Pret A Manger Free Lunch

Well, I missed day one, but a friend emailed me last night an article that said that the new Financial District Pret A Manger was giving out free lunches on Wednesday and Thursday this week.  So, I knew what I was having for lunch today!

I headed over a tad early, and as I approached the new restaurant, I realized that there was already a healthy line forming down the block.  At 11:50am, I found myself at the end of the line half way down the block.  But by noon, when the doors opened, the line was down the block and half way back once again.  Chatting with my line mates, I found out that 1,000 freebie lunches were being given out per day.  Pret Teammates cheerfully made their way down the line trying to ellicit enthusiasm among the shivering crowds lined up on the sidewalk on this chilly autumn day.  One gal even offered a flip for a cheer, and gave us her best shot at a cartwheel.

The line moved quickly enough, and when I entered the establishment, I understood why.  Once we where greeted by the manager with a big smile on her face, a short line of other staff members offered us one of a short list of selections and at the end of the line was a fellow with an open bag ready to receive the sandwich we had in our hands.  The bag was handed to me, and off I went with my free bag lunch.

In addition to my selected balsamic chicken and avocado sandwich, my lunch consisted of a sea salt popcorn, a can of Pret A Manager's own natural soda, and a rich little brownie.  Also found in the bag were coupons for a free soup and a free coffee.

My sandwich consisted of a grainy sort of bread stuffed with a layer of (green!) avocado, another layer of thinly sliced dressed white chicken, and a handful of mixed greens.  The inner surface of the bread was moistened due to the contact with the avocado which made for a slightly messy eating.  While the sandwich tasted okay, I was reminded that I prefer toasted sandwiches over the deli sort, or in this case, the pre-made (even though it was made earlier the same day, according to the packaging) sort.

From what I read online and in the materials found with my bag lunch, I get the impression that Pret A Manager prides itself in using fresh, natural ingredients, and while they take their food seriously, they don't take themselves seriously (the use food to create faces, animals, and other fun stuff!).

Unfortunately, I did not manage to snag a take-out menu, and when I went back later, they were out.  So, I have no idea as to their prices.  But the attitude of the Pret Team was pleasant - I hope that continues beyond the Grand Opening tomorrow.