BEST NYC DISH OF THE WEEK: Lunch Special at RANDOM ACCESS

SADLY, RANDOM ACCESS IS NOW CLOSED.

It seems like eons ago but there was this magical time when lunch in Midtown was a specialty of mine.

I wrote for a wonderful popular blog called Midtown Lunch, which was dedicated to finding cheap but delicious lunch options in the business districts of Midtown. Turns out lots of people had an interest in this resource.

Sadly, the blog is no longer around (the founder moved to LA and now manages Smorgasburg), but the need for good cheap food in Midtown is as important as ever before.

I had happy flashbacks of my days scouting meals for Midtown Lunch when I recently stopped by Random Access before heading onto a train at Penn Station (which is steps away).

This Thai spot has flown somewhat under-the-radar but has a sleek casual vibe and their opening menu last year sounded pretty cool. Lots of fusion creations, like crab curry mac and cheese and Thai ragu pasta.

Unfortunately, the menu has changed a bit and seems a bit more standard Thai. that being said, when I came for lunch, I found some really tasty dishes at a very reasonable price.

The lunch special (from 12-2:30pm) is $15 and you get a choice of entrees and an appetizer. And while Midtown Lunch used to try to keep the meals below $10, times (and prices) have changed in the last 10 years.

My meal started with tamarind slicked scotch eggs that hinted at the bold fusion creations Random Access first launched with. There was a sweet, sour hint that melded into the rich crisply battered boiled eggs. Topped with crunchy shallots and herbal cilantro, this was a nice bright opening.

My main course was Pad Kra Pow Moo Ssap, a smoky, spicy stir fry with toothsome string beans and bell peppers. The flavor was incredibly balanced with a lovely lingering herbaceous sweetness from the Thai Basil. Rice and another egg (this time gently fried) topped it off.

My meal was not only delicious but, almost more importantly, affordable. You might not be able to get a lunch like this for under $10 anymore, but this $15 special with a large plate and a small plate is a supremely good deal. Price: $15