London Budget Battle: Estelle vs Phoebe – Estelle L
After weeks of anticipation, RHS A-Level English Literature students finally set off to London this Wednesday to watch Coriolanus at the National Theatre; however, for (at least) two students, Shakespeare was the least important thing on the menu. Two of our editors, Phoebe G and Estelle L had been set a London Lunch Budget Battle for the trip earlier in the week; this is how it played out.
Initially, the challenge was this; they both have a £10 budget to find lunch in central London and buy a memento. Unfortunately, it was off to a bad start as Estelle realised that she did not have the funds for this, and convinced Phoebe to alter the terms – £8 for lunch and no memento. So, the terms were final and hopping off the tube at Temple both contestants were ready to go! Here is a run-down from each student…
Estelle’s choice:
“After setting off, and choosing the opposite direction to my opponent, a five-minute stroll past some Asian Food stalls showed me some of my options: extortionately priced chocolate covered strawberries, a closed Bratwurst stand, and various noodle dishes. I was not hopeful, and my spirit was diminishing. Both Phoebe and I had an hour and a half to explore the culinary sensation of Southbank, and both my stomach and bank account were as empty as the other. I had just begun to think I had chosen the wrong direction when my friend and I stumbled across the gem of Gabriel’s Wharf. Here, the delicious aroma of Mexican Food came to my senses, and I sprang forward, eager, and hungry, to be met by Hola Guacamole. This small stand enticed us with its colourful design and promises of flavour, and I took a glance at the menu. There was one problem, and that was that the Beef Barbacoa Nachos tempting me were one pound over budget… however, I caved despite this, and as you can see from the photo, the portion size alone could be worth it. Not only this, but my ‘budget’ lunch tasted spectacular – I would buy it again. And, I can safely say that it was MUCH more fulfilling than 6 or 7 churros… for the same price!” – Estelle
Phoebe’s choice:
“Feeling disappointed that I could not venture into Cambridge Circus and scran my long-awaited Wingstop meal, I kept my head held high and explored the (admittedly minimal) food choices on offer at South Bank. We found the classic choice of Wagamamas which I was more than happy to oblige with, yet still longed for my garlic parmesan boneless wings. Morale was diminished slightly as I discovered that my tropical juice cost me a mighty sum of £6, the same price as Mim’s miniature Katsu curry. However, I feared not. I knew the Shirodashi pork belly ramen would pull through. Yet, having realised that even my starter at Wagamamas was over budget (a new dish: fried chicken wings with teriyaki sauce), I felt the need to expand my culinary horizons and find something a bit more economical. On my London travels, I encountered a churros van, which was, like Estelle’s, one pound over budget. Accompanied with chocolate sauce and cinnamon sugar, this desert was a real palate cleanser and was a great ending for a great food adventure. If you ever think that my food choice is less interesting than Estelle’s, just stop for a moment and think of the blood, sweat and tears that went into this food choice. Thank you.” – Estelle
So, to conclude, while it is unclear whether we are including Phoebe’s Wagamama’s meal as a part of the challenge, or only comparing the sweet treat to Estelle’s main course, both contestants are on even ground having blown the budget by the same amount- £1. The only important question now is which would you choose – Estelle’s nachos, or Phoebe’s churros?
Post Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.