Midtown Lunch

A friendly lunch at English pub Elephant and Castle turned into a test of manhood. Who would be tempted by their new salad menu? Who would stay strong and stick to the meat and potatoes? Who would leave full? Who would leave whiny and hungry?

This is my “friend” at lunch with me; I am rethinking that label. He seemed to think that ordering one of E&C’s newer salads was a good idea. Specifically, an Asian inspired salad that ended up being little more than cole slaw with mango. It came with some super cute cut up spring rolls though. It’s a good thing they were cut in half for him, because he might not have had strength to use a knife and do it himself. I guess I could have stopped him and said “Dude, what are you doing? Order a real lunch and stop embarrassing me in front of everyone in the bar” but then I wouldn’t have been able to make fun of him.

My little female Asian friend fared slightly better with a salad topped with tuna. It came with green beans, olives, potatoes over arugula with a pesto dressing. At least you can kinda call this a meal. This one was over $10, but its substance was appreciated.

I win the tough lunch award. English pub? Shepherd’s pie ($10) please, you can put my salad on the side (I had to order some additional dressing for this side salad since it was barely dressed, but the vinaigrette they brought out was very good). The Shepherd’s pie was served in a skillet, which I liked, I should have used to to hit the head of my wussy dining companion for ordering such a lame salad. The gravy and meat layers were well seasoned, but the layer of mashed potato in between them needed more attention.   I will admit, my lunching was less impressive because I couldn’t even come close to finishing it.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Lots of seating is good for a group
• I need a really hearty lunch, while my friend needs something lighter

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Even a salad lover is not going to like a cole slaw salad

Elephant and Castle, 1800 Market St (@ 18th St), 215-751-9977