Midtown Lunch

As you probably know, Stargazy is the latest East Passyunk darling. Sort of like Hugh Grant in Notting Hill (not Hugh Grant in the prostitute scandal), people seem not to be able to help but love that Britishness wrapped in an adorable, unassuming package. 

The 2 pie combo ($14) with mashed potatoes and liquor, looks small served on a single plate, but is enough for 2 people to share for lunch, especially if you add a dessert and you should.  More on that in a moment.

I tried the classic beef and onion, which is always on the menu and a cardoon pie from the ever changing specials menu. As promised, the mashed potatoes taste like how you always want mashed potatoes to taste- simple, buttery, and whipped without gumminesss. The pie fillings managed to be balanced and subtlety seasoned, with the parsley liquor available for a freshness boost.

We were beyond lucky to get the last dessert of the day, a banofee tart. Others who missed their chance were understandably jealous as we dug into the neat layer of banana, condensed milk, barely sweet whipped cream, and textbook perfect crust.

And just as Hugh would want it, strong British tea is available free of charge for all customers.

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

• Classic and darn adorable British savory pies

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

• Things tend to run out, the small spot can only make so much