It’s no secret that I love to cook. But, with a schedule that leaves me out and about most of the day…
…and a kitchen that’s comparable to the size of one in a Barbie playhouse…
…keeping up with my favorite pass time hasn’t exactly been at the top of my agenda. The good news, though, is that New York is a city with food options around every corner. Literally.
One of the places I get lunch from every so often is Pret A Manger.
Pret is one of those “fast food but not really fast food” places located all over NYC. I like that they make it a point to use natural and fresh ingredients as much as possible.
Now that’s some fast food I can believe in.
I’ve also been making frequent stops at Cafe M, which is an adorable little bakery hidden amidst the craziness of Midtown. The real gem of a find, though, is their out of this world French macaroons. I may or may not get them almost every day as an after-lunch treat…
Up until a few weeks ago I’d actually never had a French macaroon, but I think it’s safe to say I’ve found a new sweet-treat obsession.
Cafe M’s macaroons come in almost a dozen different flavors, such as coffee and passion fruit. I’ve tried handful of them and they’re all delicious, but my favorite is the classic vanilla.
At $1.75 a pop or a box of 8 for $12, I can’t say that this is the most budget-friendly obsession I’ve developed. But it’s certainly a delicious one.
Have you ever had a French macaroon?
What’s your favorite “fast food but not really fast food” joint?
My favorite fast food but not really fast food joint is this place in STL called Crazy Bowls and Wraps. It’s only in MO and CA. I also love Panera!
I’ve always seem those macaroons in the cupcake shops here and have NEVER tried one… i think that needs to change!
Yum! I have never eaten at Pret, but those things look delicious! I tend not to eat out very much at all because I love cooking, but I do like Cosi and Panera!
There are no panera’s in manhattan!!
Yes, I miss Panera sooo bad!
I’m yet to indulge in a macaroon! My fave fast food is defo sushi…could eat my body weight worth of it!
Specialty’s in Cali is an awesome place to get “fast” food, that is so fresh and so full of flavor…nom!
Since I don’t live in an extremely cool town my favorite fast but not fast food places are Chipotle and Panera. I haven’t had a macaroon but they look yummy!
I loooove Chipotle and Panera…they’re extremely cool in my book 😉
I love Pret! there is one right by my office and on special days I will treat myself to it, it’s just so expensive. Not like things in NY or cheap but I gotta try right? Food carts? haha
Definitely Energy Kitchen! It’s ‘healthy’ fast food.. you can see all the nutrition facts including the calorie count. I believe there are 7 or 8 throughout the city.
ohh I’ll have to be try that stat! thanks
Natalie says
I’ve never had a macaron, but I definitely plan to! I saw a french chef making some once on Food Network. I wish I lived where there was great options like this! That salad looks divine!
I’ve never had a ‘roon but that looks amazing and now I think I HAVE TO!
I love Cafe Metro because you can create your own salad. All their ingredients are fresh and they have some great tasting salad dressings.
Alex says
I am soooo going to miss my favourite macarons from LAC when I leave France….caramel au beurre salé, chocolat framboise, amande, praliné…sigh…
But it’s nice to know there are some approved substitutions when I get back to NYC
I don’t think I’ve ever had a macaroon, but I’m fairly certain that I would love them!
I love Freshii. Everything is fresh and made to order!
I ate at Pret a Manger ALL THE TIME when I lived in London! Their food is great for a quick lunch!
My favorite fast food but not really fast food places are Chipotle and Soho Sushi! Soho is like Chipotle in that you build your own roll and they make it as you are standing there
I used to love Potbelly, but now I’m a gluten free girl.. sigh.
Flo says
I love M&S “Vegetable” range…the butternut squash risotto is GORGEOUS!!
I loooove French macaroons. They’re super hard to make though, which is annoying. One of those things that’s just better bought!
There is this place near my house that is called “Flame Broiler” that is the best “healthy fastfood”. They make bowls of brown rice with steamed veggies and grilled chicken.
I’ve actually never had a French Macaroon! I’ve always wanted to try to make them, though.
ohh that salad looks FABULOUS!!! I love panera and also this salad bar chain called fresh city…also another one in boston called “lamberts” oh its so good!! the salad bar has some crazy amazing delicious and fresh choices!
Cosi is also a good one, theyre flat bread is PHENOM!
i’ve never had macaroons of any sort!
I’ve been obsessing over french macaroons for a few months now and even tried making them (nearly impossible, for me atleast). Macaroon cafe has awesome ones but the best ones by far are from Maison du Chocolat-super small and expensive, but each flavor is filled with chocolate, no matter what flavor it is. AWESOME! You have to try…my fave fast food but not really fast food joint is DISHES! Can you say upscale buffet?? lol..
I am in looooove with macaroons!!! Before I cut the dairy I ate sooo many of the french variety, but now I am all over coconut roons:)
I love Pret! I used to go there when I lived in London all the time, and then they came to the US! They’re sandwiches are amazing. I love macaroons…vanilla ones are delish.
Mine would have to be Panera…or Chipotle…I have become obsessed with their vegetarian bowl!
I know Chick-fil-a and Taco Bell are considered fast food, but I really love their food. Plus they have loads of healthy options. Yeah, those are my two favorite fast food joints. 😀
As for those macaroons…WOW! They look delicious. I’ve never had a French macaroon either. I need to be enlightened! 😛
Looks so good! I have never had one! Sad I know! I need to find one and try it!
Stop. Just please stop. Right now. The last thing I need is another pricey addictions (hellloooo Starbs and anythingsoldinwholefoods).
My favorite place would have to be Panera. I’d like to be original, but I can’t diss the place.
Pret sounds like an awesome place! When I want healthy fast food, I usually opt for Subway or a premade salad + cold bean salad + a bun from my grocery store.
That lunch sounds amazing-I love discovering new, healthy places.
French macaroons are so, so delicious! I had one for the first time this past winter. mmm
I love Panera, Potbelly’s (sandwich shop), and PitaPit for fast food that isn’t really fast food. 😀
I got a little bit addicted to French macarons (I go with the one “o” spelling, though there is some debate…) — there is a great French cafe near my office and I dropped quite a few $$ there. I discovered the Trader Joe’s ones as well, and that helped (though you’re right, they’re not QUITE the same). But all options are cheaper than a trip to Paris!