“Eat in or take away, love?”
Let’s just do a quick break down of English lunch time.
Food: Expensive, but really what isn’t. It’s actually really interesting to stand out of Tottenham Court Road (one block from me) at 12:59 PM. Because come 1 o’clock, that busy street becomes like a beehive on steroids. Lunch time here is so interesting. There is little to no seating in these places, so “take away” is a must. There are at least 2 dozen places within two blocks of my flat that are only open during lunch time. To name a few of the British favourites:
- Itsu: Japanese noodles, sushi, and the best frozen yogurt. Ooo and they have rice cakes dipped in chocolate. I go when I want to feel healthy, though I usually end up eating one too many rice cakes. Or just scrapping the chococate off the top. Average meal price: £6
- Pret a Manger: Rumor has it they’re opening one up in NY! The brits really know how to do sandwiches. Taste like your momma made them and then cut diagonally the way you like. My personal favorite: their brie and cranberry sandwich with rocket (basically lettuce) and pine nuts. Average sandwich: £3.50
- Cafe Fresco: Like many lunch places around me, this little cafe is family owned and DELICIOUS. They talk in rapid Italian while making some of the best sandwiches known to man. Jess swears by it. Her favourite? The Mona Lisa, a masterpiece made with bread. I think it’s something like chicken and bacon with a spicy sauce. Average sandwich: £4
- Italian Coffee Co: A favorite among UCL students and locals alike. They make huge ooey gooey personal pizzas for cheap! AND you get a free croissant with your coffee before noon! Probably the only place I’ve seen the word free. This place is always packed to capacity with students, businessmen, and Italians. Just from looking in the window, you know it has to be good. Average pizza: £4
Entire food guide books could be written about my little neighborhood. I got so lucky. However there ARE some food issues I would like to raise with Parliament:
-Why is it necessary to put copious amounts of mayo on everything?? Don’t get me wrong I love mayo, but when it’s soaking through bread and on every sandwich at Pret, I get a little annoyed.
-I hate “rocket.” Sure, the letture part is good, but it also includes a hella lot of arugula. And sometimes cilantro and basil. That much green never made anyone happy.
-Probably the food item that bothers me most: BRITISH BACON. It’s floppy and fatty. Bacon should be crisp. And greasy. BLTs will never be made like Mom’s.
Typical English breakfast!
