Dear Critic,
It’s November now, and that means holiday shopping. Where should I pause to refuel when I get hungry? Downtown I mean.
Signed,
Don’t Wanna Drop

Dear D.W.D.,
I love Andaluca for lunch: It’s central, classy, and festive, with Spanish-tinged fare and free valet parking.

Yes, free valet parking.

A notch or two down the food chain could be a joint like Purple, the ultimate crowdpleaser with something-for-everybody noshes across the price spectrum. Salads are particularly noteworthy. Wine flows. And what does a holiday shopper crave more than a salad and a glass of wine?

For a quicko in-and-out, can’t do much better than a big drippy sandwich at The Other Coast Cafe on 6th Avenue. Did I say “sandwich?” I believe I meant “Rajun Cajun,” a hefty sub on a crusty French roll with sweet spicy mayo and melting pepperjack.

And after all that finds its way onto your outfit, you’ll need to get back to the shopping.

Signed,
The Critic