At 2:30 each afternoon, the alley that cuts between 1325 6th Avenue marks the difference between a business lunch and a working lunch. On one side, a professional set dressed in suits and Jimmy Choos lounges in between sips of Pellegrino at the Remi Restaurant. On the other side their assistants who finally managed to grab a 15-minute break form a line outside Remi To Go.
Same first name, same kitchen, same delectable salmon but one big difference: price. Regular prices at Remi To Go are about half the menu next door, but New Yorkers don’t line up for $15 fish. Come 3 p.m., all the daily entrees, sandwiches, pastas, salads, soups and more sell for half-price. Chicken Cacciatore over roasted vegetables was $7.95, now $3.95. The shrimp Caesar salad tastes just as good just shy of two bucks.
Remi To Go offers the best steal since you pocketed a Newport from your Aunt Sandy. It comes at no small consequence though: Arriving at 2:45 guarantees nothing. On a recent 18-degree day, the line began to form at 2:10 pm. And don’t think frosty fingers up front is a light eater. Smart customers stock up, buying a main course, two or three pastas and a few salads for their coworkers waiting back at the office. The next time you look at the clock and realize lunch has long since passed, hit up Remi To Go. Imagine how much better 3:15 p.m. feels with perfectly pink salmon and mushroom risotto melting in your mouth for half the price your boss paid to cab it across town.
145 W. 53rd St. (at 6th Ave.), 212-581-7115.
