Midtown Lunch

Philly has numerous sushi spots with identical lunch specials, 3 rolls and a miso soup for around $11 (or 2 rolls for $8). It is a fine lunch; fast, pretty healthy, and salty. The problem is that the rolls they let you choose from are the boring ones. You know, the veggie ones, california rolls, or what I go for- the simple spicy tuna. Sometimes, though, you just to indulge in one of those fully loaded, crazy rolls that are served at dinner, but  at a lunch time price.

Chinamoto recently opened by Tashan on Broad Street two months ago. The space has a modern, trendy ambiance. There is a sushi bar, which is a big part of the menu, but Thai and Chinese plates are also available during lunch. And along with the 3 roll for $11 deal, are a few dinner menu style signature sushi rolls.   Read more »

Breezy’s Cafe opened a few months ago in the Point Breeze neighborhood of Philly, signaling that gentrification is on its way there. The small cafe serves caffeinated beverages sandwiches and salads. Organic, local, homemade, and vegan are reoccurring menu themes. Not to leave anyone out, Breezy’s is really an inclusive place, there are several meat options too.

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Photo Courtesy of Danya Henninger at Zagat

• Philly is #1 bacon city in the land! [Estately via Foobooz]
• Less salt in Chinese takeout might happen soon, will that mean less flavor? [NBC]
• La Famiglia in Old City is now doing a 2 course under $20 lunch [The Insider]
• A creme brulee shop is coming to Philly, sounds like a perfect first date spot, fellas [The Insider]
• A 2nd Kabobeesh is coming to 4th and South St [Foobooz]
• PYT is serving a meatball sandwiched between deep fried lasagna [Zagat]

 Today, Luncher John is feasting from another local truck

When it comes to ingredients used by a food establishment, generally, the more local they are, the better it is for everybody. Local proximity of ingredients means that the meat or produce is fresh and goes from the farm to your plate as quick as possible. Regional food suppliers benefit, and the restaurant’s costs are lowered.

The Local 215 Food Truck, which has been roaming the city’s streets for almost a year, is dedicated to this mission. Most of its ingredients are sustainable and sourced from local suppliers. I’m not quite sure the lobsters for its lobster rolls come from the Schuykill River, but those are among the few exceptions. From these ingredients, Local 215 offers a menu featuring innovative combinations of sandwiches and dishes.

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I was happy to hear Philly was getting a restaurant dedicated to kati rolls (Indian wraps) and biryani.  Though we have some kati roll options here, none  come even close to the Kati Roll shop in NYC. And Philly deserves the real deal! At Spice End on Chestnut street, there are a whole bunch of kati rolls to choose from, including vegetarian options.

Kati rolls are around $6 each. Any 2 are $11, so I went with that.

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Though we have been lacking volunteers lately, on certain 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 Justin, who loves the ladies as much as he loves noodles. And yes, he is single and ready to mingle, as long as you can use chopsticks- any takers? 

Name: Justin

Age: 27

Occupation: Attorney

Where in Philly do you Work?: Penn Center

Favorite Kind of Food: Noodle soup

Least Favorite Kind of Food: Meh, not sure if I have a least favorite. Not a big mustard, horse radish, wasabi fan.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch in Philly: I’ve been eating mad salads nowadays–gotta keep my business tightttttttt. I’m a big fan of honeygrow salads. Also, the Duane Morris building has a cafeteria catered by Stephen Starr. They have a solid salad station–under 10 bucks for a salad with salmon. If I indulge, I hit up a chicken and rice cart or some noodle soup in Chinatown or elsewhere. (Lan Zhou, Hiro, any and all Pho places)

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This past Saturday the 3rd Annual Vendy Awards were held at Penn Treaty Park right on the water. The sun was glowing, the breeze was blowing, the Brooklyn Brewery beer was flowing; it was a perfect day.

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