CookUnity puts chefs in NYC bodegas for free lunch

Rack of lamb was on the menu at five Manhattan corner shops on Thursday, Sept. 17, as meal service CookUnity put eight chefs inside bodegas, delis and corner stores to serve signature dishes for free.

The takeover ran from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, while supplies lasted, across five Manhattan bodegas, according to advance listings. CookUnity, which launched in 2016, called the promotion “The Most Legendary Lunch Break.” Secret NYC

Chef John DeLucie was grilling rack of lamb at his stop. Chef Andrew Rea, also known as Babish, was serving spicy chili-garlic noodles and Guinness shepherd’s pie. Variety

The wider CookUnity roster includes chefs Esther Choi, Jose Garces and Marcus Samuelsson, who design meals for the service. Eight chefs took part in the bodega day.

It worked in two parts. Visitors could try small bites on the spot. They could also pick up sealed, complete meals to take home.

Every guest also got a scratch card styled like a bodega lottery ticket. The top prize was free CookUnity meals for a year, with special dining experiences at participating chefs’ restaurants also in the mix.

What makes this stand out is the swap. Bodegas are known for quick sandwiches, coffee and snacks. For one lunch rush, the counter became a tasting station.

For regulars, the pitch is subscription. CookUnity says it offers more than 500 meals that can be personalised to nutrition goals, with over 300 rotating dishes, and advertises 50% off the first week on its website. CookUnity