Lunch Under $5

It's time for another edition of "Lunch Under $5!" (Not including tax.)

• Lox Spread on an Everything Bagel: Daniel's Bagels, one of my favorite bagel shops, offers both plain and whole-wheat "everything bagels." A generous lox spread sandwich (ask for tomato, and you'll have all four food groups) costs $4.95 - if you want chopped herring or egg salad instead, expect to shell out only $4. (Daniel's Bagels: 569 Third Ave., 212-972-9733.)
  

• Two Slices of Artisanal Margherita Pizza: Golosi Artisan Pizza & Gelato, which opened just a few months ago, uses high-quality extra-virgin olive oil in its pizza. Two slices of tomato-basil-mozzarella will set you back $4.98. If you're satisfied with just one slice, order the Parma (tomato-mozzarella-prosciutto-arugula) for $4.50. (Golosi Artisan Pizza & Gelato: 125 Park Ave., 212-922-1169.)

• Seared Pork-Chive Dumplings: If you're in search of a lighter lunch, grab a six-pack of handmade dumplings at Dumpling Man. You can get them steamed or seared, with pork, chicken, veggies or shrimp - all for under $5, with the exception of seared shrimp. If you order the $3.95 steamed pork-chive dumplings, you'll still have enough room in your five-dollar bill to add a $1 sweet banana dumpling for dessert. (Dumpling Man: 100 St. Marks Place, 212-505-2121.)
  

Lunch Under $5

Opinions are divided on when the recession will end. So, until it does, I've decided to initiate a new post category: "Lunch Under $5." Here are my latest finds. (Note: some of these restaurants have more than one location, but I've only included the location I visited.)

• Fried Whitefish Sandwich: This hefty filet, topped with cheese and lettuce and served on a soft mayo-spread bun, will set you back $3.75. (Cafe Zaiya: 18 East 41st St., 212-779-0600.)
  

• 1/2 Lb. Cornmeal Crostata: A big wedge of this savory crostata comes in two flavors - ham, cheddar and Parmesan or zucchini and feta - and costs only $4.75 (Dishes At Home: Grand Central Market, 212-370-5511.)

• Rice Plate: Of the 30 rice plates at Great N.Y. Noodletown, only nine are over $5. My friend proclaimed the $4 soy-poached chicken "the best he's ever had." Also available are roast duck (How much is that ducky in the window? $4) and curry beef stew ($4.25). (Great N.Y. Noodletown: 28 1/2 Bowery, 212-349-0923.)