Bryant Park is the perfect spot in the city for a get-together with friends, a day in the sun, and of course, a picnic. The atmosphere is very warm and friendly there, so who wouldn’t want to each their lunch under the beautiful shady trees? There are many eating joints within the park, yet sometimes the crowds are just a bit too long, and the food is just a tad out of your budget. If you’re looking for fresh, delicious food without the wait or the wallet-sucking power, then look no further, because your match is just across the street.
On 11 W 42nd Street, you will find a small eatery by the name of “Pret a Manger.” Similar to places such as “Chipotle,” and “Panera Bread,” Pret a Manger follows the trend of a trendy chain restaurant with a reputation of serving fresh, organic food for people of all ages. All of their menu items come pre-packaged, and you can pick out what you want from their shelves of food, rather than waiting for your order to be ready. The best part is, it’s very reasonably priced!
When I ate there recently, I got a fresh buttery baguette sandwich that contained roast beef, arugula, and a spicy horseradish dressing. I also a bought their brand named BBQ potato chips, which are kettle cooked in sunflower oil, and their lemonade, which contained a splash of orange juice. Altogether, it only cost around ten dollars. With my meal, I picnicked out in Bryant Park with some family members, and my day got a lot brighter once I tried my food.
The sandwich was delicious. The baguette was crispy, and it tasted like it was fresh out of the oven. The meat was also great, and the lemonade was cold and sweet, which is just the way I like it. The chips went really well with the sandwich, and even though potato chips are not the healthiest thing to eat, I still felt great and ready to take on my day after I finished.
If meat is not your thing, then there are plenty of vegetarian options as well! One of my family members got a delicious mac and cheese with spinach and tomato. You can even grab a hot cup of coffee if you’re rushing anywhere, and bakery sweets if you’ve had a meal, but could go for dessert in the park. No matter what you’re in the mood for your picnic in Bryant Park, Pret a Manger has it, and you should more than likely be able to afford it.
Image courtesy via: Wikipedia
