Every day at noon, there is a big brass bell that rings atop Midtown Manhattan's tallest skyscraper. Resonating from the Bronx all the way down to the Battery, it's the largest of its kind in the city. The sound of the bell makes the ears of every working stiff perk up, because when that bell tolls for the 12th time, it can only mean one thing: lunch.When you're slaving away at your job in Midtown, lunchtime is that one measly hour of freedom that can make or break your afternoon. Be it grabbing a bite, having a smoke, feeding the meter, or just walking around the block to blow off a little steam—it's a race against time to accomplish all the personal errands you can before the clock strikes 1 PM.
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It's like Cinderella's quest to be the belle of the ball before her coach turns back into a pumpkin at midnight. There is very much to do, and only a little bit of time to make all of your midday dreams come true.All photographs by Chris Maggio
