Another thing that sucks about cubicles, you’re exposed to any wayward airborne viruses your coworkers float your way. I usually get that crappy here-it-comes-I’m-getting sick feeling during a stressful week and before the type of weekend that’ll kill me unless I take some extreme measures.

So I’m trying Airborne, and I don’t know if it’s the fanciful germ creatures on the box, or the fact that it’s proudly situated on the deli counter next to the stud-for-a-night male enhancement pills, but I have my doubts as to its efficacy. However it does pack a mighty does of vitamins and may serve as a calming placebo if nothing else. I imagine New York City delis must sell through this stuff by the case.

Don’t try eating the tablets if you don’t have a glass of water handy to dissolve them in though. They taste like burning poprocks.

A bunch of people saying Airborne works.

Airborne, random NYC deli, next to the stud pills.

There’s something kinda pathetic about eating lunch in a cubicle. The pungent smells and crunching sounds accompanying coworker’s lunches are almost as irritating as chasing breadcrumbs down the crannies in my keyboard. But what other options are there when looking for a quick snack at work, short of self-consciously eating out alone or the gauntlet of social obligation that is the corporate cafeteria?

I once solved this riddle for an entire year by eating in my car.

F&B in Chelsea does a pretty good job at being my work refuge. This is “haute” fast food, done well. If you order anything, get the frites (about $2.50)–they’re superbly crisp, with a creamy garlic aioli dipping sauce, or “misted” with truffle oil. Even the herbed green bean fries are yummy and come with a neat wooden poking fork. The hotdogs are also good (about $3.75)–though I find their skin somewhat tough and elasticky, tasteful and imaginative toppings–especially the sweet corn relish, or sauteed mushrooms and onions, more than make up for it. I was unimpressed by the Swedish meatball sandwich, and I’ve not yet tried the beignets, though the price is tempting ($1.00 for three). True to this shop’s European roots, beer is on the menu.

Not the cheapest lunch, (a dog, fries, and drink combo with dipping sauce will set you back about $8) but the the space is clean, sleek and usually has an empty stool inviting the lone luncher to linger over a newspaper. Bonus: they generally play music that doesn’t suck.

F&B, 268 W 23rd St. at 8th Ave.

Mon-Fri 11 am - 10:30 pm, Sat & Sun 12 pm - 10:30 pm

Update 02/08: Bodeguita Cubana has closed
The cluster milling outside this tiny neighborhood cafe every time I stroll by fairly shouts buzz-worthy snacking, so I knew Time Out or New York Magazine had already through. But tonight I braved the tiny crowded dining space for takeout and was pleasantly surprised.

First of all, the ambience–dark, intimate, yet unpretentious, with Cuban music drifting out the wide-open windows. The prices–hot pressed sandwiches for $6.50, entrees hovering around $9, and appetizers for $4. And finally, the food–or I should say specifically the sandwiches since I haven’t dipped into the entrees. I tried the pulled pork with homemade BBQ sauce and onions on Cuban bread and the panino chorizo with roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella, both served with a side of herbed fries. The chorizo was tasty although the bread didn’t hold up well during the trip home. The pulled pork fared better, and was incredibly tender with a delicious BBQ sauce. I can’t wait to stop back for a traditional cubano, avocado salad, and arroz con leche. Bodeguita Cubano is BYOB so stop off at a deli for a couple beers before heading over. Go early to snag a table, take a couple sandwiches to the park, or check out their delivery menu.

Bodeguita Cubana 271 E. 10th St. at Ave. A
10 am - 11 pm