Modern Meals

This is New York City, where variety is the flavor of life and modernity is the side soup that goes along with it. And if you're looking for both, then europa café is the place to go. Although sometimes this sleek shop, located on the intersection of Water and John streets, seems too modern for it's own good.

I'm talking about the employees, who act like perfect robots as they prepare your food to perfection, take your money and give you your receipt - all in stony silence. No smiles, no words of greeting and no ability to explain to me what in the world French brie is.

Almost in stark contrast to its frigid employees, the décor of europa café features cheery red tabletops and glowing orange lamps hanging from high ceilings. The restaurant, with its tiled floors and clean countertops, sells sandwich wraps ranging from a classic Turkey Club ($6.95) to Balsamic Chicken zesto ($7.95), quesadillas ($5.75), and delicious-looking yogurt cups ($2.65). It also sells small pizzas, salads, fruits, daily-baked desserts, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

When I arrived at the shop today, I scanned the room - filled mostly with people in suits - for my frequent lunch companion: Pace University Junior Elina Kolo. (You've met her before, in this previous post.) She had already started on her "lunch special" : half of a sandwich - stuffed with turkey, cheese, tomato, and bright green lettuce - along with a small soup for only $6.75.

"My co-workers go to the café across the street because it's a little cheaper," Kolo, who works at The Body Shop, explained to me. "But here, you really get your money's worth."