Midtown Lunch Power Rankings

I'm pleased to introduce the inaugural edition of the MediumBrow Midtown Lunch Power Rankings.  The top five represent, more often than not, the slate of lunch spots for a week of work.  Without further ado:

1. 99 Miles to Philly (Last Quarter: No Ranking): This place may not have even existed last quarter.  They may strike you as all business with window service only, but they do an excellent job whipping up a delicious sub.  Just a few weeks from finishing off the frequent diner card and earning a free cheesesteak!
2. Cafe Hestia (Last Quarter: NR): Here's another recent addition to the Midtown lunch scene; not as brand-new as 99 Miles, but one I've only tried out on a much-appreciated tip in the last couple months.  Solid variety (even without diversifying beyond sandwiches) and excellent value - filling for a full couple of dollars less than any of the other top five.  Seemingly staffed by Pinnacle veterans, Cafe Hestia clearly knows its business and  lands it at number two.
3. Chipotle (Last Quarter: 2): Remains the most solid (and addictive) burrito chain in the vicinity.
4. Mangu (Last Quarter: 3): Mangu's great for a filling (paleo? maybe...) meal, albeit mostly from the sides.  I have to admit, the green salad is a game changer - interesting dressing and corn garnish, and lets you enjoy the savory mashed plantain without then overloading on the sweet fried as dessert.
5. Boi (Last Quarter: NR): Unlike the other "NR's," Boi is no newcomer.  Indeed, it was a stable years ago, when it was just across the street.  However, it got old, and seems to serve smaller portions than previously.  That said, its spicy sauce is addicting, and for now it's a weekly stop.

Honorable Mention - these are in the rotation, but may not make the cut most weeks:

• Num Pang (Last Quarter: 1): A dramatic and totally unanticipated dropoff for one of our leaders as recently as a few months back.  Their strong, deep menu seemed like it would never get old.  However, in the end, Num Pang seems to have been done in by reliance on the same sauces and vegetable combinations (ugh cucumber) on every one of their sandwiches.
  
• Schnitzel & Things (Last Quarter: 4): Every so often, the time seems right for a somewhat gourmet Alpine specialty.

Other:

• Subway (Last Quarter: 5t): The Five-Dollar Footlong is a thing of the past, but every once in a while I still feel the need for a solid Chicken-Bacon Ranch with jalapenos and southwest sauce.
• Pret a Manger (Last Quarter: 5t): Still perfect for a quick bite.
• Del Monico's (Last Quarter: NR): Del Monico's could have expected a seasonal bump in the rankings with chillier autumn and winter days that call for a generous (and reasonably priced) of ramen. So far that has not been the case though, as I've never quite felt like I've had enough time from a busy schedule to tackle a challenging (and un-paleo) meal.
• Five Guys (Last Quarter: NR): Five Guys likely hasn't cracked the top five in some time, but remains an intriguing option.  Fries are a little excessive for lunch, though.

Beyond all those establishments, Lenny's will definitely be worth a look when it opens ("soon"?!).  Until next time...