The Food (Cart) Critic

And now for a little feature that all periodicals need: restaurant reviews. Well, I think that NYC has its restaurant bases pretty well covered. There’s the NY Times, Zagat’s, CitySearch, even Michelin. So, no sense in trying to muscle in on that ground. However, conspicuously absent is reviews of food carts. I’m not talking about carts that are affiliated with restaurants (NY Times covered them). I mean food carts.

This review is of Magic Grill, on the corner of Wall Street and Front Street. Magic Grill serves up a variety of morning pastry, including all manner of donuts, crullers, danish, croissants, bagels, and, if you get there early enough, bialy. It has both regular and decaf coffee with several flavorings that can be added. But where Magic Grill shines is in its cooked food.

In the morning, Magic Grill has eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheese, in an assortment of combinations. Perhaps you’d like bacon, egg and cheese on a roll. If you need a Hungry Man breakfast, for just a little more, you can get two eggs, bacon and cheese on a long roll with hash browns or home fries on the side.

At lunch, Magic Grill serves several types of “Sandwiches.” My favorite is the “Cheese Steak” which features “Steak-Umm” brand steak-product and American cheese (though it might be American Process Cheese Food). It is served with sauteed peppers and onions and let me tell you – it really satisfies. Put it all together and you have FOUR DOLLARS OF DELICIOUS!!!

I think this “Sandwich” craze just might catch on. Once again, if cheese-steak isn’t your bag, Magic Grill also makes a mean Chicken Parmesan. Those who know just order a “Chicken Parm.” Be warned, the Magic Grill Chicken Parm is nap-inducing. All you George Costanza’s had better make room under your desk.

Although it was not available for review at this time, Magic Grill also makes a darned good iced coffee. There is a Starbuck’s next-door to Magic Grill, but I think that Magic Grill’s iced coffee might just put a dent into Starbucks’ bottom line.

So, if you’ve got a wad of singles and are wondering what to do for lunch, Magic Grill is a safe and tasty bet.

Magic Grill

On the corner of Wall Street and Front Street, Manhattan

Prices: $1 – $5 (cash only)
Reservations: Magic Grill does not take reservations. There’s sometimes a line, especially around lunch. Magic Grill drives away at around 3 p.m. and is only around on weekdays.