My lunches aren’t always healthy, but they are delicious. Here are four of my favorite grab-and-go options from around town, all under $6.
PIZZA REGINA
$5.50 for a slice
“Iron Chef” star judge Donatella Arpaia’s thick, Neapolitan-style pie with tomato and buffalo mozzarella isn’t your average slice. The dough is allowed to rise slowly, lending it a uniquely toothsome texture and the buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and basil are all top-notch.
Prova Pizza Bar, Grand Central Terminal lower level, north end.
GUMBO Z’HERBS
$5.50 for a cup
Spinach, kale, mustard greens and collards star in this vegan, gluten-free gumbo that’s remarkably rich — despite not having meat or even roux. Instead, the dark broth gets its flavor from okra.
Gumbo Bros., 224 Atlantic Ave., Cobble Hill, 917-909-1471.
PÂTÉ DE CAMPAGNE
$5.50
Enjoy a trip to the French countryside for peanuts with this sandwich featuring rustic, house-made pork pâté, cornichons, grain mustard and frisée on a chewy, six-inch long ficelle loaf.
Charcuterie counter at Le District in Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty St.
HAM AND CHEESE BLINI
$5.95
At the New York outposts of the Moscow-based chain Teremok, the “Original” bakes Virginia ham and Swiss cheese inside a traditional Russian pancake that takes “comfort food” to a new level of decadence.
Teremok, 555 Sixth Ave. (at 16th Street), and 358 Seventh Ave (at 30th St.); 212-463-8319.