Galileo's Star

With spring upon us and the sun shining brightly, there's no excuse to say inside and huddle over a bag lunch or another Lean Cuisine. Instead, go get in line for one of the best gourmet bargains in the city.

In the tradition of Palena's cafe and CityZen's lounge, Roberto Donna occasionally opens part of Galileo as a casual and shockingly affordable grill. The set-up is super casual. Donna often mans the grill himself, boisterously doling out homemade hot dogs -- available with homemade ketchup, sauerkraut, relish, mustard and barbecue sauce -- for $3.50, pork shoulder, chicken or pork sausage sandwiches ($5), slices of broccoli rabe pizza ($3.50), vegetable soup ($3) and my favorite: the meatball sub with provolone cheese ($6). This go-round, the Grill is debuting a new item, onion and cheese quiche ($3) and you can bet that I'll be there to check it out. If you're still hungry after that, sweet cannolis are available for dessert ($2.50). Pay on the honor system by dropping cash into a till and retrieving your change.

If you're determined to spend the day hunkered down at your desk or want to find a park, you can call ahead from 9:30-11:30 on days that the grill is open have your order ready for pick-up. Otherwise, hurry over when the grill opens and hope to snag a table out back on the patio or in the back room. I have been there early with virtually no line, but the lunchtime crowds inevitably descend in good weather. Galileo will open up the grill from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. this Tuesday-Friday, April 4-7.

-- Erin

By Erin |  April 3, 2006; 4:25 PM ET Restaurants
Previous: Ray's Up Your Cheers! | Next: Where Are They Now?