DISH OF THE WEEK: Roast Beef at DAILY PROVISIONS

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

I’ve used this blog as a forum to sound off on some of my pet peeves in the food industry. And I’m going to do it again right now. So get ready.

The newest thing in the fast casual world of NYC is that they have stopped accepting cash. That’s right – these places will only take credit cards. This infuriates me. It’s at these inexpensive take-out spots where I want to use my cash. When I go to a nice meal, of course the credit card comes out. But if I’m spending less than $15, I generally want to use the green I have in my wallet.

But it is slowly become worthless and this makes me so mad. And I’m going to do what I can to protest it. Call me an old man or tell me to get with the times, but I am mad as hell. And it’s not like these businesses are even doing it to help the customer or to give us more options. No. They’re doing it because it is easier and cheaper for them.

Sadly, this is not what I expect from Danny Meyer restaurants. Yet when I ordered my sandwich at Daily Provisions, his new all-day café next to the re-located Union Square Café, I was told my money was no good here.

And I have decided when I discover a place does not accept currency, I will no longer be a customer there. And in certain cases, like this one, it’s a difficult decision.

I had already ordered my sandwich so I paid (with my credit card) and sat down to try to enjoy it. And I must admit, despite all my frustrations about the payment situation, it was a great sandwich.

The roast beef was incredibly tender – perhaps the most tender roast beef I’ve ever tasted. It held up to the creamy horseradish dressing and the slightly sharp Muenster cheese. Pickled beets were a nice sweet surprise and frizzled onions provided a crunch.

I also have to commend the bread. Seemingly so simple, but the housebaked seeded kaiser roll held the sandwich together perfectly and soaked up every ounce of flavor.

After I finished, I was tempted by the ice cream from Salt & Straw, but I realized I would not be able to hand over just a $5 bill. I’d have to bring out my credit card again. And so they lost a sale.

And as much as I loved the roast beef sandwich and am dying to try their crueller, I will not be coming back. And I could not be sadder. Price: $13