-
New York Times Cafeteria
One star. Two star. Three star. Four star. How many stars would a New York Times food critic give tothe New York Times cafeteria? That's a question I really would love to find out. A few weeks ago my friend John, who works at the giant that is "all the news that's fit to print," signed me into the new-ish New York Times building on 8th Avenue, and we had a go at the cafeteria.
First thing's first... this cafeteria eating area looks absolutely beautiful. Sure, you're not getting some river side view, but you're still getting over 100 feet of ceiling to floor glass walls. The light in the cafeteria is simply great. As corporate cafeterias go (and I've tried four or five in my lifetime, the dining room here takes the cake.
As for the cafeteria food itself, they divide up the foods into different stations. There's a carving/sandwich station, a hot foods section, a section that changes, a sushi station and other stuff that I don't remember. They have a wall of drinks and pop, along with some premade sandwiches. There was also a salad bar, but you know, that's like asking a honey bee if he likes to make soy sauce. Not interested, homey.
As a happy meat eater, I picked fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. The sign said something about buttermilk, but I really couldn't tell you what the buttermilk did for the chicken. It was an ok fried chicken, but honestly I prefer Popeyes because they have better skin. Crunchier the better and the skin at the NYT cafteria was just okay. The mac-n-cheese was your standard fare. I know some people put breadcrumbs on top to make 'em crunchy. Again, no crunchy here. The thing was tasty enough, it just wasn't mind blowing.
My friend John opted for the sushi. That was the right move. They apparently make all your sushi to order in the cafeteria. I tried a piece and it was fresh and delicious. That was about $8 dollars and compared to what you get in the outside world, a pretty steller deal if you ask me. If the cafeteria had any redeeming factors, it would be the fresh sushi station.
To finish off the meal, I had a piece of some peanut butter chocolate pie thingy. Hell I don't know what it was but it was seriously addictive (if you like peanut butter). Soft, gooey, and sweet. The pie was everything that you could ask for in a company cafeteria dessert.
The strength of any corporate cafeteria would rest with how much variety can you get out of the place, because that keeps things interesting for the workers. Most of these cafeterias are probably farmed to some outside company anyway, and my guess is the more money you poney up, the more variety you're going to get. That's why Google's cafeteria is supposed to be awesome. New York Times has a good cafeteria and the prices are reasonable. I wouldn't say the prices are necessarily the main selling point of the NYT cafeteria, it's more of a convenience that things are slightly cheaper than the outside world. I could easily see myself eating in that cafeteria four days a week and still feel satisfied with my choices. In the world of corporate cafeterias, NYT Cafeteria gets two stars.
Sign up to the feed and never miss a post!Posted by Danny on September 1 2009 at 12:16 pm
Which other corporate cafeterias have you been to?
Hungry on September 1 2009 at 12:24 pm
Nice!
klaus ok on September 1 2009 at 12:34 pm
*salivates*
btw, I also agree that Popeye's chicken has great skin (vs. KFC). Though Roy Rogers will always remain special in my heart.
jae_em on September 1 2009 at 3:46 pm
I was in the NYTimes building during the construction. I walked along that balcony! I'll see if I can find a photo.
Janice on September 1 2009 at 4:47 pm
you have just become one of my favorite food blogs by 1)showing distain for salad and 2)loving popeyes chicken because of the skin. that's exactly the reason I love it so much!
i interned at the federal reserve in san francisco and they have a really amazing corporate cafeteria although it's pretty expensive. everything is fresh and made to order, and during my 2 summers there i don't think i ever had anything twice unless it was a burger.
maybe i should try to intern at the Times just for the cafeteria! lol
dee on September 2 2009 at 2:12 am
All I have to say is: hospital food. Jealous?
Jonathan on September 2 2009 at 10:14 am
Sodexo for the ... no I can't say it
Yvo on September 2 2009 at 11:55 am
You went to the NYT cafeteria and all you ordered was the Mac and Cheese and a dessert you didn't check the name of? (and then you did a review?)
You can do better than that. Next time take some photos of the food stations - there isn't a photo ban or anything...
You also forgot the coffee bar - its not bad, just ask John.
Next time you're about let me know and I'll order a third option (and a dessert) so you've more to comment on.
michael on September 2 2009 at 2:25 pm
You gave the NYTimes cafeteria 2 stars because you enjoyed the dining room and out of the three dishes you tried, one was average and two were great? Something seems weird about your rating system.
Heidi on September 2 2009 at 2:38 pm
I could go for a sushi station at my office...sigh...
Hillary on September 3 2009 at 6:03 pm
But the real question is, Popeye's or KFC? I personally prefer KFC. The spicy is good and crunchier than Popeye's.
As for the cafeteria, it looks pretty empty. I wonder where the NYT peeps go for food? Maybe delivery?
bionicgrrrl on September 4 2009 at 10:41 am
mm... That's what I like! Especially sushi - my favorite food!
essays online on November 11 2009 at 8:29 pm
Fried chicken? Seriously? Of all the daily options, I can't imagine why you'd choose what the cafeteria management probably considers a "safety dish". Personally, I've never tried the fried chicken... so it might very well suck. However, they don't offer it very often and there are more tasty (and healthy) choices.
If you ever go back, drop me and email and I'll give you some food tips.
adam on December 29 2009 at 5:16 pm
Greetings! We are offering paper writing service for all especially students. We are giving some tips and guidelines about this topic. If you are interested just click the link for more information and details.
Pam S. Long on April 26 2010 at 1:16 pm
That food looks amazing!!! here in the UK we don't have anything that even compares to the type of food, or the value for money that the pictures seem to show, i might have to immigrate to the USA so I can get me some of that delicious sushi!
us visa on May 27 2010 at 10:06 am
Point Break has announced their special offers during all of the games of World Cup Soccer to all the soccer fans of NY.
* Open for all the games
* Serve breakfast for the early games.
Special Offers:-
$4 Bud Light/ Coors light.
$4 margaritas and well drinks.
$3 Natty light and keystone light cans.
$8 24 oz Coors banquet.
$10 domestic mini boot &
$22 96oz Boots.
Also showing:
All the 2010 World Cup Soccer Games Live at Point Break Restaurant
Lets cheer your team to create a new history!!!!
Point Break NYC
12 West 45th St
New York, NY, 10036.
T. 914-645-8820
http://www.pointbreaknyc.com/
John on June 30 2010 at 5:14 pm