THE BIG FAT
FOOD ISSUE
My
MEALPAL DIARY Breaking out of the lunch rut, Ruth Walker tests a way to get fed for just $6 a day
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hat’ll we have for lunch today? The daily question was getting tiresome – and usually ended up with a variation on a predictable theme (some version of poke, or salad, or soup). And, damn, it was getting expensive. You don’t get a chunk of change from $15 for lunch in this town. A new routine was called for. A friend recommended MealPal. In short, it offers a curated menu from over 1,000 restaurants in the city. I choose my lunch from the app, pick it up within a specified time period, and tuck in. The price for this convenience? $6 per lunch. That’s $6, friends. What did I have to lose? Here’s how the first 11 days looked …
never even noticed it. It’s a hole in the wall that really doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it’s clearly a popular joint. Despite the lunch rush, they make the falafel fresh, and it is without a shadow of a doubt the best I’ve ever tasted. I’m in love. It comes with creamy hummus and decent, fresh naan bread. If I could point any criticism its way, it would be that it’s on the light side. Great if you’re not ready to chew your own arm off. Score: ★★★★★
Ahi tuna poke bowl
Tuna, sweet onion, mango, cucumber, jalapeno,
DAY 3 Meal: Chicken bento box Restaurant: Poke Bowl, 8th Ave 50th/51st St Food notes: This is the first meal so far that disappoints. The chicken is tough and the rice hardened into a solid block. My guess is that it’s been made in advance and has sat waiting for me – I’m unlikely to be back. Score: ★★★★★
edamame, seaweed salad, onion crisps
DAY 1 Meal: Falafel with hummus and bread Restaurant: Istanbul Kebab House, 9th Ave - 48th/49th St Food notes: OK, first off, I’ve probably passed this place a million times and
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DAY 2 Meal: Ahi tuna poke bowl Restaurant: Poke Inn, W49th St 8th/9th Ave Food notes: Hidden under the scaffolding at Worldwide Plaza, this is another place I’d have missed if MealPal hadn’t pointed me in its direction. Again, the bowl is prepared on the spot, with tender pieces of tuna, red onion, edamame, and warm rice. It’s not super fancy, but it’s tasty and satisfying. Score: ★★★★★
DIGITAL EDITION
“Hangover. I need something to feed the pain. Carbs, preferably. Lots of carbs. God bless Abitino’s meatball sub that would feed the entire office.”