Lunch Break: Extraordinary Edibles

Eclectic, eccentric, edible: just some of the words to describe today's Lunch Break picks! By Yvo Sin.

The Pink Tea Cup Restaurant

88 7th Avenue South
New York, NY 10014
(212) 255-2124
thepinkteacuprestaurant.com/

At the Pink Tea Cup, you'll find Southern comfort food, but really, it's comfort food for people from all areas of the globe. Chicken & waffles doesn't have to be your thing, though you really should give them a try... but don't overlook the grits section of the lunch menu. Your choice of salmon croquettes, jumbo shrimp, catfish or whiting, all served over a healthy serving of grits, combine to make one of the most Southern dishes of all, and are absolutely delicious. Play around with your options, but don't forget the sweet potato fries. At least one fried item is absolutely mandatory at the Pink Tea Cup.

Cascabel Taqueria

1538 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10028
(212) 717-8226
nyctacos.com/

The decor at Cascabel features luchadors adorning the walls, masked faces watching you as you eat the plentiful tacos. Imbibing during lunch may be frowned upon, but hard to pass up ordering the very tart and refreshing margaritas of varying flavors served on the rocks in small Mason jars. Another don't miss would be the housemade chorizo (pictured) served with piquillo pepper aioli; spicy, topped with cooling cilantro and onion, along with the creamy, slightly sweet aioli, perfect on its own shoveled into one's mouth, but also great as one of the protein choices for your tacos.

Shopsin's

120 Essex Street
New York, NY 10002
shopsins.com/

Shopsin's is the stuff from which legends are made: a cranky shopkeeper who can and will decide not to serve you for transgressions (perceived or imaginary both), not unlike the Soup Nazi in a certain popular TV show from the 90's, and food that is nothing short of amazing. Part of the appeal is, of course, the unique offerings you'll find on the menu; take, for example, the Diego (pictured), or three poached eggs perched atop poutine (a Canadian dish of fries and cheese curds, all topped with gravy). Break into one of those eggs and allow the yolk to ooze over the entire dish, coalescing everything into one delicious and messy spoonful. Even the pancakes can't simply be blueberry; no, the Swine Blue are bacon and blueberry, a wondrous mix of savory and sweet that brings your palate to new heights. Indulge in all that you desire, but don't dawdle over your order - one of the rumored pet peeves of the shopkeeper which will result in your life ban.

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Yvo Sin is the founder and head writer of Feisty Foodie.