Variety Deli: The Cure for Lunch Indecision

With so many options in the city for lunch, I often feel a bit indecisive about what to get for lunch. I just can't figure out what I want to eat. And on days like this, I have a fall back: Variety Deli. I started going here (I think when they opened) back around 2005 in part because located at 48th between 5th and 5th, it was a short walk from my office. They have a really good by the pound buffet with lots of rotating options. Perfect for my days when I don't know what I want. I can have a little bit of everything.

Variety is also good because I can eat something healthy and inexpensive, a combination that can often be hard to find. Above, I have string beans, bok choy(!!!), asparagus along with shrimp, calamari and some grilled chicken. And to make sure I get filled up, just a few noodles on the side.

By the pound buffets can be treacherous if you're not careful. You can easily walk away with a $14 container of food. I try to adhere to some of the tips by the great Zach Brooks of Midtown Lunch and keep the costs to a minimum. On this day, my discipline and the ongoing Variety 5 year anniversary special of $5.99 a pound helped me to walk away paying just $6.12 (including tax) for lunch.

So, when you're plagued by indecisiveness at lunch, embrace the love that is the by the pound buffet. You're bound to find something that you'll enjoy!

Vietnamese sandwiches at a Chinese restaurant- my kind of fusion!

When this week started, I didn't know I would be taking a world tour of pork sandwiches. First I went to France. Next it was Cuba. And I concluded my world tour in Asia when I got the taste for Chinese food Friday. Hing Won is right down the street from me, known for their delicious pig (pork belly) over rice. Well, they also use it in a sandwich. It's their variation of a bahn mi, a Vietnamese sandwich.

I'd never had a Chinese food sandwich, but this one gets it right. The rich pork belly is mellowed by a sweet sauce, and pickled vegetables. The sandwich also features a generous serving of cilantro, one of my personal favorites. The bread is toasted and you're left to enjoy a sandwich sure to leave a smile on your face. It was a great way to end the week!

Free Food Friday

One of the highlights of any work day is free food! And today I got a whole lot of it. It started as soon as I got in. Jane gave me some curry that her parents made, along with kimchee, pickled jalapenos and some dried anchovy mixture. Delicious!


But that was just the "breakfast appetizer." Friday is Breakfast Club, and Rebecca (aka DJ Becky Bop) brought Essa Bagels. Poppy seed!


One free meal is good. Two is great. But three? That's unheard of. But it went down today. Leftover salad and some wraps kept me in the office and money in my pocket for lunch. It wasn't the best lunch ever, but it was free! So I'm not complaining!






In my book a Free Food Friday is a good Friday!

Going Out!

The other day was a good lunch day! My boss sent me an outlook appointment for a place that just said "D&D". I was confused, but since the appointment spanned lunch time and my boss is a foodie like myself, I clicked accept.

At 12:30, we strolled the 2 blocks to 979 third avenue. After winding down a few hallways, an elevator ride to the 14th floor and more hallways, we arrived at this place called Astra. Think upscale cafeteria. Three specials (which apparently go fast) were printed on a sheet of paper in an acrylic frame. Tattered paper copies of their daily menu were also on the table near the entrance. Place your order, pay (tip included) and they give you a number that you display at the table of your choice for servers to bring you your food.

Nice view, comfortable, elegant ambiance, comfortable chairs. So far, so good? But would the food stack up? YES.

My flank steak was well seasoned and tender. It was overcooked to medium-well when I ordered medium. Not a big deal for me. The sour cream sauce next to it was adorned with capers and red peppers. A tasty accent. And the salad, though it had a few too many red onions for a business lunch, was topped with a good Dijon vinaigrette and freshly grilled and chopped bread as croutons. A great touch.

My boss's burger was also very good according to him. The brioche bun was apparently very good (all their bread is) and the beef delicious. A third coworker got a grilled ham and cheese he enjoyed. Both sandwiches were served with fries that I believe they described as good McDonald's fries. I can rock with that!

So I had a good lunch, and best of all...it was free! :-)