Gourmet Garage Offers Cheap Eats on UWS

I am constantly trying to find reasonably priced lunch on the Upper West Side. While there are some fabulous restaurants, the ones offering affordable lunch on a regular basis are few and far between. The options typically range from street meat to pizza to a meager salad. As I left the office to grab a slice, a man on the corner was handing out flyers for the new Gourmet Garage on 66th Street. While I typically bypass the flyer-hander-outers, when it's hot out I just feel bad for them and therefore accept the paper as it's thrust in my face. Even more typically, I automatically throw the flyer in the nearest trash receptacle. But this time, I was intrigued. A new lunch option? I'm all over it.

After inspecting the new digs, bypassing the Olive Bar and cheese counter, I settled on a Black Forest Ham and Cheese sandwich. For $6.99 I got a huge sandwich that could easily feed two people for lunch. Instead of devouring the entire thing, I saved half for lunch the next day. It remained in deliciously edible condition and I rejoiced at my new found lunch bargain.

$6 Lunch

Although I’ve given up ordering in lunch almost entirely, there are some days when the only residing items in my fridge are condiments and a can of Fresca. Unfortunately this also coincides with the days when I have little more than a few dollars in my wallet. In my quest to find reasonably priced lunch on the Upper West Side, I came across a super $6 lunch special.

Soutine Bakery . 104 West 70th Street . 212-496-1450

Tucked away on West 70^th Street is a little bakery called Soutine. Primarily a maker of wedding cakes, this adorable, blink-and-you-miss-it bakery also features an unbeatable lunch special that’s not only delicious, but won’t break your bank. Though not publicized in any way (no signage, no menu, no online mention) all you have to do is go in and ask! It is one of the best values you’re likely to find. 

For a mere $6, you have your choice of a pre-made (but very fresh) sandwich, drink (primarily water and juice selections), and dessert. I generally choose the delicious ham and cheese on a fresh baguette. Other types include egg salad, tomato and mozzarella, turkey, and whatever happens to be available on a given day. You can choose from whatever’s on hand, so go early for a larger selection. The bread is crispy, and though many of the sandwiches are mayo and mustard free, you won’t miss them.

For the dessert, choose anything from giant cookies to brownies to blondies. You may have to pay extra for the cupcake, but since I’m an addict, I couldn’t resist. The frosting was similar to a lightly sweetened, very smooth whipped cream and the cake was light and crumbly. Beware when eating the old fashioned way, as it could be a bit messy, but totally worth it. 

Tasty sandwich, delectable dessert, and bottled water for $6? This is lunch my way.

You can also become a Facebook Fan by searching for SOUTINE Bakery