Greetings!

Will be taking mom and friend to the holiday shops at Bryant Park on Sunday. The Grill is booked for the timeframe we need unfortunately. Looking for a good, casual place to have lunch nearby (i.e. close since they are seniors). Mom's not a hugely adventurous eater - a good soup, sandwich, piece of pie (in a upbeat atmosphere) would be her choice.

Any suggestions?

There's a Le Pain Quotidien on the same street at Bryant Park.

I just read about someone really having a bad time at that Le Pain. I've eaten there and liked it but I think they're not able to handle the crowds coming from Bryant Park. The Cafe or the restaurant in the Morgan Library is an idea if you can get a reservation (and you like the looks of the menu). http://www.themorgan.org/visit/dining.asp
The Cinema Cafe at 2 east 45 st. is not a bad option. http://www.cinemarestaurants.com/cinema45.html

That was me. It wasn't busy. We just had a bad waitress. It was a disappointing experience but I'd try it again. I'd just ask for another table if I saw her again

"Mom's not a hugely adventurous eater - a good soup, sandwich"

Nah, try someplace else. I don't think she'd enjoy it. Not your traditional sandwiches.

Anyone know anything about www.haleandheartysoups.com?

Sorry - www.haleandhearty.com

4 blocks away is Lord & Taylor..

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/Menus/901.cfm

shows the menu which
might fit well into your soup & sandwich lunch plan.

and you get get a shopping fix if you so desire too.

Expensive chain of soup places. The joke is at least you get a cookie for $7.

It is cafeteria style and the soups are fine. Might satisfy your criteria.

Hale and Hearty is a local chain, lots of different soups, sandwiches and salads, soups average about $6. for 16 oz size. Bread or oyster crackers come with. The food is fresh the soups are good, the menu rotates. Most locations are very busy lunch places, mostly take out with a few seats.

A branch of Sarabeth's has opened in Lord & Taylor. I don't know if that's on the link Rhea provided, but it's probably the same or similar to menus at their other restaurants (check menupages)

There is a Cafe Europa at 6th/45th. This is a very casual chain that is sort of like an upscale Subway. Cheap, clean, and fast.

Thin

cinema cafe may fit the bill. it's reliable, and in fact has a couple of locations, but somehow escaped that chain-ey feel. i eat at hale and hearty frequently, but always take it back to work as it's not really a sit down place.

Hey - thanks so much everyone. Any of these could fit the bill. Because its a Sunday in December and I expect it will be busy (understatement) we'll have options!

Thanks again.....Zoome