5 Items for $5 Dollars

Go to Lunch Box @ 257 W 34th Street between 7th & 8th Ave. You would not think to go in to this place, yet I am going to suggest you can go into this place when you are being frugal. During lunch hour, pay your $5 for 5 items. You can also pay $1 an item. You will need to get on the buffet line that moves very fast. I also like the bakery at this spot. If you are strapped you can get a hot dog or ham and cheese in a baked bun for $1.50. This is if you are strapped. In the same bakery they have inexpensive birthday cakes or give yourself a red velvet cupcake. http://www.yum34.com

...................................................................You can have your food to stay or to go. If you want to take your food out and weather permitting, walk south one block to the US Post Office on 33rd street and 7th Ave. The steps of this historical building is a nice spot to sit in easy pose, eat and people watch.

Ivan De Leon on the steps in front of the 34th Street Post Office Picture: JORDAN MATTER PHOTOGRAPHY www.jordanmatter.com

Gluten Free Heaven

Now I could tell you about my experience going to Buffalo Exchange resale store and finding a brand new dress with the original price tag at $158. In the resale shop it was selling for $8. Sold!!!...To me!! That's not what was so exciting. What was sooo exciting was what was next door... Gluten Free Bakery, Tu-Lu Bakery.

Finally!!! Something I can eat. Tully the owner is also Gluten Intolerant and after graduating culinary school came to New York and opened this shop in the East Village. I've been here twice in one week. The first time I went she had red velvet mini cup cakes for $1. A regular gluten free cup cake is $2.50. It is such a breath of fresh air to come into this place and finally be able to eat what's in here.

Another favorite of mine are the homemade breads. Honey Oat Bread $10.00 ($5 /half loaf) and the Wholegrain Sunflower bread $10.00 ($5 for half). Now I get the half loaf which lasts all week. The rest you can freeze and use when you want it. I can have a sandwich again!

They make birthday cakes which I have already starting planting the seeds so I can get one for my birthday. I also love that it is open late for a bakery. Enjoy...it is something to sing about for fellow Gluten Intolerant peeps. :))

Tu-Lu's Gluten-Free Bakery
338 East 11th Street
between 1st and 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10003

Hours
Monday - Thursday 10:30AM - 10:00PM
Friday & Saturday 10:30AM - 10:30PM
Sunday: 10:30AM - 9:00PM

I'll go to Mooncakes by myself or with others. Either way it's always fun.

Mooncakes is home-cooked Asian comfort food...one of my favorite spots for lunch and dinner in the Chelsea and Soho area. I think they are extremely reasonable. Most items on the menu are under $10. The Chelsea space itself is the most utilititarian I've seen in the area. I like a clean and crisp kind of place. Talking about clean and crisp let me share their menu.

My favorite is the seared Tuna and Arugla salad. I don't like to be overloaded with ingredients and I definitely don't do processed food. They let you know that they use "no woks, no unhealthy fryers, no processed meat entrees, and no heavy heart-clogging sauces. What you’ll find on our menu is innovatively grilled, steamed, or roasted plates, salads, and sandwiches."


It's exciting to go somewhere that serves fresh organic food that also gives you a lot for your money...there is some presentation involved...and the music is snappy. You won't fall asleep in here. Get there about 5 minutes to 12 noon for a spot anywhere in the joint because after 12:10pm you may have to wait. Not long though...it's fun people watching until you get seated.

http://www.mooncakefoods.com/

SOHO
28 Watts St, New York, NY 10013
212.219.8888
Subway: Take C, E to Spring St
or 1 train to Canal St

CHELSEA
263 West 30th St, New York, NY 10001
212.268.2888
Subway: Take A, C, E to 34 St Penn Station or 1 train to 28 St