My Daily Fix

I'm well-aware of the fact that I've mocked British fare on this site and that my coverage leans towards the gourmand rather than the mainstream, but I think it's time to come clean about a little obsession of mine: Pret a Manger.

Yes, I know that this pre-packaged sandwich and salad chain comes to us from across the pond and that, in part, it's own by McDonald's - but darn if it isn't always spotlessly clean and the food is fresh and tasty! I recently fell deeply in love with their new Poached Salmon Salad and I've long been a fan of their Salami, Mozzarella and Plum Tomato Baguette Sandwich with Creamy Garlic Dressing. So, although Pret might not be my everyday lunch spot, it certainly makes the top 10 - if not top five.

On the other hand, every single work day morning, I make a coffee run to Pret, since their java is a tad cheaper than the joe at Starbucks, and it packs a wallop without that nasty, signature Starbuck's burnt edge . And, if I'm so inclined on my AM coffee excursion, I have been known to treat myself to one of their Pret Pots - a cup of thick Greek yogurt topped with either honey and granola or a strawberry-rhubarb compote.

And, so my nasty secret is out: I actually LIKE a fast-food chain from Britain, of all places. But, in my defense, it's not your normal fast-food. I mean, can you imagine McDonald's or Burger King putting their recipes online on their respective Web sites? If they did, I'm sure that sales would plummet as the link made the rounds.

On the other hand, Pret's recipe for Crayfish Salad, sounds mighty tempting with ingredients like shallots, frisee, brown sugar, cucumber, red chili peppers and fresh crayfish...Not exactly your two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onion on a sesame seed bun, is it?

Comments

[jenblossom]

I've only been in New York for a month, but I, too, have quickly become addicted to Pret. It's a great alternative to typical fast/convenience food places... and their tomato soup is to die for!

I haven't tried the yogurt Pret pots, but if they do actually contain that delicious thick Greek-style yogurt, well, I'm gonna have to soon!