Moonstruck Reviewed

You might be wondering why I even bothered writing a review of Moonstruck, being that it is THE most typical slightly overpriced diner frequented by Murray Hillers. BUT, I happened to go to Moonstruck for lunch on Sunday afternoon and had a very pleasant experience that I wanted to share with all of you.

With five locations scattered around Manhattan, Moonstruck does quite a business. And no matter how mediocre the food may be, if that’s the case, you continue to return because it’s in the neighborhood and you are guaranteed to see someone you know there EVERY SINGLE TIME. For example, this Sunday I went to Moonstruck with my family after Memory Walk. Though we were having a fairly late lunch, around 3:30pm, we ran into my roommate and her family. Seeing as I had not spoken to her earlier that day, this was quite the coincidence.

In any case, I personally keep returning and ordering from Moonstruck because I think they have the BEST CHOPPED SALAD within a 10-15 block radius of Windsor Court, my beloved home. Moonstruck, at least the one on 31st Street and 3rd Avenue, is more than willing to customize your order (and with a smile) which is another very important reason I enjoy going there. But going back to the salad, it must be the finest chopped salad outside of The Great Dane in Madison, Wisconsin. And girls, you know what I’m talking about! And although Moonstruck’s salads might be slightly higher in price then their competitors, you are guaranteed to get two meals out of it! Though I must warn you that it becomes inedible after one day because it is so finely chopped, so make sure to eat your leftovers on day 2!

I usually begin my order with the Fandango Salad or the Turkey Salad and then customize to fit what I’m craving on that particular day. The Moonstruck salads come with a delicious side of toasted pita and dressing(s) of your choice. My staple dressings are the house balsamic vinaigrette and the honey mustard. I also love they way they serve the dressings, adding a Snapple cap to each bottle.

Another great dish that Moonstruck serves up is their Tuna Salad Sandwich, which has the perfect amount of mayo. My dad ordered the Tuna over Pita with Greek Salad and it both looked and tasted fantastic! The rest of my family had chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, and matzoh ball soup which were all pretty standard though I do happen to like their soup very much. One thing I dislike though are their omelettes. Every single time I’ve ordered an omelette at Moonstruck it comes out watery. So steer clear of those! But definitely go for the salads!

Chopped Turkey Salad

Memory Walk, a Huge Success!

Yesterday morning about 800 people showed up for another successful NYC Memory Walk in Riverside Park! Between the 100 teams that had pre-registered for Memory Walk, we have collectively raised closed to $750,000! The Junior Committee alone has raised $16,000 to date and will continue accepting donations through early December. So, if you haven’t had the time to make your donation, you can still do so here. Although the Junior Committee has done a great job in fundraising we have not yet reached our goal of $20,000 and would greatly appreciate your help and support in doing so.

The Junior Committee booth was packed with enthusiastic walkers all eager to learn about our organization and to Write To Congress to help increase funding for Alzheimer’s disease. If you were unable to attend yesterday’s walk and would like to show congress that you are an advocate of fighting Alzheimer’s disease, TAKE ACTION NOW.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the people who have already donated to this cause and to my friends and family who came out to support me yesterday:

Regina, Jack, Amanda, & Ralphy Levine, Bea Shavit, Lindsay Trust, Missy Singer, Lauren Abramson, Allie Schachter, Joanna Dubin, Shira Nanus, Bryant Schneider, Stephanie Harz, Janet & Robbie Winterstein, Susan & Rich Landauer, Wendy & Dennis Fingold, Linda & Mark Klayman, Laura & Dave Zimmerman, and Sue & Mike Levy.

Junior Committee Table

Alzheimer’s Advocates

Alzheimer’s Advocates & Junior Committee Bags

Missy Singer, Jessica Levine, & Lindsay Trust

Dedicated Walkers

Memory Walk Donation Flowers

Alz Walkers

Ralphy Fights Alzheimer’s

More Linds, Jess, & Missy

Memory Walk 2008

Despite the fact that the following post on Memory Walk is completely unrelated to food, I feel obligated to share it with all of you, as I am chairing the event. This Sunday I will be celebrating and participating in the New York City Chapter’s 20th ANNUAL MEMORY WALK.

This is my second year charing this event and is also something that is very dear to my heart. As some of you might know, my grandmother has Alzheimer’s disease. Since I feel very strongly about contributing to the cause of curing Alzheimer’s disease I began volunteering for the NYC Alzheimer’s Junior Committee about 3 years ago. This committee is made up of young professionals ranging from 21-40 that also are interested in volunteering their time to help this cause. The greatest part about the committee is that you can be as involved or not involved as you choose and offers more than just volunteering in Alzheimer’s care centers. As a member of Junior Committee I help plan fundraisers such as our annual gala and help spread awareness of the disease by participating in lectures and events like MEMORY WALK.

If you’d like to attend this Sunday’s walk in Riverside Park or make a donation please sign up here!

Thanks in advance to all of you who took the time to read this and I look forward to seeing the rest of you bright and early on Sunday!

-Jessica Hartley