Grand Central Lunch Choices

[ildos]

I've been at the new job for a few months now, and I wanted to share my current lunch haunts and solicit new suggestions...

Grand Central Food Court: It's a good option when you don't really know what you want to eat. I like Cafe Spice, but since I usually pick up and take back to my office, I don't do this anymore. I love Ciao Bella Gelato and Little Pie Company to satisfy mid-afternoon snackies.

Grill 44: 44th b/w Lex and 3rd. After reading the NYT article about the sabich sandwich, I get this about twice a week. Egglant, hard boiled egg and hummus.

Cafe Zaiya: (41st b/w Madison and 5th) Something for everyone. I usually get one of the bento boxes

Cipriani to go: (42nd b/w Park and Lex) Expensive, but you feel like you are in Europe

Chipotle: (44th b/w Lex and 3rd) The line does move quickly

Oms/b: (45th b/w Lex and 3rd) Rice balls place. I can see how this gets expensive fast, but I find three make for a satisfying meal under $7. Also, given the price, you can try everything. I like the wasabi shrimp and the plum.

'Wichcraft (Bryant Park): only when I have time to sit in the Park and eat outside. Also, a bit pricey to make a habit.

So, these have been my regular places. I alternate these with the standard midtown deli in my building. Any thoughts on what I might be missing?

[Poindexter]

I'm in the exact same area and this has was a great thread to start, as the choices start getting old mighty quick.
My contribuition: the middle eastern food cart on the east side of Madison at 47th-ish. Four bucks for a stellar lamb-chicken combo gyro.
Finally,, I sometimes indulge in the Mongolian barbecue at Pergola--east side of Madison b/t 42d and 43rd. You can load it up with this bright red hot sauce and watch the hairs grow on yer chest.

[Monica]

chiyoda, a japanese take out/restaurant right next to cafe zaiya is pretty good for lunch as well.

[Monica]

I just went to this philiphino(sp?) take out place called Bayan cafe for lunch. it's on 45th street between 3rd and 2nd but closer to 3rd ave. it was pretty good i have to say and their dessert was great.

[Michael Ambrosio]

In the Grand Central Food Court, don't miss the fried chicken at Jacques-Imo's. This location and the Upper West Side one aren't as good as the original in New Orleans, but they're still very good.

[albany2nyc]

I'm going to Manhattan on Friday and I am now dying to try Grill 44. This is right up my alley as a vegetarian (I looked at their menu online). Thanks for the great recommendation.