If I'm not ladies' luncheoning closer to the Champs, you can find me here. Twenty Peas is speedy, filling, and the salad menu varies daily. I say "salad" but don't go thinking boring lettuce and pasta. Their salad bases range from sweet potato to quinoa to baby spinach. I've tried to reserve a table on multiple occasions, but they never seem to pick up the phone. Whenever I show up (at twelve on the dot, since it gets packed 'til there's no breathing room), the waitresses give me a quick scowl when I say "no reservation." By the time they seat me, their grudge is gone, and I've decided to order everything I saw at the counter on the way in. It all looks that good.
I usually make a choice along the lines of two salads (you can get more), and maybe a tarte (quiche, pizza slice, Spanish-style tortilla composed of various vegetables). There are lots of assortments; you can even get a third salad. There are dishes of the day, options like chicken scaloppini (best to get with only one salad, as those breaded hunks are thick), mouthwatering cakes and other desserts that will tempt you on the way in, and a variety of sweet artisanal beverages. Don't bother with the funky flavored scones--they're small, overpriced, and not very tasty.
Pro tip: sit on the ground floor if you can. The windowless basement seating area gets crowded and loud. Or, better yet, get your salads to go and eat them in the neighboring park! read more