Midtown Lunch

• In a “why didn’t I think of that” moment, Hai Street  is bringing burrito sized sushi to Philly later this month, with free sushi on the 21st [Foobooz]
• A new fancy lunch open for you, Le Cheri just started serving lunch with a $25 “Georges Perrier” crab cake [Zagat]
• This Saturday in the suburbs there will be a bacon and beer festival, everyone’s 2 favorite things [CJ’s Doghouse]
• This weekend, a vegan yet interesting breakfast and lunch place is opening on 17th and Locust. I have my eye on the Burmese options [The Insider]

United by Blue is a unique clothing shop in Old City that I only just came across, though they opened in the Fall of 2013. They clean up one pound of trash from the ocean for every product sold. Plus their goods are mostly made of sustainable and organic materials. The product tags are even made out of elephant poop. Pretty cool, but why does Midtown Lunch care? Oh, because they also have a cafe inside. The menu has healthy things, naturally, like salads and wraps, plus an intense coffee and tea menu. Most importantly, for my purposes, are the HAND PUMPED to order donuts.

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On this day, Americans celebrate the  Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla by drinking lots of margaritas and eating Mexican food. Luckily, in Philly there are so many great options for Mexican dining. You can go the Stephen Starr route, or you could get all authentic with a restaurant whose name you might not be able to pronounce.

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• Divan on 6th has been replaced by a Greek restaurant with 6 different falafel sandwiches for lunch [Zagat]
• Chef Kevin Sbraga is opening a rottisserie restaurant in Broad and South this fall [The Insider]
• Panda Express still thinks its 2011 and is now offering a a kale bowl [Eater]
• I know you will be outside drinking tomorrow, but where? South Street, Walnut Street, Graduate Hospital? Or everywhere 

The Market East Station/Gallery Mall recently saw the opening of a Bubble Tea and macaron shop on its lower level.

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The restaurant industry can be chaotic. Its nice to know that some places are not going anywhere.  Su Xing is definitely on that list. A favorite lunch spot of meat eaters and vegetarians, the place always has a solid lunch crowd. Lunch specials, which include soup, rice, and a side, max out at $8.

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As we try to do at Philly Lunch, some Tuesdays 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 Mike, representing the South Street District who will be hosting a huge party this Saturday- the South Street Spring Festival. 

Name: Mike

Age: 50

Occupation: Executive Director

Where in Philly do you Work?: South Street Headhouse District

Favorite Kind of Food: Mexican, Mediterranean, and Meatloaf

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Scrapple — just the name alone..

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Philly: For a quicker bite, Hot Diggity (630 South Street) is the place for hot dogs and fresh fries without equal. Keith Garabedian’s creations are nationally recognized. But when I have a few more minutes, I love the Headhouse Market Burger at Bridget Foy’s (200 South Street) or the fantastic Caldo Tlalpeno soup at Las Bugambilias (148 South Street). When I am not in the area, I try to make a stop for tater tots at Revolution House (200 Market Street) or a burrito at Tres Jalapenos (901 S. 8th Street).

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