Cooler Weather, Warmer Lunch

Some combination of the change of seasons and my self-imposed steady diet of salads has left me wanting hot lunches a lot recently. My recent busy schedule at work has left me requiring short lunches. The net results has been that I've eaten at Sophie's Cuban Cuisine three times in the last two weeks.

My pre-FiDiLunch daily lunch allowance meant that I used to order only sandwiches from Sophie's, but now that I've upped my budget to $10, I can get a great hot meal at Sophie's and stay just within my means. The everyday specials are $9 ($9.75 with tax) and come with 2 sides of your choice. The daily specials are $11, and also come with 2 sides. Rice and beans are treated as separate sides, so if you want something additional, you have to get an extra side. I usually get beans and salad instead. The maduros (fried, sweet plantains) are also quite good. For entrees, I recommend the breaded chicken and the fried fish.

As for the sandwiches, in addition to the Cuban there are also a couple good chicken sandwiches. One breaded, one grilled - both pressed in a sandwich press, which in my opinion makes every sandwich better.

The scene at Sophie's is a little hectic. There is usually a long take-out line for platters, which is separate from the usually short sandwich line, but many customers confuse the two. It's somewhat less hectic to eat there, though the waiters and waitresses often seem swamped. Also, dining in will definitely bring your meal cost above $10.

Sophie's in the Financial District is at 73 New Street, between Exchance Place and Beaver Street. There is also a location at 96 Chambers Street and 4 additional locations well to the North.