4:50pm Halloween cookies

Boo! Halloween falling on a Monday makes the whole holiday a bit of a dragged out affair with festivities happening all weekend long. By this afternoon everyone seemed happy not to talk about outfits and just eat cookies instead.
Oro Bakery, 375 Broome St, NY, NY 10013 (btwn Mulberry & Mott)

Shanghai Cafe, with Hong

It's time for the bookend to our first lunch with Hong during her temporary stay in the city. We started then with a delicious meal at Shanghai Cafe and ended with one today. We cannot waver from our usual order and so have taken to critiquing the individual dishes on a deep and detailed level. Today, fabulous.
Shanghai Cafe, 100 Mott St, NY, NY 10013 (btwn Hester & Canal)

4:18pm espresso gateau roulé

We never noticed the gateau roulé or "roll cake" at FPB before, but they look so cute, we couldn't resist. It's a bit too much filling, not enough cake for our tastes, but the cream is admittedly lovely in texture and flavor despite it being, again, a bit too sweet for our liking.  It's like eating an eclair without the crispy choux. It's certainly a decadent and happy way to end the week. 
FPB Francois Payard Bakery, 116 W. Houston St, NY, NY 10012

Alidoro

Alidoro isn't a cheap lunch option. Nor is it weather friendly due to their lack of seats. And considering how we like eating lunch outside of the office, summertime is about the only time we go there even though their sandwiches are fantastic.  And somehow we ended up not going there this summer; shame on us. To make up for it we ordered two sandwiches today (instead of sharing one, which is never quite enough), both on the special section. The porchetta (pictured) and the sopressata. We were not disappointed, however the bread today was not on their usual semolina.  And both sandwiches lacked their abundant arugula (the porchetta had some) and splashes of balsamic. Somehow we did not get the experience of eating an Alidoro sandwich. I guess that means we need to go back again soon.
Alidoro, 105 Sullivan St, NY, NY 10012 (above Spring)

3:35pm chocolates

A couple years ago we had dinner in Gdansk, Poland where we met Kyungwoo Chun, a German based Korean artist, or, if you prefer, an artist living in Germany by way of Korea. We recently helped him execute a performance piece titled Versus, in the smack dab middle of the universe, aka Times Square. It is an especially moving piece about the relationship that can occur between strangers. In return our thoughts were provoked, we were well fed and treated to a box of Feodora chocolates from Bremen.

Lombardi's

Lombardi keeps getting bigger. The hostess took us back and around through the kitchen to yet another dining room that was the precise replica of the original dining room. The only way we could tell it was not was that the door to the street was on the right, and not the left. Not only do they maintain strict control over the pizza that never varies from its original formula, they duplicate the interior in its entirety. Amazing.
Lombardi's Pizza, 32 Spring St, NY, NY 10012 (at Mott)

4:00pm donuts

Naturally, after we had lunch at Coppelia, conveniently next door to the Donut Pub, we had to go over so each of us could get our own bag of donuts. I had forgotten we did this until afternoon coffee time, and when I saw the donuts being photographed I was happy all over again.

Coppelia, with Tia and Gordon

Coppelia is exactly the kind of place I'd like around the corner from me. It's open 24/7 and the food is addictive like a bag of Cheetos. We liked the unexpectedly spicy mac and chicharon, and the crosquetas were a big hit. The ropa veija could have used a little more flavor or salt, or even better, a nice tasty fried egg on top. I love eating with Bionic Bites and Gordon, we're often attracted to the same things, bacon and fried things, plus we love ordering in quantity so everyone can have a bit of everything.
Coppelia, 207 W. 14th St, NY, NY 10011 (near 7th Ave)

4:35pm coffee cake

I picked this up Monday morning on my way to work and I could have sworn the woman said hazelnut coffeecake, but there is no taste of hazelnuts. Whatever it is, it's really good and thoroughly enjoyable. We expect no less from Financier.
Financier Patisserie, 90 Nassau St, NY, NY 10038 (at Fulton)

Boqueria Soho

The sandwiches at Boqueria Soho for lunch have been on our list for awhile now. Ranging from $8 to $13, each sandwich comes with a mesclun salad and a small bowl of patatas bravas (classic fried potato tapas), making it a filling lunch option. The bocata moruno (lamb) was delicious, although the inherent nature of lamb cubes makes them a little tricky to eat in sandwich form. The bocata de Atun (tuna) could have been so awesome but sadly ours was poorly prepared. The outer crust of the bread made it difficult to bite into the sandwich without getting serious roof burn. The tuna and egg were skimpy and bland, and the capers missing entirely. We're going to assume this was a one time thing.
Boqueria Soho, 171 Spring St, NY, NY 10012 (btwn Thompson and Broadway)

4:31pm ginger and lemon panini dolce

The power of suggestion. Over the weekend, Thu mentioned an intense craving for the ginger and lemon curd panini dolce from Grandaisy. This morning Phi mentioned it to Matt, who was then conveniently nearby and, because he is that kind of guy, brought back a small box for the office. I love when good things happen around us and we just happen to benefit by proximity.
Grandaisy Bakery, 73 Sullivan St, NY, NY 10012 (btwn Broome and Spring)

Hampton Chutney with Hong

While we frequent Hampton Chutney for their seriously delicious and consistent cookies, we don't go there much for lunch.  It's not that we don't like it, but the crowded and limited space don't make for a very comfortable lunch (which I think is clearly the point). Okay, and additionally, I find the yogi music a bit creepy - there I said it. But that doesn't really keep me from craving their tasty dosas, and today presented itself as a perfect day for it. As Phi's days in NYC are nearing its end, this is something she can't get in Berlin.
Hampton Chutney, 68 Prince St, NY, NY 10012 (btwn Crosby and Lafayette)

4:30pm chocolate chip cookie

I suspect this one may have been accidentally a little thinner than normal, but we like it like that.
Lafayette Espresso Bar & Marketplace, 189 Lafayette St, NY, NY 10013 (below Broome)

Red Egg, with Hong

Despite aggravatingly slow service (it was packed), and the chilly air (it's fall) constantly coming in from the entry door, we might have just had the best meal at Red Egg to date. We ordered some of our usual dim sum favorites and then waited patiently for salt and pepper pork chops and duck sliders. It was the duck sliders that moved the meal from just good to really, really good. Not a cheap lunch item, but in this case, well worth it.
Red Egg, 202 Centre Street, NY, NY 10013 (btwn Hester and Howard)

4:22pm apple pie

I've been waiting for this piece of pie since Monday when M. told me she had stopped by Four and Twenty Blackbirds over the weekend. It's lucky she remembered to bring it in today else or there would be none left for me!
Four & Twenty Blackbirds, 439 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (at 8th St)

Torrisi

I left the office to run an errand, telling M. on the way out that we should have Parisi for lunch. She could pick up and meet me in the park. I sent her a text as I headed back and made my way over to the park to perfectly coincide with her arrival. Instead I waited. and waited. and waited some more. Finally I couldn't take it and sent her a text "What the hell." She says "waiting for the food". So now, in my head, I am picturing one of the guys behind the counter at Parisi cutting the bread in half, going over to the deli case for the meat, slicing it on the bread and by the time I have mentally imagined all the steps in my head, I look up and still no M. At 14 minutes later I am almost start panicking, it's near impossible that Parisi should take so long, when she arrives, carrying a Torrisi bag. Suddenly the world makes sense again.
Torrisi, 250 Mulberry St, NY, NY 10012 (below Prince)

4:40pm banana bread

It's October and we're craving the brown sugar pecan sticky bun from Oro but I haven't seen them around lately. (hint hint) It's ok, for now we make due with some damn good banana bread and sour cream chocolate frosting instead.
Oro Bakery, 375 Broome St, NY, NY 10013 (btwn Mulberry & Mott)

Saha Thai

You probably could have guessed we would be lunching at Saha Thai on a gloomy rainy day like today. What you could not have predicted, nor could we have, was that every seat would be taken! It was packed! There was an extra table open, for which they brought out two chairs from who parts unknown. And instead of being thoughtful or inventive with our lunch order, we both just got our favorite pad prik khing.
Saha Thai, 227 Centre St, NY, NY 10013 (above Grand)

4:35pm cake

Cake! M. picked up cake from Lulu's for a birthday dinner last Friday and today we had leftover slices for afternoon dessert. It was delicious. Definitely put Lulu on your radar for sweet treats.
Lulu Cake Boutique, 112 Eighth Ave, NY, NY 10011 (btwn 15th and 16th)

Cong Ly, with Hong

Right now, our sister Thu, who is working to the far west of us, is very jealous that we get to have hu tieu my tho dai for lunch. We tried to persuade Hong to go back to Noodle Village for their soup that we love, but she's using delay tactics on us. It's ok, the hu tieu at Cong Ly is always a solid option.
Công Lý, 124 Hester St, NY, NY 10002 (btwn Broome & Chrystie)

4:22pm mini pie cookie thingies

We love it when Patrick brings in Kristy's goodies; we are truly lucky to have some of the best office mates around!  These adorable mini pie thingies (as Patrick called them) have just the right amount of spiced apples on the inside for easy and tasty consumption.  With a nice warm cup of coffee, these go down real nice.  I can't help but wonder what would happen if these got tossed in the deep fryer though???

Hua Ji

When I read on Bionic Bites about Hua Ji , I was beyond intrigued.  So on this beautiful autumn afternoon, I decided to take a walk down stinky Allen street, basking in the warm sunlight so see what this place was all about.  I must admit, until the last moment before ordering, even with our most trusted recommendation, I contemplated forgoing the pork chop for the chicken leg.  That's because, however tasty, fried pork chops are too commonly too dry.  But glad I am  to have stuck with the pork chop, and oh how excellent the pork chop was.  Flavorful, with a nice crunch on the outside, and  tender & juicy on the inside.  This is practically a miracle and I'm craving it again already.  That being said, I do think the gravy and the pickled vegetables that accompanies the meat is better at Excellent Pork Chop House, and even Wah Mei.  But considering the superiority of the meat, I won't be getting a this dish elsewhere any time soon.    
Hua Ji, 7 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002 (btwn Canal and Division St)

Aurora, with the ladies

It's been barely a month since Thu and I had the grilled octopus salad at Aurora, but the Soho lunch options between us and Thu are limited so we went back anyway. More people is not better, less octopus salad for me, but on the other hand we three sisters shared three dishes and I got plenty of each.

Aurora Ristorante, 510 Broome St, NY, NY 10012 (west of West Broadway)

3:50pm chocolate chip cookie

The perfect pick-me up from downstairs, a large chocolate chip cookie broken into 4 parts for the 4 ladies currently inhabiting our office space.
Lafayette Espresso Bar & Marketplace, 189 Lafayette St, NY, NY 10013 (below Broome)

Bread, with Hong and Jeanny

A cold attacked me yesterday so after a morning in bed, I did the only reasonable thing, called M. and asked her to order in half a tomato soup and half a sandwich to the office for lunch. Tomorrow we are out on an all day continuing ed seminar or I may have lazed the entire day in bed. The lunch special from Bread restored me for the afternoon although we all agreed the side salad was pathetic and should not have been.
Bread, 20 Spring St, NY, NY 10012 (btwn Elizabeth & Mott)

4:08pm pumpkin cupcake

We couldn't tell if this was the pumpkin or carrot cupcake, but we liked it anyway. I would even go so far as to say we really liked it. Thanks Matt B. for filling our bellies with afternoon sweets.
Billy's Bakery, 268 Elizabeth St, NY, NY 10012 (below Houston)

Soho Park, with Hong

Yesterday was summer anew and we celebrated Columbus Day with an impromptu trip to the beach, but it won't be all sunshine and salty bare skin for much longer. Before the rain and doom and gloom of tomorrow set in, we had lunch outside in the picnic garden at Soho Park . The Park burger was especially good, the fries a little undercooked and the waitress to the far left not especially friendly.
Soho Park, 62 Prince St, NY, NY 10012 (at Lafayette)

4:50pm pineapple cake

Shawn brought back pineapple cakes from Taiwan, so freshly made they have to be consumed within 3 days of purchase or it's just not worth it. M. thinks they may be from Green Field, but that's not confirmed.

Tiffan Wallah

Seriously if Tiffin Wallah were within walking distance from the office, we would go all the time. $7.95 gives you access to a delicious, all you can eat, vegetarian Indian buffet with all sorts of accompaniments, not to mention three (three!) entree choices. We filled up once and went back for seconds.
Tiffin Wallah, 127 East 28th St, NY, NY 10016 (btwn Lex and Park)

4:30pm caramel tart

Ceci Cela has been making some changes lately, both to the displays and to the things being displayed. We spotted this unusual looking tart in the window today, caramel tart he says, and that thing which looks like a dab of butter is passionfruit mousse. We love it. It's vaguely reminiscent of crack pie, but with a dainty touch of fruit whip. This one's a winner guys.
Ceci Cela Patisserie, 55 Spring St, NY, NY 10012 (btwn Lafayette and Mulberry)

Tacombi, with Hong

We ran into Greg as we were leaving Tacombi, each of us remarking on the new popularity of the place. They seemed to waver for a bit there in the beginning while they figured out their ordering system, their menu, etc. but now they are on a roll and there is always a line waiting to order and people waiting to pick up. The Veracruzana seared fish taco is wee but good. We remain ardent fans of the huevos con chorizo.
Tacombi at Fonda Nolita, 267 Elizabeth St, NY, NY 10012 (below Prince)

4:05pm peanut butter cookie

Yesterday we were in an all day seminar about the Energy Code and its impact on construction in the city. Yup, fun stuff. Which means when we finally got a lunch break, we were all so ravenous that any thoughts of photos or blogs completely flew out the window.
Hampton Chutney, 68 Prince St, NY, NY 10012 (btwn Crosby and Lafayette)

Num Pang

Fall is a good time for changes, and change came in the form of a drastic haircut today.  Which brought me next door to a favorite we rarely get to patronize, Num Pang.  I love their pork belly, but equally good is the Coconut Tiger Shrimp Sandwich.  I didn't detect any coconut today, but still the just cooked and well spiced shrimp lent a nice light but meaty texture to the uber flavorful sandwich.  It's really too bad there isn't one around our office.
Num Pang, 21 East 12th Street, New York, NY 10003 (btwn University and 5th Avenue)

5:10pm bovetti dark chocolate

I wouldn't say dark chocolate is exactly afternoon dessert material, but resident community manager Karen brought some Bovetti back from Paris and we're not one to say no. Also, what a good opportunity to recommend Karen's latest work, an interactive piece called the Seven Deadly Sins of Times Square, a The Work Office project. We're going up tomorrow!

Big Wing Wong, with Hong

In today's episode of "When was the last time we are here", M. guessed 8 months ago for Big Wing Wong but turns out it was more like a little over a year. In 2009 we didn't go at all since the now defunct Fu Kee was our go to source for noodle soups and congee. Well Big Wing Wong, while we still mourn the loss of Fu Kee, we're back for congee so piping hot it's still bubbling up when it reaches the table. Although maybe you could improve on the quality of your youtiao as it came out cold and greasy. And go easy on the amount of meat in the congee. But please don't change the loud hustle bustle of the dining room, we like that.
Big Wing Wong, 102 Mott St, NY, NY 10013 (btwn Hester and Canal)