Midtown East, NY - Hinata

Kara Ramen

Hinata
159 East 55th Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 355-2974

Lunchin' Solo: iKimchi - Spicy Fried Pork

I've heard about the Korean Food Cart on Lexington Avenue near Baruch College but never really found the time to get it. Finally, as I was running some errands in the neighborhood I decided to stand on the long line and wait for my food.

Good weather and street food don't go well together. I despise the long lines but for good food, it's worth it.

There's like 4 people running this little cart. The chef, the person assembling my tray, the person taking my order, and finally the guy that just replenishes the items in the cart. Their meals range from $5-7 and miso soup for $2 unless you get it with the lunchbox which is just $1 more.

Heard from J that the Spicy Fried Pork is good since he works in the area and got it multiple times, so that's what I got.

Not a bad deal, the Spicy Fried Pork w/ salad and rice was $6. They also prefer you telling them if you want kimchi or not along with the time when you place your order. Salad was on the weak side, can't you give me more? But, I did get hooked onto their salad dressing. So good! I'm guessing ranch and vinaigrette? I did see them squirting 2 different sauces on it!

Kimchi was ok, took me an hour to finally be able to eat my lunch which by that time, my kimchi was warm. I like my kimchi cold because it holds that crunch. Even though it was warm, the crunch was still there. A good little banchan to start with.

The combo came with fried rice, I wasn't too crazy about it because it was a bit on the hard side. But I do appreciate the meat. Very flavorful and they give a generous amount.

Not a bad choice for lunch since I can sort of justify the price. A lot of times Korean lunches can come out to being $7-10, especially around K-town but this is quite reasonable.

iKimchi
Lexington Ave (between 24th and 25th Street)
New York, NY 10010

Weekday Lunch: Toasties

I always like a good sandwich, and sometimes a good wrap would do the trick also. It's hard to find a place that isn't skimpy on the ingredients when it comes to lunch meals. The price is usually jacked up and they barely give you enough greens and meat. I'm always hesitant when going to a cafe and ordering a sandwich or wrap but I sure did give Toasties a chance.

I like taking lunch after 1pm just because there's definitely less people. I hate lines and sometimes it causes confusion and we don't want that when it comes to food. I was in and out of the place in less than 15 minutes. They also have an interesting method of ordering and paying. They have different stations, sandwiches, pasta, salad, etc. - you would order your food, by then the person would give you a receipt and you would take that receipt to the cashier and pay for it all the while waiting for your food to be prepared. Once it's ready, they call a number (which is on the receipt) and bam you're done.

I got myself a Classic Grilled Chicken Wrap. It was delicious. Packed with meat and vegetables and the juices just ooze out of the wrap. There was grilled chicken breast with melted fresh mozzarella cheese, grilled onions, romaine lettuce and roasted red peppers. No sauce needed because everything tasted like it was sauteed so the flavor came directly from the ingredients itself.

Toasties makes the wraps really well. The price was reasonable for places located around midtown.

Toasties
599 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10022
(212) 644-8780

Weekday Lunch: Oms/b

The day right before Thanksgiving and I was feeling for some rice balls. I'm starting to appreciate rainy days since it means less people which means little to no lines when I go out for lunch. I heard Oms/b had a variety of rice balls and after glancing at their menu, I was intrigued.

I ordered the Special Set which varies each day - I'm assuming. I didn't get to choose which rice balls but I did get to choose the soup. The set includes, 3 rice balls, appetizer and any soup. 

Miso Soup

Great Miso Soup, it even has cabbage. As long as it had tofu, I'm a happy camper.

Wasabi Shrimp

I was afraid to eat this one since it contained wasabi. I'm not a huge wasabi fan and by the look of it, looks like there was a lot of wasabi smeared into the rice ball. I finally got the courage to bite down (yes, I sound like a wuss) and it wasn't overwhelming at all. They had decent pieces of shrimp inside, not bad.

Spicy Tuna

I'm more of a spicy salmon kinda gal but I have nothing against spicy tuna. Tasted like regular tuna but with rice. This wasn't so great but it was good.

Miso Sesame Rice Croquette

Surprisingly my favorite and it just so happened to be fried also. A nicely intact rice ball that was fried to perfection. Crispy on the outside and just fluffy on the inside, you get a bit of miso sesame paste on top which is technically all you need to make this rice ball amazing.

I'm definitely a fan now. I can't wait for my next visit to try out more of the other rice balls.

Oms/b
156 E 45th St
New York, NY 10017
(212) 922-9788

Weekday Lunch: Urban Lobster Shack

I love lobster. So when I found out there was a lobster shack near my workplace, I was ecstatic. The only place I ever a lobster roll before was Luke's and I fell in love instantly.

I placed my order with the girl behind the counter and waited about 5-7 minutes for my order. I was thinking, ooo taking a while so it must be fresh. I saw they also had fish and chips, even fried clam strips so I know next time I'll go back for those.

Lobster BLT

I ordered the Lobster BLT. I thought it was interesting so I gave it a shot, plus it was the special of the day. Oh, how easily I give into things.

Definitely looks appetizing but the taste speaks otherwise. Even the bacon looks dried like it's been sitting there for days...

I like the idea of parsley on the lobster roll but it doesn't enhance anything at all. There was a lot of lobster meat, to a point where I couldn't stuff the lettuce, tomato and bacon. But it's just too bad that the lobster meat was extremely bland. The lobster is mixed with mayo and celery, pretty much like a lobster salad. I was greatly disappointed. I know I won't be getting another lobster roll from them, but as for the other fried goodies I will definitely give it a go.

Urban Lobster Shack
805 Third Ave
Manhattan, NY 10022

Weekday Lunch: Sophie's Cuban Cuisine

I've only had Sophie's once before and it was a nice experience, I just can't believe it took me this long to step my foot back into Sophie's again - it was about 4 years ago.

Ever since I changed my job location, I had to start all over and see what's around my office to lunch on. I totally forgot how Sophie's taste since it's been so long. They usually have different specials for each day of the week. I like the entrees that includes 2 sides, it's a sufficient amount that will definitely fill you up within $8-10 each. They even have sandwiches if you feel for a Cuban Panini but I like a hearty meal.

Ox Tail Stew w/ yellow rice and maduros

I always had a thing for ox tail (no not some crazy weird fetish thing), I just like how they taste. My mom would occasionally make soup with it and stewing it sounds quite fantastic also. I knew I had to get the Ox Tail Stew and what's better than having it with rice. The sauce from the stew soaked the rice making it taste so much better. I also really like the maduros, fried sweet plantains. A bit on the oily side but it was so sweet and I love bananas.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine is a great place if you're in the mood for some home cook meals. They are a chain restaurant, so map them and maybe you'll be in luck if you have one near you.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine
805 3rd Ave
Lower Atrium
New York, NY 10022
(212) 308-1024

Weekday Lunch: Bamiyan

Met up with J for lunch and he took me to an Afghan restaurant. I've never tried Afghan food before so I was not against it, actually I was a bit excited.

We got to the restaurant around 1:30 and there wasn't much people at all. We decided to sit on the cushioned sofa seats by the window to get the full experience. Note: you have to take off your shoes so if you don't feel comfortable with that then opt for the other tables.

We ended up getting the Special for 2 which consist of salad, bread, appetizer, and two entrees. Surely, we got that deal.

Afghan Salad

Very refreshing salad. It's a yogurt sauce with also a red sauce on top, taste delicious. The yogurt sauce is very much like ranch dressing.

Afghan Bread

I wish I had more! It's so soft and light. I used it to dip the salad dressing.

Sambusa Appetizer

It's very much like Indian samosa. We had the ground beef with chick peas. Very well flavored, the yogurt sauce was light and gave the Sambusa a moist surrounding.

Lowand Chalow

Chicken in a dill and tarragon sauce and a full plate of white basmati rice. I love the rice, so light and fluffy - pillow-y fluffy! I can eat this rice all day. The chicken in dill and tarragon is amazing also. It might look like curry but has absolutely no curry flavor at all. The chicken was moist on the outside but once you bite into it, it's pretty dry. I would've been happy with just the sauce.

Morgh Kabob

A really light dish. Cubes of chicken breast grilled with basmati rice. I seriously love this rice. Anyways, the chicken here is a bit bland but if you mix this chicken with the tarragon and dill sauce, it is truly perfect. By the way, I actually really like the onions with dishes like this... weird.

Overall, lovely restaurant that makes great food. Never thought Afghan food was this tasty and enjoyable. I'm definitely coming back!

Bamiyan
358 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10016
(212) 481-3232

Weekday Lunch: Potbelly

Flipping through my AM New York this morning, I found that Potbelly just opened not too long ago around the FiDi area. A win situation since I've been feeling for a good sandwich. I heard they always had long lines and the setup of the place is pretty much like Subway.

Surely when I got there, the line was out the door and it was only 12pm. Go figure, I had to get my lunch when it's lunchtime for literally all of FiDi. The line moves rather quickly which is always a good thing. A couple of steps through the door, there's a person ready to take your order. As you get closer to the counter, you can grab your cookie or chips. There's one guy behind the counter than directs the customer to a staff that ask you what kind of vegetables you like in your sandwich. I think it's very well organized.

Doesn't look too big/long but it's a satisfying sandwich.

I got the Wreck on wheat bread which consist of Salami, Roast Beef, Ham, and Turkey with Swiss Cheese. Amazing combo of meats, I added lettuce, tomato, pickles, and Italian seasoning. One of the best simple sandwiches I had in a long time. By far a lot better than Subway.

I don't know why but I got their cookie also. Bigger than my IPhone! Totally worth it, it's not chewy or hard. Perfect for the teeth. I smell success from Potbelly!

Potbelly 
101 Maiden Ln
New York, NY 10038
(646) 289-4201 

Weekday Lunch: Backyard Chicken

Working in the Financial District makes it hard to be able to find a decent lunch meal. I stumble across Backyard Chicken from my coworkers. After much interrogation of asking them where it is, I finally ventured out to find it. It's a tiny shop for takeout only, sorry no seats or tables here.

They're only open for lunch with chicken of fish of your choice. Their price is fairly cheap with a good amount of home-style cook food. A 1/4 of a rotisserie chicken with 2 sides and a lemonade is only $6. And might I add, the lemonade is fantastic. Perfectly sweetened and it goes so well with the entire meal. They also have grilled salmon but I always opt for the chicken.

Lemonade + Mash Potato, Chicken Leg, and Spinach

I asked for gravy with my mash but I guess they forgot. They do get a bit busy during lunch hours because the food is affordable and good. I love the spinach because it's not one bit creamy or anything, when you bite into it actually taste like spinach. A lot of their sides are seasoned very well, they don't skimp out and you can tell by just looking at them.

The chicken is good. I had the dark and white meat before and always go back to the dark meat because the chicken that they roast are already a bit on the dry side. Warning, not much seasoning here for the chicken. They do have different sauces for you to choose but they're 25 cents each. I usually use the gravy that comes with the mash but not this time!

I really do like Backyard Chicken. The staff are nice and the food is good. Oh, and the lemonade is just oh so greattt.

Backyard Chicken
241 Pearl St
New York, NY 10038
(212) 406-6600

Weekday Lunch: Vanessa's Dumpling House

I must have a fetish with going to Vanessa's while it rains out. It's not a heavy downpour but it's still rain. I felt for light and cheap lunch today so I actually took the bus and got myself some dumplings.

It's a small place. Once you enter, walk straight to the back and slowly work your way up to the door. You put in your order, pay, and the cashier gives you a receipt which you will move a couple of steps up and wait for your number to be called. The wait can be anywhere from 2-10 minutes, depending on if the place is packed or not. I guess it's a win-win for me since I go on rainy days, usually less people on these messy weathers.

What's so great about this place? The cheap dumplings, actually a lot of their food on the menu are cheap but you simply can't pass up on $1 for 4 pieces of dumplings. They're not your average size either, bigger than the usual dumplings you get at restaurant and they are so good and juicy.

Top Left - Chive and Pork Dumpling
Top Right - Hot and Sour Soup
Bottom - Sesame Pancake with Beef

They have other options other than chives and pork, and if you don't like pan-fried they also have it in soup. The possibility are quite endless and I still can't get over the fact that it's so inexpensive.

The pancake sandwich was huge. It's like a size of a face, though more on the triangular side. You can have it plain, pork, beef, duck, etc. and there are cilantro and pickled carrots to accompany the meat. This alone can fill you up if you're a small eater and it was just $2.

I always see myself coming back for their Hot and Sour Soup and it's not like the other foods aren't good there. I've literally gotten hooked onto this soup, for $1.25 you can get a nice medley of vegetable in a hot and sour broth. This entire meal can feed two people and it only cost me $6.25, jealous?

It's a hole in wall kind of place, on a block where no one really knows. It's either by word of mouth or if you're a crazy food person then you would be able to find this on the internet. There are quite a number of cheap eats in NYC, you just need to know where to look.

Vanessa's Dumpling House
118 Eldridge St 
New York, NY 10002
(212) 625-8008

Weekday Lunch: Goodburger

This is my second visit to Goodburger and it doesn't disappoint. I know I can go to a fast food chain and get a burger but it's definitely not as satisfying as Goodburger's burger. Plus, my company is just two blocks away from Goodburger which gives easy access. A burger from here starts around $5-ish but with all the knick-knacks you add in the burger, it'll most likely hit around $6-7. Add a complete meal, with fries and a drink (I replaced mine with a milkshake) and that would be $10-ish. But it's great to indulge in some greasy burgers once in a while.

Fries, Burger, Milkshake

They give quite an amount of fries but it lacks texture. I mean, it's really crispy, really really crispy, maybe even hard and it lacks salt. I love salt with my fries and if it's seasoned well, then there's no need for ketchup but that's not the case with their fries. But, I do like how it was packaged - every french fry stayed inside the bag.

The vanilla milkshake was alright. Nothing too surprising. A small is definitely enough to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Medium-cooked, cheese, onions, tomato, lettuce, mayo, and ketchup

Call me weird but I like my mayo with ketchup, it taste almost like the Thousand Island salad dressing. I guess the one thing I really like about Goodburger would be the way they cook their burger. I asked for medium and they cooked it quite well, you can still see the pink in the center which was such a beautiful thing. A little crust on the outside and the middle of the patty was so tender. Though, I do wish they added just a tad bit more sauce and a bigger slice of cheese.

Overall, a great lunch. This is a burger, which won't ever compare to a fast food chain burger. And one more photo for good time sakes.

You can totally see the beautiful layers of the burger.

goodburger
101 Maiden Ln
Manhattan, NY 10039
(212) 797-1700