Serious Eats: New York
Lunch for One: Lovely Day Thai
"If three people contact me out of the blue to try the chicken, I listen."
[Photo: Kathy Chan]
The chicken here has a cult following. No more than a day after Lovely Day's re-opening last week after a fire in fall 2008, I received three texts and emails from friends and contacts saying that I "just have to try the chicken." And if three people contact me out of the blue to try the chicken, I listen.
The dish in question is the Ginger Fried Chicken, ordered as an appetizer for $6—or, during the day, as a $7 lunch special with an entree sized portion of chicken and Japanese or brown rice. The chicken is reminiscent of karaage, minus the sesame seeds, and with a hefty and much appreciated hand of grated ginger. Served hot out of the fryer, it's moist, super crisp, savory and luscious with a squeeze of lime and dip into the spicy aioli.
If chicken isn't your thing—but really, that's what you ought to get here—opt for the noodle lunch special ($10), which includes any noodle dish, dumplings, and an order of edamame.
Complete your meal with housemade matcha lattes and Thai iced tea. The dessert menu boasts fresh carrot walnut cake with english custard, as well as cranberry challah bread pudding. I have yet to try either, but will most certainly be back!
Lovely Day
196 Elizabeth Street, New York NY 10012 (map)
212-925-3310