Today’s Lunch – Uncle Gussy’s Food Truck

My last day at NBC lead me to finally try Uncle Gussy’s Food Truck on Park Ave that I have been eyeing for quite a while now. There is always a line at Uncle Gussy’s and now I know why. The Greek cuisine is delicious! Today’s lunch is the Chicken Deluxe Pita which is stuffed with chicken, and I mean stuffed. Sandwiched in a soft and thick pita break, chicken is topped with lettuce, tomato and the traditional white sauce. There is also the option of spicy and fried onions, but I skipped that cause I need to save my breath for the meetings later.

Moral of the story is to try out Uncle Gussy’s Food Truck because the line moves fast and the food is absolutely delicious. There is always a number of business men in the area, and that line is worth the wait. Average price for a meal is at $8. Well worth every penny; it was so good and filling that I was stuffed half way, but I forced myself to finish it because it was just too yummy!

Restaurant Review – Hatsuhana Restaurant

17 East 48 Street

New York, NY

(212)355-3345

http://www.hatsuhana.com/

Hatsuahana, a restaurant located by Rockefeller is known for their high end Japanese food. Hatsuhana is known for their fresh fish which I definitely back up. When eating at Hatsuhana, there is a set lunch and dinner menu. Lunch prices average at $25 for a set lunch which includes a soup or a salad.

I ordered the Sushi lunch which includes 5 piece sushi, 2 rolls and a salad. For those of you who are not a fan of wasabi, do not order the sushi. The fish is glued to the rice with a dallop of wasabi. It is enough to clear your nose. The food was delicious, well worth its price. Fish are extremely fresh, I do recommend it for a date.

Service was great. Not once did I have to turn around and ask for a refill for my drink. They are constantly walking around with water pitchers and tea pots to fill. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time, even if it’s a few hours prior because they will not have seating upon arrival. There is usually a bunch of business men and women in the area fighting for a seat, and those on dates at night. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - neuhaus chocolate

neuhaus chocolate, another Belgian chocolate surprise around my company that is famous for its pralines. I bit my tongue today, picking up only two pieces of chocolates which includes the chocolate truffle and almond praline. It only cost me four bucks today! That's pretty average for a fresh piece of chocolate at two dollars a pop.

I really can't recall the last time I did not enjoy a chocolate truffle, especially one that is dusted with cocoa powder. I feel that the dark cocoa powder helps to trigger the chocolate taste buds as the rest of the chocolate just melts in your mouth. Absolutely delicious! As for the almond praline, the beautifully built exterior made me not want to eat the chocolate, but as I bit into it, the gush of caramel-texture that comes running out. Doesn't have a blast of almond taste, but its not bad. Don't mind my photo, the dusting of the chocolate makes it look dirty.

Today's Lunch - Korilla BBQ

I’ve been itching to try the Korilla food truck for quite a while now and I’ve been saving up my stomach for today, Thursday, the day that it is walking distance from me. You may have heard of the Korilla truck on Food Network, the race across the world. Although they didn’t make it to the end, they came back to their hometown New York to fill bellies of ours! Give yourself time to wait on a line, but it moves rather quickly so you won’t be starved for too long. Be sure to check the menu online prior to going because everything is just delicious!  

I ordered the Bulgogi Tacos with everything. I'll be honest, I'm not a fan. I decided tog o with the tacos because it wouldn't be as filling as the burrito which I try not to eat because it can get messy. I'm a bit bummed out today. The meat was great, sauce was great, but the shell was not so great. when everything is mixed in, it just doesn't compliment well enough for me. 

Todays Lunch - Darbar Grill

Darbar Grill

157 East 55 Street

New York, NY 10022

(212) 751-4600

http://www.darbargrill.com/

Today’s lunch is special. The company ordered from Darbar Grill to celebrate with the Indian family here. Happy Diwali! Definitely have to share today’s lunch which was an absolutely delicious mix of Indian food. For starters, I love that even though this was catering, the bread was still crispy to the bite. Every dish was cooked so good that I am definitely going to visit Darbar Grill soon!

Diwali is a five day celebration of the “festival of lights” which is not only celebrated in India, but other countries as well. It is their New Year which does not fall under the American New Years, but it’s always great for others who can celebrate with and enjoy great food, like myself!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction – teuscher

teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland

620 Fifth Ave

New York NY 10020

(212) 246-4416

http://www.teuscher.com/

Just another day of meetings over at 30 Rock today and I decided to reward myself for my hard work. Except this reward was a little pricey, $88 for a pound of chocolate. I definitely did not buy a whole pound, but I did spend $11.50 on four pieces averaging three bucks a pop. The pieces that I picked up were the famous Champagne Truffle, Hazelnut Praline, Nougat Truffle, and a Dark Chocolate Truffle.

I love the texture of the chocolate and although I’m not a big fan of Champagne, it was absolutely delicious. The Hazelnut Praline is something different from what I’ve had before. It’s like a truffle in a stick. I think teuscher is a great place for truffles, a great blast of chocolate texture. The Nougat Truffle is definitely something I am not used to, it is different but it is amazing as well. As for the Dark Chocolate Truffle, when am I not a truffle lover? If it wasn’t for the price, I think I’d go everyday. 

Restaurant Review - La Bonne Soupe

La Bonne Soupe

48 West 55 Street

New York, NY 10019

(212) 586-7650

http://www.labonnesoupe.com/

A little hidden French restaurant in uptown, La Bonne Soup is two floors with a little outdoor balcony upstairs. I had the pleasure of having a team lunch here and the food was more than what I expected.

The restaurant has some great lunch dishes that average $13 per plate. I had the Croque Madame which was a ham sandwich topped with an egg and a side of salad. It was one of the best hot sandwiches I have had, considering it was just ham and cheese. I was so full from the sandwich, I was not able to finish my salad, but I’m glad I did not order a soup as well because I would have been overstuffed!

This restaurant seems to be my company’s favorite since they tend to bring the team over when the opportunity arrives. The French onion soup looked so good it made my mouth water so I will definitely return and order that next time. I plan on having a dinner here, being that I hear extremely good reviews from upper management about this place. 

Restaurant Review - NY Kom Tang Soot Bul Kal Bi

NY Kom Tang Soot Bul Kal Bi

32 West 32nd Street

New York, NY 10001

One of the oldest restaurants in Korean Town, New York that I am absolutely in love with. I stumbled upon this restaurant with a friend when I couldn't decide where to have Korean BBQ and I am glad that this was randomly chosen. It doesn't look all that great form the outside, but the service and food is absolutely amazing.


Every Korean BBQ comes with a whole bunch of sides, but I've never been to a place that has given me so much side dishes which includes raw crab and raw squid. A very good money's worth meal and this is one of the few places that offer me the steam egg which I did not share at all.

In regards to entrees, the Kalbi and Spicy Marinated Pork was ordered for the BBQ and an appetizer of Seafood Pancake. Although this is a traditional Korean restaurant, the food is not as spicy as I thought it would be. I was a bit reluctant to order the spicy pork at first, but it turned out to be delicious. The most appealing part of the meal is the kalbi that was unrolled from the bone when cooked. Although it is a very thin slice of beef, it was absolutely delicious. 

Pricing is like every other Korean BBQ place which basically means expensive. This meal for two with juice and soda as drinks cost us a total of $85. A bit pricey, but I believe it was well worth it for the service and great food. I was so stuffed that I had extra for lunch so it technically filled three bellies.

Today’s Lunch – Chicken Tikka & Kebab Combo from Biryani Cart

It was just last month that I started going on an Indian food crave when I first visited Biryani Cart. Well, it was so good, I returned today for a different combo. Just $7 for the chicken tikka and kebab which was so filling! Talk about Indian food when I couldn’t even eat my kebab because it was so spicy ahh! As always, the entrée is filled with meat, rice and a side of vegetables.

Definitely visit the car when you have a chance. The Biryani cart has been on food network a number of times and has been all over the newspaper for its authentic Indian food on a cart. 

Today’s Lunch – Yip's Chinese Food

Yip Restaurant

52 West 52^nd Street

New York, NY 10019

(212)397-8293

I’m definitely having a good day today and because I’ve been so deprived of food this weekend, I had to feast today. For some reason, Living Social gave me a $5 promotional credit and it just so happens that Yip was a part of their instant deals, pay $5 for a $8 lunch which equals to be a free lunch for me!

My overstuffed lunch bowl consisted of a shrimp and fish combo. Yip’s offer a great selection of pre made food during busy lunch hours. Simply walk in, make your selection and be well on your way to a full belly. With so much to eat, I was just stuffed by today’s lunch. This is the one thing I love about Chinese food, its usually for a cheaper price and fills up a lot more, leaving leftovers for another meal. 

Today’s Lunch – St. Andrew Restaurant and Bar

140 West 46^th Street

New York, NY 10036

(212) 840-0814

http://www.standrewsnyc.com/

This hidden but oh so delicious bar and restaurant is two floors of fun and filling food. Today’s lunch was the Maryland Crab Cake Sandwich on a Sourdough Roll that was grilled to perfection. Enclosed with a toasted bun and homemade slaw and chipotle aioli, this sandwich with fries and pickles was extremely filling. I definitely recommend St. Andrews Restaurant and Bar for good food, both night and day. There are no lunch specials, but there is a dinner pre-fix menu that can help you save a few bucks. Regardless of price, the restaurant is a great stop for traditional American foods. 

Todays Lunch - Pax Wholesome Foods

Today's half sandwich is the Cranberry Turkey sandwich from Pax. I am a big fan of the size which is great for those on a diet, but the price of it doesnt seem to be worth it. I paid a total of $4.30 for this, which is more than the price of half the sandwich, this is New York for you. I do love the fact that it helps me control my diet and gives me a little bit of room for some Organic & Fairly traded milk chocolate that I picked up at Whole Foods. Yum!

Today's Lunch - Ranch 1

After being so food deprived yesterday and eating just bread for dinner and today's breakfast. I decided lunch was going to be an ultimate reward for my stomach. Today's over the top and filling lunch from Ranch 1 is the Chicken Bowl which was so filled to the top, I have left overs for tomorrow's lunch as well. What's even better about today's lunch is it only cost me a total of five bucks thanks to Living Social's Instant Deals. Nothing beats a good lunch for a cheap price, absolutely love cheap eats!

Restaurant Review - Kunjip

Kunjip

9 West 32nd Street

New York, NY 10001

(212)216-9487

http://www.kunjip.net/

One of the best restaurants in Ktown (Korean Town), in my opinion, Kunjip is a must go to for all. It is open 24 hours that accommodates to the schedules of all. Kunjip is one of the best Korean restaurants that I have been to with extremely appealing foods and great tastes. Pricing can be a little high, but it is worth it for great food. 

The bad things about this restaurant is having to wait for the whole party to arrive before being served, this is expected and understood for most busy places, but it is unacceptable for a place that doesn't follow this strictly. They allow for their regulars to sit with no problems, so expect that.

Their food is absolutely delicious. The must order is the raw platter of meat (above) which I don't remember the name to. Aside from that, I ordered the sliced beef bibimbob (spelled differently at other locations) which was delicious, but because there is so much more to choose from, bibimbob may not be your first choice.

Expect long waits if you are going during busy hours, but regardless, this place is pretty packed and I can understand why! I wish I worked closer to the area to eat more often. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Lily O’Briens Café

Lily O’Briens Café

36 West 40 Street

New York, NY 10018

(212)575-0631

http://www.lilyscafenyc.com/

For those of you who follow me on twitter @cunggie, you would know that I’m pretty much not having a good day today. Feeling a little upset, I had to find some way to cheer myself up. Nothing is better than chocolate for me. After having lunch in Bryant Park today, I decided that Lily O’Brien’s would be the best stop for my chocolate.

Five bucks for four pieces of chocolate, I picked up the chocolate truffle, dark chocolate truffle, vanilla latte, and simply chocolate. I also grabbed a sticky toffee that is single wrapped for just a buck. The chocolate is absolutely amazing. A solid chocolate outer layer that juices once you bite into it. The chocolate just melts in your mouth, melts all my problems away.

I also picked up a red velvet macaroon which I wasn’t too happy about. I was extremely excited to try it out, but it definitely was not worth the $2.50 I paid for it. Maybe I’m just not a macaroon person today, but the chocolate is a must.

Lil O’Briens Café also carries many signature coffee and chocolate drinks. Aside from the calories, it is a must try. I skipped out on it because I felt that I was having a little too much intake of calories for today. 

Today's Lunch - Biryani Cart

Today’s lunch was quite a satisfaction to my Indian craving from the Biryani Cart. Located on sixth and 46th street, I ordered the $7 combo of chicken over rice, a side salad, potato samosa, and a chicken karti (roll). This over the top, extremely filling, not so spicy (in terms of Indian) platter was well worth the $7.

I loved every part of the platter, the salad was fresh with a white sauce that reminded me of Halal. The deep fried potato samosa was a little too soggy for my tastes. I was happy that the samosa was extremely over stuffed because it is rare to find that now a days. There were about five chunks of chicken over my rice, but I loved the texture of the rice and the sauce that was mixed in (just like my salad). Lastly, the chicken roll was extremely delicious. Stuffed with chunks of curry chicken and vegetables wrapped with a panned thin flat bread, it was my ultimate favorite. I am definitely excited to go back for the delicious platter again!

Today's Lunch - Prime Burger

I was craving for the ultimate burger today. I normally don’t eat burgers, but I don’t know why, I just had to have one today. I decided to try out the Prime Burger that is pretty close to my office because I really wasn’t trying to walk in this weather!  Regardless of the fact that my pants are soaked from the rain, it was well worth it.

I originally wanted a Pizza Burger, but I got a warning from someone that my stomach would hurt so I decided to just start with a regular cheeseburger. A medium to medium-well cooked patty with melted cheese and a toasted bun. The burger was average size for a $7 burger, just the right portion. It might be that I’m a little hungry today, but I will definitely make a visit when I have another burger craving. I usually have my burger with ketchup, but I was given a tangy sauce made with chunks of pickles and red peppers imo and it made my burger amazing.

I admit that the Prime Burger Restaurant looks a bit dinky on the outside and in, but the food is pretty good. I’ve read the bad reviews online but it didn’t prevent me from giving it a try and I’m glad I did. Burgers are cooked by the door, ready for take out so its an additional plus to me. 

Todays Lunch - Halal Chicken and Rice

Chicken is rice is the ultimate favorite for drunkies after a night out in the city. Heck, I know people who travel from Jersey  into the city just to get Halal on 53^rd and Sixth by the Hilton. For the ultimate craving, this is my lunch time satisfaction. For just six dollars and a 15 minute wait (yes, even at lunch time), chicken and rice for lunch. Unfortunately for me, I couldn’t even finish half of my chicken and rice and I have no one to share with, what a waste!

For those of you who don’t know, there are two stands for this chicken and rice which are located right across the street from one another on sixth. Be sure to scout the line, make sure you’re on the right line also! You can’t really miss them, both carts are wearing yellow and red shirts. 

Today's Lunch - Katsuhama

Another quick pick me up lunch at Katushama! Today's lunch is the Japanese Fried rice which contains two pieces of fried chicken. YUM! As always, seasoned and flavored perfectly. The one thing that I was not a big fan of was the pieces of ginger that was included in my meal. Because the dish was microwaved, the overpowering smell of the ginger probably filled the office. I really hate when I bring food that is not comfortable to others (hint: do not microwave seafood). Another thing I was a little upset about is my Japanese egg was over cooked by the microwave which made it a little too dry and crispy. Still, a very filling lunch that I was not able to finish for just $7. YAY! Just be sure if you are picking up the fried rice that there are two pieces of fried chicken for you because I would've got this last week but I didnt see the meat. Muahaha!

Today's Lunch - Katsuhama

Being as indecisive as I am for lunch, I had a friend recommend sushi for me. The first thing I thought of was Katsuhama, a restaurant that I had with a friend a while back. I remember there was sushi in front, ready to be picked up so I thought it would be the best selection for today's lunch. Upon my arrival, there was so many luxurious selections, I chose to give up on bland sushi. I picked up the Buta Kimchi Don which is Stir-Fried Pork and Kimchi over rice for $7 plus tax. Over the top, over filling.

There is just enough vegetables for me, two pieces of shumai as a perk. Flavoring is great and once again, I love how I can pop in, pick up what I like and wait two minutes for it to be reheated and walk right out. The only thing is the cash only rule. I run by credit cards!