friedman’s lunch

every time i go to chelsea market i end up wandering around aimlessly, salivating thinking about how much i want to eat and drink everything in those long hallways. bakeries? amy’s bread. fat witch. eleni’s. jaques torres. coffee? ninth street espresso. seafood? the lobster place. ice cream? l’arte del gelato. i could eat every meal in chelsea market for the next seven days and still have more to try. but where to go for lunch? i had never been to friedman’s lunch before, and the menu looked like the perfect (and relatively budget friendly) antidote to a cold winter day. soups, sandwiches, salads, full plates (fried chicken!), desserts and sides (homemade potato chips!) were knocking at my door, so i went in.

first came the lentil soup ($3). really hearty, filling and more flavorful than many i’ve tried. i couldn’t put my name on the exact spice (cumin, perhaps?) but something made the soup really smokey and deep. i really loved it.

next was the chicken salad sandwich with lettuce & tomato on whole wheat bread, with a side of greens ($9.50). the chicken was cut into 1/2-inch squares and lightly coated with good mayo and tarragon. i would have actually preferred a slightly softer bread, but all in all, this sandwich was a keeper.

finally, we had the meatloaf sandwich special ($12) with provolone cheese, caramelized onions and meatloaf on a fresh portuguese roll. this sandwich was by far, the best meatloaf sandwich i have ever had. the meatloaf was exceptionally moist and soft, and the gooey cheese melted with the caramelized onions to create the perfect medley of flavors.

i’m definitely going to take another trip back for the fried chicken, mac and cheese and homemade potato chips. and maybe after, i’ll treat myself to a fat witch brownie!

friedman’s lunch is located at 75 9th avenue in chelsea market