44 1/2

Last Friday afternoon my deptartment had lunch at 44 1/2 in Hell's Kitchen. Owned by the same people as 44 X 10 and the Xth Avenue Lounge, this is their less formal cafe. The menu features something for everyone - salads (I had the Cobb - very good), individual pizzas (lobster, bbq chicken), pastas (orchiette w/ homemade pesto), sandwiches (filet mignon, chicken breast), breakfast dishes (brioche french toast, fritata) and also some main courses like monkfish and pork medallions. Everyone seemed happy in the variety of dishes that were ordered (the goat cheese salad was a favorite) and the quality of the food. Lunch and dinner appear to be the same menu, the prices just go up at night. The only thing that made me sad is they don't have french fries :( The decor is minimal modern and they have a great back patio. I'm definitely hitting this one for a summer brunch before a theater matinee!