Lunch at The Stuffed Egg (Patreon)

 It was 3:17pm when our train rolled into the Hoofington station in my Equestria dreamscape here we departed the train we were currently on. We'd boarded another train bound for Manehattan at 5:45pm. That would be the train we'd stay on for the next day and a half until we arrived in the largest city in Equestria. 

  We'd purchased some small treats from the snack cart on the train, but munching on nuts and cookies didn't replace a proper lunch. Supper would be eaten on our next train, but in the meantime myself, Petina, and Carousel went looking for for a quick, late lunch. Fortunately right across from the station was a restaurant that was perfect for travelers. The Stuffed Egg.

   
  The Stuffed Egg was a longtime institution of Hoofington. A fascinating cross between an English tea house and a Dim Sum restaurant. As the name suggested The Stuffed Egg specialized in egg dishes. Fried, scrambled, poached, shirred and steamed as custards the restaurant offered dizzying array of egg based dishes. However it was famous for its, you probably guessed, stuffed eggs. But much of their charm lay in how they were offered.

   
  It you opted for the stuffed eggs you bought a basic meal which came with a nice tossed salad with your choice of dressing and a small, individual loaf of fresh-baked bread with a tub whipped butter. While you sat and enjoyed your salad and bread, ponies would come around the tables pushing little carts with chilled marble slabs on them. On the carts were a wonderful selection hard-boiled stuffed eggs. The eggs were cut into 2 pieces and their yolks were then carefully scooped out, mashed and then seasoned with a variety of tasty ingredients. The price of the meal automatically came with 3 eggs, 6 piece, additional pieces could be purchased for a modest amount. 

  The eggs ranged from almost sweet to fiery hot, and it was fun trying out combinations. I tried some that had finely grated, sharp, cheddar mixed with sweet, caramelized onions and a few drops of Fiery Mane's Infernal Concoction. A popular hot sauce. another pair had mashed blue cheese, cream, and minced thyme, and parsley. I also got some that chopped shrimp, sour cream, lemon zest, black pepper, sea salt, and dill. 

  Carousel got some filled with finely minced and sauteed apples, onions, mixed black pepper, ginger and a splash of cider vinegar. She also got some that had mushroom duxelles and softened cream cheese. Her final pair was minced cooked spinach, mayonnaise, and slivered almonds. 

  Petina leaped at what they called the Fireball eggs. The egg yolks were mixed with lots of Fiery Mane's Infernal Concoction, minced garlic, paprika, and cheddar cheese. She snagged some that had olive tapenade and grated, parmesan style cheese. She rounded out her selection with a pair filled with smoked salmon, cracked black pepper and dill. 

  
  To drink we had cups of a hot, Earl Grey style tea and sparkling water. We rounded out our meals with small bowls of vanilla ice cream with raspberry sauce drizzled over them. The food was all very fresh, quick, affordable and we had plenty of time to enjoy it before we had to head back to the station before catching  the train for the next leg of our journey. When we return we to Ponyville we hope to dine there again.

 To be continued.