My neighborhood is not just home to Grand Central it’s also home to what I call Tokyo Central.

In the dark abyss of Midtown East food choices Japanese markets, restaurants and a culinary center have been quietly taking over, squeezing in almost unnoticed between the newsstands, Irish Pubs and check cashing stores.

There are so many places to enjoy but as I’m on a budget one of my – transport me to Tokyo – budget favorites is Oms b omusubi for rice balls (white rice traditionally formed in the shape of a triangle, filled with various fillings, and often wrapped in seaweed).

Omusubi (rice ball in Japanese) serves traditional and non traditional rice balls with more than forty five flavors on the menu.  Different than sushi, these triangular rice balls make rice portable and easy to eat while preserving it.

In Japan rice balls are found in convenience stores or shops who specialize in just rice balls.  They are a perfect meal or healthy snack any time of day, even breakfast.

I opt for the Set A lunch special, any three rice balls and choice of soup for $8.95. My favorites flavors are the Eel, Salmon and Wasabi, but the presentation is so beautiful I typically pick whatever looks best.  And if I want to splurge I’ll have an ITO EN Rose Green Tea, all natural unsweetened green tea with rose petals, and Green Tea Daifuku (a glutinous rice cake filled with a sweet filling) for dessert.

The space is small with just five tables and is a great stop for an afternoon tea or Saturday lunch if you want to avoid the weekday Midtown lunch rush.

Let me know if you go.

Enjoy!

Leslie

OMS b - 156 E 45th Street, Tel (212) 922-9788

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