Lunch Break: Hidden Gems At Junior's; Lure Fishbar
Hidden gems on menus of New York City staples you may normally overlook. Like Junior's - it's not just for cheesecake anymore. By Yvo Sin.
Junior's
Locations in NY & CT, check the website
juniorscheesecake.com
Most people hear Junior's and they think cheesecake, but the reality is not only do they also make the food you eat before dessert, they make it well. Check out the breakfast spread (served all day): some claim the corned beef hash is the best you'll ever taste. A lot of the food offered is what you'll find on any diner menu, it's true, but the best part of eating lunch at Junior's is, of course, getting their cheesecake for dessert. Try the strawberry swirl; it's divine. Bonus: if you go for breakfast, they give you a basket of complimentary danishes to nosh.
Kashkaval
856 9th Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 581-8282
kashkavalfoods.com
Kashkaval is one of the cutest little shops you'll ever find: what looks like a quaint deli counter in front, where you can order plenty of Mediterranean dips, spreads and cold salads to go, is actually an adorable wine & cheese bar in the back. If you're in a rush, order a platter of up to 4 different dips and spreads for $10 to go - they'll wrap up pita for you to take with you as well. If you've got a bit of time, snag a seat in the wood-accented bar in the back and enjoy fondue, panini, or some of the hot dishes Kashkaval offers - like the turkey meatballs (served with orzo or bulgur, and a side salad for just $14), paprika chicken (served with the same as the turkey meatballs, for $12), or even spinach & feta borek (served with a Greek salad for $12). Either way, don't miss the taramasalata - a Greek dip made with carp roe, potatoes, olive oil and lemon juice - one of the best in the city.
Lure Fishbar
142 Mercer Street
New York, NY
(212) 431-7676
lurefishbar.com
Lure Fishbar's lunch menu has, as one might expect, the usual suspects: a raw bar section, oysters, clams, platters of delicious chilled seafood; sushi, sashimi, handrolls; seafood-centered soups, salads, appetizers and entrees. But the surprise standout on the menu is actually the Lure Burger (not the regular cheeseburger!): a juicy burger with ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomato and special sauce, served on buttery brioche. Thin-cut fries complete the platter, and make visiting the seafood restaurant worth it for any land lovers. If you're not so inclined, check out the fish & chips section of the menu for lobster tail tempura served with chips... guaranteed to make you smile.
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Yvo Sin is the founder and head writer of Feisty Foodie.
