Lunch Specials
For restaurant goers who want a taste of fine dining without the pricey tab, the lunch specials at good restaurants provide an affordable way to taste their finest. Not all restaurants offer these special deals, but for those who do, our gustatory thanks. Here are some we especially like.
Havana Harry’s
Under new ownership, Havana Harry’s is better than ever. And like the vast space of the restaurant itself, the portions are hearty. The lunch specials change daily, from beef stew on Monday ($16.95) to the Don Juan steak sandwich on Thursday ($12.95). Fortunately, their succulent mojito chicken ($16.95) is available every day. Also, great soups ($5.95 to $7.95); entrees come with two sides.
Fogo de Chão
We call Fogo the palace of meat, and if you are feeling carnivorous, nothing beats their Churrasco Experience ($43 for lunch, $61 for dinner). But for a mere $15, you can eat all you want from their amazing Marketplace Table, with high-quality cold meats, exotic fruits, sauteed vegetables, fresh salads, and aged cheeses. There is also unlimited access to Brazilian stews and their famous brown-sugar bacon with paprika.
Sea Grill
Want to know what a real Greek salad is all about, in all its fresh glory? Pick that as your appetizer from the three-course lunch menu at Seagrill ($32). While the most expensive of our choices, it’s worth it, especially if you order the lamb chops or lobster linguini for your main dish. Great selection (eight first courses, six second), and the baklava or walnut cake for dessert are both perfect.
La Taberna Giralda
The courtyard at La Taberna Giralda is a sweet secret; diners usually sit out front or in the rustic main room. Regardless, the lunch special ($15) has two exquisite choices each of first and second courses daily. Spanish omelets and garlic fish Monday. Bleu cheese croquettes and pork chops Tuesday. We tried the Russian egg salad and white fish “a la Romana ” on a Thursday, both delicious.
Fratellino’s
Fratellino’s has a cult following, so walk-ins for dinner are impossible; reservations are required. If you want to understand (without waiting) why devotees love their homemade New York Italian-style cooking, the two-course lunch special ($23) is the way to go. Each day has three main course choices (chicken, fish, or pasta), along with soup or salad. We tried Wednesday’s pan-seared salmon in lemon white wine sauce. Così Buono!