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The phrase “$10 lunch in Manhattan” has begun to sound like something of a unicorn. But for three hours this October, you’ll be able to get a full meal in the Financial District for a Hamilton.
The Downtown Alliance’s Lunch Box food fair returns to Fosun Plaza at 28 Liberty on Wednesday, October 7, with 10 different boxed meals from some of Lower Manhattan’s newer restaurants. Each costs $10 and includes a protein and two sides, which is roughly what you’d expect to pay for a sad desk salad before adding the chicken.
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This year’s lineup covers plenty of ground. Sadie’s is serving crispy fried chicken with coleslaw, cornbread and salted maple butter, while Terravita Downtown has roasted Lebanese lamb with hummus and za’atar naan. Sam Ping’s Chinese BBQ will offer a choice of cha siu and pork ribs or Cantonese roast chicken and chicken wings, both accompanied by jasmine rice and steamed Napa cabbage.
You can also pick up lemongrass chicken or caramel pork with rice and cabbage salad from JoJu Vietnamese or a pollo asado or al pastor burrito with rice, beans, cheese and avocado from Tacos del Barrio. Sammie Thai Hero Sandwiches is bringing the Basil Chop, a hero loaded with ground beef, provolone and Thai basil sauce, plus papaya slaw and tom yum-spiced macaroni salad.
Other choices include chicken paillard from Honeybrains, a teriyaki chicken box from 62 William and a burger slider with bacon-onion jam from Urban Cove. Nio’s Shake is handling the sweet end of lunch with a protein waffle topped with strawberries, bananas, whipped cream and chocolate sauce, served alongside a sample-size shake. Good Coconut will sell drinks separately, including water chestnut coconut boba tea and mango coconut milk.
“Lunch Box is the best way to sample Lower Manhattan’s newest culinary talent,” Downtown Alliance president Jessica Lappin said. “Join us on Fosun Plaza or grab a box to go; either way, you’re supporting local restaurants and hopefully finding your next go-to spot.”
The open-air event runs from 11:30am to 2:30pm, rain or shine, and admission is free; you’ll pay only for whatever boxes and drinks you order. Lunch Box will also be a zero-waste event, with composting and recycling stations throughout the plaza. Come hungry—and perhaps bring a coworker whose lunch you can sample.