Reported for Flatiron Hot! News by Tod Shapiro, and partially reprinted from the Flatiron 23rd Partnership website
Editor’s Note: I had a chance to visit Summer Salt, a new choice for fast-casual dining on the burgeoning 23rd Street corridor in Flatiron running from 7th Avenue through Lexington, where a plethora of food choices have opened their doors in the last two years. The latest is Summer Salt, which attempts to recreate the special taste and flavor of what one would find on the beaches in Baja California. A worthy competitor to such mass-market eateries as Chipotle and Taco Bell, this establishment has a unique taste that is worth a try. I had their very impressive burrito
Summer Salt opens on 23rd St. in Flatiron
bowl offering with grilled chicken, guacamole, rice, veggies, and (here’s the key) 4 side garnishes that each had a unique and special zesty flavor – something way beyond what one would find at Chipotle and Taco Bell! And best of all, the cost of lunch (including a drink) was less than $13 – truly a “fast casual experience”! I had a chance to chat with owner-entrepreneur Danny Lyu who lives in the Flatiron District neighborhood and is one of our neighbors. He, like many of the others who have started eateries in our neighborhood, is a seasoned business person with a background in finance and banking. He jumped at the chance to open shop here and follow his true love – bringing the unique “Baja” flavor to the Flatiron District. If you stop by, be sure to say hello and hear him describe how his offerings are uniquely different from the fare one might get at his competitors right down the block.
I am reprinting the recent news posting from the Flatiron 23rd Street Partnership website describing their operation below and will update when our Flatiron Hot! Foodie team has a chance to sample the wares. Only a 5-minute walk from the NYC Seminar and Conference Center on 23rd St. between Madison and Park Avenue South!
The Flatiron Partnership is thrilled to welcome Summer Salt to the neighborhood! Bringing Baja-style beach food to 23rd Street between Madison & Park, Summer Salt features freshly made tacos, burritos, and sides that immediately call to mind salty ocean air and San Diego sun.
Owner Danny Lyu lives locally, and Summer Salt is his third food-related venture. Lyu also owns the beloved Cemitas El Tigre in Sunnyside, Queens and the catering company Head Over Meals. He built Summer Salt around Southern California surf culture and the food that rolls with it — food from Baja — like the crispy fried fish tacos Lyu ate as a kid growing up in Southern California.
(Left: Carne Asada Cali Burrito with french fries; Right: Baja Crispy Fish Taco)
Summer Salt’s menu features burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, and a selection of sides like chips and guac. For anyone craving the California Burritos stuffed with shoestring potatoes that are popular on the West Coast, they’ve got you covered. You can even make a burrito bowl California style with a base of shoestring fries. If you prefer Mission Style with rice and beans, they’ve got that too. Their corn tortillas are also authentically nixtamalized, a traditional way of preparing tortillas which includes soaking the maize (corn) in limewater. You may not be familiar with the process, but you will be plenty familiar with the delicious results.
Have your pick of classic options like Carnitas, Carne Asada, Pollo Asada, and vegetarian-friendly Tofu & Cauliflower Tinga, or Baja options like homemade spicy Baja Fried Chicken, lightly battered Baja Crispy Fish, Baja Seared Adobo Fish, or Baja Seared Adobo shrimp, both pan-seared with a lime-chili rub.
Of his new location, Lyu explains, “I chose Flatiron because I’m a neighbor, and I’ve worked in the neighborhood (just 3 blocks from Summer Salt). The great mix of residents and business people in the Flatiron creates a liveliness like nowhere else in the city. Whether it’s tourists posing in front of the namesake building or locals strolling through Madison Square Park, there’s a buzz here that gives off some great energy.”
Lyu describes himself as food, fishing, and Baja obsessive, ever on the hunt for better beach food. He has tried every taco, burrito, gordita, flauta, and salsa from coast to coast and San Clemente to Tijuana.
The Summer Salt team intends to provide guests with an exceptional, fast-casual experience, perfect for quick or sit down lunches and dinner. Pair any of their food offerings with a selection of beers, margaritas, Palomas and White Claw. The restaurant seats approximately 30 people, and will soon offer online ordering for faster pick up. The restaurant’s space calls upon California surf and beach culture with a giant fish decor, sailor portraits, and surfboard wax sold at the register.
Summer Salt is open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
Summer Salt, 30 East 23rd Street between Madison and Park Avenues, 212.209.0648, @summersaltnyc
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Flatiron Hot! Foodie – Summer Salt in Flatiron: Baja California-Style Burritos Fast-Casual Offering in 23rd St. Corridor
Reported for Flatiron Hot! News by Tod Shapiro, and partially reprinted from the Flatiron 23rd Partnership website
Editor’s Note: I had a chance to visit Summer Salt, a new choice for fast-casual dining on the burgeoning 23rd Street corridor in Flatiron running from 7th Avenue through Lexington, where a plethora of food choices have opened their doors in the last two years. The latest is Summer Salt, which attempts to recreate the special taste and flavor of what one would find on the beaches in Baja California. A worthy competitor to such mass-market eateries as Chipotle and Taco Bell, this establishment has a unique taste that is worth a try. I had their very impressive burrito
Summer Salt opens on 23rd St. in Flatiron
bowl offering with grilled chicken, guacamole, rice, veggies, and (here’s the key) 4 side garnishes that each had a unique and special zesty flavor – something way beyond what one would find at Chipotle and Taco Bell! And best of all, the cost of lunch (including a drink) was less than $13 – truly a “fast casual experience”! I had a chance to chat with owner-entrepreneur Danny Lyu who lives in the Flatiron District neighborhood and is one of our neighbors. He, like many of the others who have started eateries in our neighborhood, is a seasoned business person with a background in finance and banking. He jumped at the chance to open shop here and follow his true love – bringing the unique “Baja” flavor to the Flatiron District. If you stop by, be sure to say hello and hear him describe how his offerings are uniquely different from the fare one might get at his competitors right down the block.
I am reprinting the recent news posting from the Flatiron 23rd Street Partnership website describing their operation below and will update when our Flatiron Hot! Foodie team has a chance to sample the wares. Only a 5-minute walk from the NYC Seminar and Conference Center on 23rd St. between Madison and Park Avenue South!
The Flatiron Partnership is thrilled to welcome Summer Salt to the neighborhood! Bringing Baja-style beach food to 23rd Street between Madison & Park, Summer Salt features freshly made tacos, burritos, and sides that immediately call to mind salty ocean air and San Diego sun.
Owner Danny Lyu lives locally, and Summer Salt is his third food-related venture. Lyu also owns the beloved Cemitas El Tigre in Sunnyside, Queens and the catering company Head Over Meals. He built Summer Salt around Southern California surf culture and the food that rolls with it — food from Baja — like the crispy fried fish tacos Lyu ate as a kid growing up in Southern California.
(Left: Carne Asada Cali Burrito with french fries; Right: Baja Crispy Fish Taco)
Summer Salt’s menu features burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, and a selection of sides like chips and guac. For anyone craving the California Burritos stuffed with shoestring potatoes that are popular on the West Coast, they’ve got you covered. You can even make a burrito bowl California style with a base of shoestring fries. If you prefer Mission Style with rice and beans, they’ve got that too. Their corn tortillas are also authentically nixtamalized, a traditional way of preparing tortillas which includes soaking the maize (corn) in limewater. You may not be familiar with the process, but you will be plenty familiar with the delicious results.
Have your pick of classic options like Carnitas, Carne Asada, Pollo Asada, and vegetarian-friendly Tofu & Cauliflower Tinga, or Baja options like homemade spicy Baja Fried Chicken, lightly battered Baja Crispy Fish, Baja Seared Adobo Fish, or Baja Seared Adobo shrimp, both pan-seared with a lime-chili rub.
Of his new location, Lyu explains, “I chose Flatiron because I’m a neighbor, and I’ve worked in the neighborhood (just 3 blocks from Summer Salt). The great mix of residents and business people in the Flatiron creates a liveliness like nowhere else in the city. Whether it’s tourists posing in front of the namesake building or locals strolling through Madison Square Park, there’s a buzz here that gives off some great energy.”
Lyu describes himself as food, fishing, and Baja obsessive, ever on the hunt for better beach food. He has tried every taco, burrito, gordita, flauta, and salsa from coast to coast and San Clemente to Tijuana.
The Summer Salt team intends to provide guests with an exceptional, fast-casual experience, perfect for quick or sit down lunches and dinner. Pair any of their food offerings with a selection of beers, margaritas, Palomas and White Claw. The restaurant seats approximately 30 people, and will soon offer online ordering for faster pick up. The restaurant’s space calls upon California surf and beach culture with a giant fish decor, sailor portraits, and surfboard wax sold at the register.
Summer Salt is open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
Summer Salt, 30 East 23rd Street between Madison and Park Avenues, 212.209.0648, @summersaltnyc