The Restorative Powers of a Civilized Lunch

My foodie colleague Craig and I have been gabbing about restaurants and my food blogging ways for months now. Seemed about time that we actually indulged in a gourmet adventure - or adventure withstanding, a damn fine lunch.

Mindful of our budgets we agreed on finding a prix fixe lunch spot near our office by Grand Central Station. We were considering Patroon or Tropica, but rather quickly Craig's craving for red meat swayed the vote: Michael Jordan's Steakhouse.

One step out of the office's door at 1:15pm with the expectation of a lunch, complete with real glassware and silverware, and we both breathed an audible sigh of relief.

Walking into the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal and being whisked to a sumptiously set table overlooking the grand hall didn't hurt either.

Although tempted by the full menu, we staid the course with the $23 prix fixe and were delighted with our identical lunch selections: Frisee salad with Pickled Onions and Toasted Walnuts, Seared Rib Eye Steak with Herb Butter and French Fries, followed by a Mint-Chip Ice Cream Sundae. Although it wasn't refined fare, it was well-executed and quite delicious.

If only we could've had the leisure of ordering some red wine to compliment the meal. But then, we probably wouldn't have made it back to work.

Nonetheless the temporary oasis of a real lunch is an indulgence I think I'll have to take up on a more regular basis. And, at Craig's suggestion, I think we'll be trying the more pocketbook-friendly O'Casey's next, where I understand a miracle of a ham sandwich awaits - along with real glassware and silverware.