Lunch Hour Taste Test: EGL
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| EGL burger topped with carmelized onions and cheddar cheese with a side of squash. |
briefly - from workday stress and recharge the psyche for the afternoon ahead.
Upscale, Contemporary Atmosphere
The EGL restaurant at 23 Eagle St. offers an upscale, contemporary atmosphere and an affordable menu of edibles such as grilled pizza [$5.95], a split Caesar salad [$5.50], a turkey or Italian panini [$7.95] or a generously-sized chicken pot pie [$10.95].
<L2>A mid-week lunch hour found a co-worker and I seated at opposite sides of a wooden booth bathed in the golden glow of an overhead lamp. In addition to booths, patrons may sit at dining area tables, at a full-service bar, or may choose seating arranged inside street-facing windows.
Delightfully Crisp
I ordered a grilled pizza from the restaurant menu. The nine-slice meal arrived covered with melted mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and chunks of tomato sprinkled with Romano cheese. The crust was very thin and delightfully crisp; the basil-tomato-cheese and just-off-the grill flavors blended well and made for an excellent pizza. Because the crust was neither thick nor doughy, this pizza was the ideal size for a single person.
More Than Chips And a Pickle
My companion ordered an EGL burger, cooked to medium-well[$8.95.].
Restaurant chef Joe Mazza prepared the burger with certified Black Angus beef and topped the meat with carmelized onion and cheddar cheese. Burgers may also be topped with bleu cheese or Swiss cheese. A complimentary side order of maple-glazed acorn squash arrived with the burger.
The burger and the squash drew raves from my co-worker. The burger size and flavor exceeded expectations and the burger was cooked to her specifications. The squash, with its' smooth texture and hint of sweetness, added a unique and welcome touch to the meal.
The choice showed that there can be more to burger sides than chips and a pickle or fries.
Understanding "Lunch Hour"
The service was very good; our server was clearly experienced and was able to judge the appropriate time to approach the booth and when to leave us to our conversation. He appeared to understand "lunch hour" time constraints and, after he allowed a few minutes for us to look over the menu, took our order without delay.
The lunch bill, which included two soft drinks, totaled $17.95.
Additional menu options include meat-and-potatoes, described as "petit sirloin with garlic herb butter, home fries, and maple-glazed acorn squash," [$13.95], penne bolognese,[$9.95], vegan eggplant lasagna,[$10.95] and organic chicken, described as "chicken breast with apple stuffing over potato squash hash"[$12.95].
Desserts include cheesecake lollipops with chocolate and caramel sauce, made-to-order cookies, and ice cream and sorbet choices.
A "late-night menu" replaces the more extensive menu beginning at 10 p.m..
EGL is owned by Chef William "Bill" Gideon, who owns "Gideon's" restaurant on Holden Street. Vaal London-Kane manages EGL.
The venue offers nighttime entertainment and London-Kane has announced plans for a New Year's Eve celebration.
Additional information about EGL or New Year's Eve party reservations may be acquired by calling 413-664-0404.
Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 413-663-3384.
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