As is our tradition (going on 3 years now) me and the pops have lunch once a week. One week he treats, the next, I treat and so on and so forth. (I love when he treats LOL) On the weeks that I treat, I get to choose the venue.
Dad is a man that knows what he likes but he isnt afraid to try new things… its just that I always want to try new things and dad likes the idea of actually going to a good place more than once… Like Spaghetti Western. (which we hit like once a month) Lucky for me, Spaghetti Western has mysteriously shut down… I have a sneaking suspicion they are renovating. But in the mean time, I decided to take advantage of the closing and take dad to a new place… which is fairly new to me too.
The Italian Food Center in Little Italy. I feel very blessed to work such a short distance away from Chinatown and Little Italy- Lots of good eats only steps away! My first experience at this joint was very positive. Its simple ingredients that are always fresh and made to order, and the price is right!

Located on the corner of Mulberry Street and Grand Street, The Italian Food Center has a been cranking out Italian specialties since the 50′s. And they have a section where you can sit and be waited on for pizza and whatever, but im gonna tell you right now: you want a sandwich from them.
Yes you do. Dont argue with me dammit!
When you first walk in, peep the signage above the deli counter. Lots of wonders to choose from, of course you dont have to order what they have listed; feel free to get a little creative.
They have a great variety of imported meats and cheeses (oh my, cheese!) and at the end of the deli counter is a sweet hispanic man who makes sandwiches to order right in front of you. The line can be a little ridic and seating for sammies is limited to 3 measly tables or some tables outside (but based on the fact that i just got to work all soggy from the horrendous rain, sitting outside doesnt sound very fun right now)….
I told dad to snag a table while i ordered the sammies.
I walked up to the counter, smiled and asked for the Tribeca Special and the Broadway Special.
The Broadway Special, MINE, is a soft italian hero filled with fresh mozzarella cheese, fried eggplant, and sweet italian peppers. SIMPLE. yet OH SO YUMMY! Dad and i opted to split our heroes to maximize our options.
The Tribeca Special, DADs, a soft itlian roll with smoked turkey breast, sun dried tomatoes (in oil mmm), and fresh mozzarella.
We both enjoyed our halves. And thought each one was delicious in its own way. I am eager to return to try the Fireman Special… and the NoHo Special… and- well, you get the idea.
Be warned that on the weekend, this place is a MAD HOUSE and they only take cash.
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