Reservations open today for NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2013, an event which runs until February 8. The popular dining event will offer guests dining deals Mondays through Fridays — take advantage of $25 prix fixe lunches and $38.00 prix fixe dinners around the city. For the masses who work in Midtown, what better opportunity for a power lunch? By Laren Spirer.
Toloache Bistro Mexicano
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Chef Julian Medina, who has competed on Iron Chef America, infuses modern flair into traditional Mexican flavors at this bustling Midtown West spot. Although you’ll surely be tempted by spicy yet sweet Oaxacan Mole Coloradito or Enchiladas Carnitas topped with tequila ancho chile salsa, you may want to save some room for a side of freshly made guacamole, or sneak in a margarita if your afternoon schedule looks light.

(credit: db Bistro Moderne/Facebook)
db Bistro Moderne
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This French/American hybrid brings together seasonal ingredients and classic French technique in one sleek package. Although billed as a bistro, it can’t escape the luxury that comes along with Daniel Boulud, so take advantage of the Restaurant Week prices. May we suggest the black truffle risotto?

(credit: La Fonda Del Sol/Facebook)
La Fonda Del Sol
La Fonda Del Sol is the modern incarnation of the 1960′s era restaurant that occupied the same location. Although its predecessor offered a pan-Latin menu, today’s version focuses on Spanish cuisine, and this time around you can dine in the sleek tapas bar or in the more sedate upstairs dining room. Chef Chris DeLuna’s Restaurant Week lunch offerings provide a culinary journey to Spain without straying far from Grand Central.
Those of you lucky enough to work in Midtown West should take full advantage of Dave Pasternak’s mastery of all creatures from the sea. This seafood master is an avid fisherman when he’s not in the kitchen, and he lets the fish shine simply as the star ingredient in every dish he creates. This jewel in the Mario Batali/Joe Bastianich empire is sometimes overlooked due to its location West of 9th Avenue, but it’s certainly worth a detour, just a short walk from Port Authority.

(credit: Artisanal Fromagerie and Bistro/Facebook)
Artisanal Fromagerie and Bistro
Chef Terrance Brennan’s classic French bistro is a surefire bet for a luxe Midtown lunch featuring traditional French fare with seasonal touches in a setting that is a pure ode to Paris. The cheese plate option requires a five dollar supplement, but in a restaurant that houses a cheese cave, it’s worth every additional cent.
Laren Spirer is yet another lawyer (and freelance writer) obsessed with food and drink, who also blogs at Sweet Blog o’ Mine and tweets at @sweetblogomine.




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