Friedmans Lunch seems so earnest. They REALLY want to be a Lower East Side Deli. Instead, they are a decidedly non-Kosher, cosmopolitan, West Chelsea riff on a Lower East Side Deli.
In other words: They may sell Matzoh Ball Soup and Dr. Brown's Black Cherry soda, but the menu also includes a Caribbean Grilled Chicken Salad and a BLT with the A-list additions of Avocado and Aioli.
It was all very perplexing when I stepped up to the counter to order some lunch.
Do I go Jew or urban hipster American?
Tough call.
I finally decided to land somewhere in-between, requesting Friedman's Roast Turkey and Pastrami Sandwich with Coleslaw, house made Potato Chips and Russian Dressing on Rye. It was a variation on the standard Turkey or Pastrami "Special" Sandwich, but the inclusion of crunched up Potato Chips was a 21st century crisp twist.
Seen above in all its glory, I hafta say that this sandwich is a derivative that is plain delicious. It is so wrong, but it is SO right. Indisputably a decadent, deep fried snack food-endorsing mutation of a classic, but a newfound classic in its own right too. This is one lip-smacking, crunchy, juicy, meaty meal jammed smack-dab between two slices of bread.
I may never want to attempt Friedman's Brown Rice Bowl with Tofu or Quinoa Salad with Dried Cherries, Pine Nuts and Fennel, but I'll definitely be back for seconds on its Roast Turkey and Pastrami Sandwich -- after a few trips to the gym.
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