Vaughn F.
Yelp
Picked up lunch today from Blintz Box in the Turnstyle market at the Columbus Circle subway station. This relative newcomer to the fast-casual scene serves Ukrainian-American fusion items ranging from corndogs and borscht (vegan!) to the namesake blintz wraps and boxes.
A blintz is a soft, thin, spongy pancake of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. Blintz Box offers five varieties of blintz wrap, including the pescatarian-friendly Englishman (fried beer-battered cod, french fries, slaw) and the vegetarian-approved portabella wrap. I opted for the Philadelphia, their take on a classic cheesesteak. To better sample the range of the menu, I also ordered the loaded fries with crispy fried chicken on top.
The loaded fries are a shareable size. The fries were hot and crispy, absolutely slathered in cheese and sauce, requiring a fork and napkin to stay tidy. The fried chicken filet added taste and crunch, making this feel like a proper meal. It also came with a delightful variety of pickles including pickled sport peppers, cucumbers, and jalapeño peppers.
The Philadelphia blintz wrap was juicy and flavorful. The shaved beef, peppers, onions, and cheese combined in a gooey melange, which the tender and pliable blintz held in place for me to nibble. The blintz itself was malleable and well-suited for wrapping. Its mild flavor allowed the filling to steal the show.
Hats off to the proprietors, a resilient husband-and-wife team who demonstrate the kind of hustling acumen that New York is known for. Come through on your lunch break, or when you're transferring trains at 59th St and want a snack. Delivery and catering options are also available.