The Lunch Quadrant: West 72nd Street And Broadway
5 photos
<p>This week we visit Gray's Papaya, Grandaisy Bakery, Salumeria Rosi and Momiji Fusion Foods.</p>
<em>(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattmendoza/3923107965/in/photostream/">gtrwndr87</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong>Gray's Papaya:</strong> What can you say about Gray's Papaya? It is a New York institution, and with good reason. The hot dogs are cheap and plentiful, and the namesake drink is, too. The OJ, which they often make in front of you, isn't bad either. We wish they'd bring back the long-lost deep fryer (we used to love their very-salty fries) but c'est la vie. If you are anything like us, Gray's should be all you need when passing through this neck of the woods. <br/><br/><em>2090 Broadway, at 72nd Street, 212-799-0243</em>
<em>(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/roboppy/3559044504/in/photostream/">roboppy</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong>Grandaisy Bakery:</strong> The food at this third piece in a Manhattan mini-chain is surprisingly good for its cost. The breads are especially fresh tasting which means some very edible sandwiches and some surprisingly tasty "pizzas"âmore like flat breads with toppings, but still, try the butternut squash! Also worth tasting? The desserts. Just don't expect to sit down in the tiny space. <br/><br/><em>176 West 72nd Street, 212-334-9435</em>
<em>(via <a href="http://www.momijiasian.com/">Momiji</a>)</em><br/><strong>Momiji Fusion Food:</strong> In the no-mans-land that is West-of-Broadway 72nd Street lies this friendly fusion spot where you can feast down on a number of <a href="http://www.momijiasian.com/catalog/lunchspecial.aspx">affordable lunch specials</a> that range in price from $6.35 to $7.25 and include everything from Thai curries to your standard Chinese restaurant fare (as in, they have General Tso's Chicken). If you are feeling like splurging, the sushi is pretty fresh as well. <br/><br/><em>251 W 72nd St, 212-496-8460</em>
<em>(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gandhu/3239104030/in/photostream/">gandhu & Sarah</a>'s flickr)</em><br/><strong>Salumeria Rosi:</strong> Cesare Casellaâs charming enoteca/salumeria is one of those places that Yogi Berra would talk about about: It's always so crowded nobody we know seems to go there. Which is why lunch exists! If you are looking for a touch of Tuscan tapas, you won't go wrong here. Especially if you are in the mood for cured meats (though the rest of the slightly-heavy menu is worth it, too). It ain't cheap, but for a treat it is worth it.<br/><br/><em>283 Amsterdam Avenue, between 73rd and 74th Streets, 212-877-4800</em>