[Photo: Kathy YL Chan]

In 2009, Ed wrote of the unpublicized $14 soup and sandwich special at Gramercy Tavern. And now, nearly two years later, I'm happy to report that the price has not changed a penny—and the deal is equally delicious.

The special changes daily, but this "ham and cheese" sandwich pictured above makes a frequent appearance. (Only half a sandwich is shown in the photo, so you actually get twice this much.) Paper-thin slices of smoky, sweet ham lie on a toasted potato-onion bap from Balthazar Bakery. Pungent, garlicky aioli is smothered under the top half of the bun, and the layers of crisp greens are held in tight with melted fontina cheese oozing out ever so slightly. The sandwich is accompanied by parsnip soup, silky and more comforting than luxurious, topped with fried brussels sprout leaves and snippets of chives, with bacon-y hints lingering about.

It's always busy but never packed at lunch; if you're looking to treat yourself, a seat the bar and cocktail followed by the soup and sandwich is how to do a solo lunch at Gramercy Tavern.

Gramercy Tavern

42 E 20th Street, New York, NY 10003 (map)
212-477-0777
gramercytavern.com

About the author: Originally from Honolulu, Kathy YL Chan writes A Passion For Food, where she chronicles her eats and travels adventures between Hawai'i, New York and beyond. She firmly believes that there is always room for dessert.