I have many ”go to” lunch spots in my Midtown 'hood. One of my favorites is FreeFoods on 45th between 5th and 6th. They just opened a new location on 52nd between Lex and 3rd with the same menu, and I went to check it out last week.

When I get lunch at FreeFoods I always eat from the buffet, which I believe is the freshest, healthiest, and of the highest quality of any lunch buffet in NYC. After each meal I always feel better about myself. The price is a tad higher ($7.00 for 1/2lb), but you get what you pay for, and in this case it is “full-flavored, nutritious, creative foods for a busy lifestyle” created by chef Matthew Kenney.

Another reason I love the buffet option is that I am a fan of trying a little bit of everything. For last week's lunch I had the spicy tuna inside out roll (with toasted sesame cucumber, and avocado), faro grain (with wild mushrooms, truffle oil, and fresh parsely), lime and honey glazed free range chicken (with bok choy, avocado, tomato, and cilantro), Scottish salmon (with shiitake, pomegranate glaze, and rosemary), Portobello “Piccata” (with an almond crust, arugula, pomegranate, and parmesan), and roasted beets (with walnut oil, fourme d’ambert, and orange zest).

Everything was truly excellent, fresh, and delicious! This is definitely not your normal lunch spot. The quality of the food is on a higher level. With everyone talking about living a healthier lifestyle these days, FreeFoods is the perfect place to grab a bite.

FREEFOODS
18 W.45th St. (bet. 5th and 6th)
New York, NY 10036
212-302-7195
www.freefoodsnyc.com

150 E. 52nd St. (bet. Lex and 3rd)
New York, NY 10022