Finding an inexpensive lunch in Buffalo is an easy stroll down Main Street. You can smell the hot dogs cooking, or pop into one of the local sandwich shops for a lunch special. But where do those with discerning palates on a shoestring budget go for dinner?
The Lexington Co-op offers not only fresh, organic produce, dairy and meats; they also have an incredible selection of prepared foods ranging from sandwiches and pizza to sushi. For around $8 you can have a fresh and unique meal on the go.
The real draw that pulls me back to the Co-op a couple times a week is their hot bar. For only $6.99 per pound, customers have an ever-changing selection of meal options. On any given day, the hot bar may include dishes that are Asian, Indian or All-American. Most have a gourmet sensibility, and there are always vegetarian and vegan-friendly options as well. Chef Joe George, the new prepared foods manager, has years of culinary experience, and he knows the Buffalo food scene. He looks to incorporate local and seasonal ingredients, and the hot bar’s offerings are always changing. You will find something new and different every time you visit.
On one particular trip I chose two main dishes: vegetable kofta with chutney, and fried haddock. The spicy kofta was offset nicely by the sweeter mango chutney. Subtly spicy forbidden rice with edamame, and sweet potatoes with greens rounded out my meal.
Be sure not to miss the selection of fresh soups, made daily in-house. I opted for the pho on a recent cold Friday evening. Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup that can be vegetarian or include meat or seafood. The pho I sampled consisted of a light coconut broth and fresh vegetables. It was a satisfying and comforting dish. For those looking for something a bit lighter, Lexington also has a salad bar, that includes traditional salad fixings as well as specialty cold offerings like grain salads.
Even after a full meal (and a full belly) you will still probably have enough change left in your piggy bank to try one of their homemade desserts. There’s quite a variety, including vegan chocolate cake, Lexi’s cookies and mango pudding. Enjoy!
The Lexington Co-op
807 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, 14222
716.886.2667
***Gourmet on a Shoestring is a regular YUM feature where foodie Kate Sorice scours the eateries of Buffalo in search of tasty gourmet meals that cost no more than $10 per person including tax (but not tip). Do you have a favorite place to grab gourmet goodies on the cheap? Email us at YUM, your suggestion may be featured in an upcoming article.