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Saturday, September 3, 2011

Lunch for Dinner


Ohhh, the struggle of finding a restaurant near Penn Station (as if they exist over there). When a dinner was scheduled with a friend commuting from Long Island, I was asked to find a restaurant in Midtown. Immediately my phobia of going above 14th Street kicked into high gear. Luckily, I'm good at being persuasive and my neighborhood perimeters were expanded to Chelsea (+5 blocks above 14th has recently been approved).


Now the real struggle began. Suggestions like Grey Dog and Boqueria were thrown out and quickly turned down by moi. I rarely go to the same place more than once in an effort to tackle my ever expanding list of restaurants to try so all I could think of was [blank]. Then the Food Gods gave me my "aha" moment, and Chelsea Market crossed my mind. I always visit the market in relation to the High Line but always for a quick snack, never a meal. There were a handful of restaurants that looked appetizing and Friedman's Lunch topped the list.


Friedman's Lunch, an eclectic cozy diner if you will, was the destination du jour. Located in the heart of Chelsea Market next to shops, grocery stores and a lobster bar, this all-American casual joint is a hidden gem. 


With my dinner options whittled down to the steak, the night's special, and the brisket burger, I decided to go with the latter. The burger was juicy and tasty until the last bite. I think I said I was so content with my meal 15 times. The cherry on top? The herbed french fries were some of the best I've had in a long time, and I KNOW fries. A side of avocado aioli, per my special request, only solidified the fries into my hall of fametechnically don't have one but maybe it's time to start.


It was a quick but none-the-less tasty dinner in a trusty venue. Then I discovered my dinnermates had NEVER been to the Chelsea Market (just when you thought you really knew someone). We started to walk around to the various shops only to find out most of them were closed (and they call this the City That Never Sleeps). Nonetheless, I still love walking up and down the halls of the market past the different vendorsespecially the dessert shops like Fat Witch Bakery. There is even an Anthropologie situated amongst the eateries so after I get my eat on, I can get my shop on too. Ohhhh, the joy of finding a new restaurant you love. It's like a good blind date (as if those exist).

Places of Interest:
Friedman's Lunch, Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave, 212-929-7100
http://www.friedmanslunch.com/

Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave between 15th and 16th St.
http://www.chelseamarket.com/

2 comments:

  1. I was expecting a jab at my all green meal!! We need to go earlier next time so that we can get dessert.

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  2. you and your aioli!! xxo

    ReplyDelete