesterday was the big opening of Garces Trading Co. I know I was not the only one frothing at the mouth in excitement over this (I am looking at you Luncher Matt).

I won’t embarrass myself by going on about how my favorite part of the lunch was getting that dimpled smile directed my way for a moment… But it was nice to see Iron Chef Garces managing the sandwich station on opening day.

The rest of the staff is equally warm and knowledgeable; though I can’t help my extreme jealousy of knowing they all got to try every menu item, including all of the cheeses.  They are happy to share though, I snagged a sample of sheep’s milk cheese and house made chorizo (both were outstanding).

Upon arrival you are warmly greeted and can choose to either be seated for a meal, you can head to the left for the cheese, meat, bakery, and take out counter, you can pick up pastries and coffee in the back, or you can purchase wine in the cellar on the right hand side. Out of walnut oil? You can grab some in the center aisle.

Is this budget friendly? Not a chance. Lunch options that are $10 or less are limited to the soups, salads, all but one of the sandwiches, and the fusilli carbonara. For my first trip, I tried the cubano sandwich.

Lots of eye candy, after the jump, I promise…

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Varga Bar has a great beer selection and is a good spot in the summer to sit outside and have brunch. They also serve lunch, including an “Express Menu” with a choice of soup and sandwich for $9. It comes with the claim that it is served within 30 minutes to get you back to work/class quickly while still allowing you the experience of a civilized mid-day meal. The ambiance it kitschy but enjoyable; they are all about the Varga pin-up girls over here, and I can’t complain about the sexy ladies painted on the ceilings or pictured on the walls.

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I went down another set of stairs this week for lunch, this time, for Moroccan sandwiches. Argan makes both vegetarian and meat sandwiches, as well as salads, and for some reason they also have a whole coffee menu.

Argan offers choices of meats, veggies, and spreads that can be combined in their lovely version of  pita bread. Picking from the meat choices is harder than picking your favorite Victoria Secret model, good thing there are only 7 options here.

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Jean’s Cafe is an unassuming spot for freshly made sandwiches of quality ingredients. I can’t quite decide whether the menu is adorable, crazy, or slightly irritating, but with spelling errors and items such as “Cheesy Coo Coo Steaky Hog ,” (that translates to chicken cheesesteak)  it will at least entertain you while you wait for your order. I went with The Gobler, a large sandwich with Boar’s Head sliced smoked turkey breast, melted Swiss, bacon, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, and Russian dressing served warm. Look how big it is! Check out The Gobler unwrapped, after the jump…

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Beck’s Cajun Café opened inside Reading Terminal a few months ago serving as their main attraction… po boy sandwiches! Though Beck’s has so many great choices (gumbo! jambalaya! beignets!), it was all about the oyster po boy for me this trip. I came ready to indulge.

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