On a tip from a friend, I finally got around to checking out the sweet lunch specials at Aura.
Now I say to you: Go!
And maybe go alone. Or else count yourself lucky if, as a party of two, you are seated immediately, and expect to wait if you total three or more. Their website lists the seating capacity as “approximately 22.” I’d agree.
Upon being seated, I immediately honed in on LS 1-7, the broth soup options, which are choose-your-own-adventure-esque: There are dozens of combinations of noodles, meats, broths and wontons possible. (Incidentally, Tom Yum Noodle Soup, LS 10, is lumped in with the rest of the entrees for unknown reasons — maybe for lack of substitution?)
I opted for LS4 (broth with Cantonese noodles, roast pork and wontons), and it was excellent. But had I known for a second that the pork was going to be that generic, sliced kind tossed in with stir-fries, etc. — rather than some crispy pork or belly pork that I was imagining (dreaming) — I would have totally gone to the duck side (atrocious Star Wars reference).
Read this oldie but goodie review of LS7 — duck broth with noodles, roast duck and wontons — from Time Out NY and you’ll see why.
COST: >$10, after tax & tip
PREP TIME: They run a tight ship, and they will get you in and out in under an hour in no time — probably even if you have to wait a few minutes for a table.
Daily specials that are really special are always a good sign. Check out what was on Aura’s clapboard today after the jump:
Mmm….
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