Sammiches

The best Summer lunch is going to be one of two things... a hefty salad or a loaded sandwich.

We'll get the salad later on... but this post is strictly about that sandwich where it will never steer you wrong.

We lunchladys LOVE  a tasty, cheap sandwich. And the best way to obtain such sandwich is to make it yourself!

There's a new Trader Joe's in town. I'm not going to be the one to let the cat out... we don't want it to get crowded. Get your lunch buddies together and $30 is all you need for a weeks worth of delicious, filling sandwiches.

Any good sandwich needs:

• cheese (we chose asiago, but we're not opposed to provolone or cheddar)
• meat (in our case it's smoked honey turkey) (Veggie is fine too, just don't leave out the cheese!)
• bread (something grainy, adds a nice crunch, especially when it's toasted)
• avocado (spread it on one side of the bread)
• hummus (something with red pepper, spread on the other side of the bread)
• fresh cilantro
• and tomato (preferably on the vine since they taste better)

Nothing better to side this sandwich but some potato chips. kettle cooked with sea salt. (not the healthiest, but definitely the tastiest).

YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMM
Happy lunch sharing,

Olivia & Maryam

Hot Hot Not

When it's hot like this (100 degrees in NYC), you definitely want to stay away from the super hot foods.

I ordered in with Mission Impossible... from Eva's ... and now I'm so full that I just want to sleep.

We both got the Falafel Special, which just includes the falafel sandwich, a 16 oz beverage and your choice of fries, brown rice, or soup. The fries are bleh and the homemade ice tea is bleh. The sandwich is good... but I hate when places use the cheap pita bread that falls apart too easily.

I love the hot sauce and tahini. But my sandwich is hardly a sandwich with that pathetic pita.

A side of some decent hummus.


YUUUUUUUUUM
Total = $20 split two ways including the tip.

Too full to continue,


Olivia

Baby Got Baoguette

Bao chicka baowow!

"I'm singing in the rain, I'm singing in the RAIN!" I'm singing, because I'm happy.

Thank you Baoguette for making me happy.

After a disappointing Bun at Baohaus, we decided to try our luck in the asian fare sandwich realm.

Unfortunately, even though we want to LET BAOHAUS HAVE IT, we can not make an honest comparison. They just arent on the same level.

But if they were to duel, Baoguette would win.

$5 dollar sandwich people. That's right, $5 for a fresh, real meat, real baquette, real sandwich. And they don't hide the good leafy greens underneath the counter so you don't add them to your sandwich.

AND WE ARE STUFFED.

So at this point it has these highlights:

1. Close to work

2. $5

3. it's a sandwich in Manhattan for $5

4. it's fresh, healthy, and tasty

5. possibility to split a $5 meal is real

We coupled our sandwich with SUMMER ROLLS-Vegetarian Kung Pao Soy Protein, vermicelli, Herbs ($6).

YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM

But what else they got?

I'm coming back for the Sloppy Bao (Signature) Spicy Curry Beef, Green Mango, Basil, Lemongrass ($7). Also gonna try the Chicken Salad Grilled Chicken, Napa Cabbage, Herbs, Lime Dressing ($6). Something that already has me going is the Sticky rice with chinese saussage & chicken ($8). All of theses items will be consumed soon.

Baoguette: MURRAY HILL - 61 Lexington Ave (between 25th St & 26th St) Nearest Transit:

23rd St-Park Ave S (6) 23rd St-Broadway (R, W) (check website for other locations!)

Let's leave you with some pictures and hope you go there real soon.

Baobye!

Maryam

Most Confusing Deli Ever

One thing I hate is going to a "neighborhood" deli and not know what/how to order.
Not only is it a matter of what to order, but how? I don't want to mess up the flow of the other patrons. My goal is to not stand out as much as possible.

Goal: FAILED.

First off, who closes lunch at 2:30pm?? The lunchladys work from 10am to 6pm... in order for our day to go more smoothly, We try take a late lunch as often as possible.

Benvenuto Café makes that difficult. We've passed here a bunch of times and never thought to go in since it doesn't appear cheap.

We made the unfortunate mistake o f venturing here yesterday. We were duped into believing that our panini came with a $2 soup. Only the HALF sandwich does. Then we found out that our lobster bisque cost and extra $3 with the panini (half or full?? I think). This is all fine and dandy if the man that took our order would have provided the same information.

We ended up splitting this $14 soup and sandwich disaster.

This girl is not going back,

Olivia

What? Where?

No, we haven't stopped eating.

(In case anyone, anywhere was wondering.)

We've definitely been lunching....



Think of the week before pay-day as a treasure hunt. A hunt for the cheapest (often free) food we can find.

Leftovers, samplings from whole foods, even subway sandwiches can get thrown in there.

Yuck!

We will return with the most amazing and delicious blog you can imagine... as soon as we find the right spot.

Patiently awaiting the best spring lunch,

Olivia

What’s rain got ta do got ta do with it?

Rainy days are no reason to break the bank. Bring in your delicious lunch (from your own hood - it's usually cheaper, unless you live in Manhattan).

Enter: The sandwich
Chew spot: The cubicle

O- Multi-grain hero with turkey, salami, provolone, mustard, lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar. $5
M- Multi-grain hero with turkey, swiss, lettuce, tomato, and mayonaise. $4

Two bags of chips- $1

YUUUUUUUUUUM

BYOSandwich,

Olivia

Separate but Equally Filling

So due to work restrictions, the lunchladys were unable to meet for lunch. We decided on sharing our separate meal options for the day instead. Maryam had breakfast up in the Bronx whilst (my favorite word) I opted for a trip to 14th & 8th for a sandwich.
Breakfast - Maryam style

Let's start the day off with a hefty breakfast that will last you through the morning and well into the late afternoon.

Fried Eggs
Yuca

Salami

Fried cheese

Coffee

= $6

YUUUUUUUUUUUM

Ability to get this in almost every neighborhood in the city for the same price - bonus!

And the location of this sweet spot: Comida (not quite sure of the name) on Grand Concourse and 182nd. BX, NY

Now, on to LUNCH with Olivia:
After my own unmentionable breakfast... I decided upon a simple sandwich for lunch. (I had McDonald's - don't judge me).
However, when it comes to simple... $6.80 really can get you pretty far.

a lamb donar from Istanbul Grill on 14th.

Add hummus for an extra $.50. Since I'm a sucker for hummus, I learned how to make my own... try it out with the gadget at the bottom of the page ;)

YUUUUUUUUUUUM

Not quite ready for another meal yet,

Olivia

I AM THE CHAMPION, OF WHOLEFOODS (sung to the tune of 'we are the champions)

After I realized someone has eaten my leftovers....Plan B!

Ever get pissed at whole foods for being just too expensive, and always feel like you get duped at the salad bar?

I have conquered Whole Foods ladies and gentlemen. I spent $4.15 on my meal today. "How?!" You ask. It's all about selection. I have the perfect selection for you on a humid day like today that will leave you fulfilled, healthy, satisfied, and with change in your pockets.

Step 1: Grab a small box, it will inevitably make it cheaper and I promise; your eyes are bigger than your stomach.

Step 2: Stuff as much kale salad inside your box. It literally weighs NOTHING.

Step 3: Pick a noodle side that matches your asian salad. I went with Soba noodles with Seitan. Place a handful amount on top of your greens.

Chew, chew, repeat. YUUUUUUUUUUM

*** Hint to the hungry- while choosing your food, place a few vegan chicken nuggets in your box and munch on them for free. Or free to me!

Another cheapo option is for the sandwich lover: Grab a $2.50 side of chicken salad or tuna salad or vegan option of both. These can be found next to the "premade sandwichs, salads, and pizza". Grab a whole wheat croissant for $.79 and VOILA! Cheapeast easiest ever.....

Enjoy.

Love you long time,

Maryam

Speaking of Japanese sandwiches

Since I'm a hungry, hungry hippo now (thanks Maryam), I figure I'd mention a little goodie we tried out fairly recently.

If you're in the area of Chelsea for lunch, and feeling adventurous.. try out Tebaya.


Maryam had: Teriyaki burger + 5 wings and a tea= $8.95
Olivia had: Chicken katsu + 5 wings and a tea= $8.95

The wings that come with the sandwich, amazing. YUUUUUUUUM.
The sandwich itself... eh I'll give it a YUUM.

I wouldn't make this a trip.. but if you're on the block, or near by... you might as well try it out. I mean, how many places give you wings with an order?! Crispy, crunchy, sorta saucy, wings.

Hungrily,
Olivia