The Lunch Quadrant: 59th And Lex
5 photos
<p>This week's Quadrant includes, clockwise from the top left, El Rey del Sabor, Wajima, BLT Steak and Chola.</p>
<em>The truck at the 2010 Vendys (Tien Mao/Gothamist)</em><br/><strong>El Rey del Sabor:</strong> One of three of these very popular (and <a href="http://gothamist.com/2010/09/27/king_of_falafel_shawarma_wins_2010.php">Vendy-nominated</a>) can be found over on 60th Street and Third Avenue where you can expect fresh, filling, and affordable Mexican fare. Start with the tacos or the tamales and then move on down the menu. Seriously hard to go wrong here.<br/><br/><em>E. 60th Street and Third Avenue, no phone</em>
<em>(photo <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/9MQllsPDLWH2WN2ELGfF4A?select=hG72nEll1FUgtvxAUlbn7w">via</a>)</em><br/> <strong>Wajima:</strong> The secret at this authentic Japanese restaurant are their lunch specials which range from $9.80â$12 and offer you a chance to try a little bit from all over the menu. But really, you want to try their broths (they've got a some seriously good soups). Sushi and such are available as well.<br/><br/><em>134 E. 61st Street between Lexington and Park Avenues, 212-813-9065</em>
<em>(Photo courtesy of the restaurant)</em><br/><strong>Chola:</strong> Those looking for a solid Indian lunch buffet, need look no further. The area has a few other Indian options but we keep coming back for the $14 buffet which gives you more than a quart of food to go or you can stay and enjoy your food at a table. And oh what a wide <a href="http://fineindiandining.com/cholanylunchtakeoutmenu.htm">selection of foods</a> they have, not surprising since the restaurant's full name is Chola Eclectic Indian Cuisine.<br/><br/><em>232 E. 58th Street between Third and Second Avenues, 212-688-0464</em>
<em>(Photo courtesy of the restaurant)</em><br/><strong>BLT Steak:</strong> The original outpost of the BLT group of restaurants has many solid lunching options, but they don't necessarily come cheap. Luckily the food is worth the cost of admission. Though the lunch menu has some expensive options (like that $50 lobster) if you stick to the apps you can do okâwe've liked the $16 goat cheese salad with speck.<br/><br/><em>106 E. 57th Street between Lexington and Park Avenues, 212-752-7470</em>