Dear Ed and other knowledgeable eaters,

Are there cafes, diners, take out places or any other food sources you would recommend near NYU medical (31st and 1st)? I am going to be spending some time near there over the next week - along with my boyfriend's mother who is a great cook - and we will at some point venture outside of the hospital cafeteria (let's hope). I'd like to take her somewhere tasty, and also find some takeout options for smuggling good food back into the hospital for the boyfriend. Thanks!!!