It's a tempting enough menu that greets us on our lunchtime visit to the newly re-named Electric Social in the heart of the Theatre District.
Good enough for this pair of devout veggies, there is enough choice to ensure a full fill; He goes for a Mac 'n' Cheese with a side of chunky chips, while I am swayed by the Portobello Burger with a side of sweet potato fries for company.
While the food is being rustled up, I meet the acquaintance of the cocktail menu and choose the Kir Royal, a prosecco cocktail floated on Blackberry liquor.
A little bit of lunchtime lip-licking ensues. It does feel a little bit naughty to be sampling the sophistication so early in the day, but it is too nice to pass up!
Electric Social was, until recently known by MK Social. The moniker has been tweaked for fear the former conjured up ideas of a working-man's club.
But nothing is further from the truth; Electric Social straddles the line marked 'comfort meets class'.
Our visit this week coincides with the festive season, on a chilly December lunchtime.
As its LCD screens flicker with a warming imitation-glow, and a well-dressed Christmas tree stands tall a few feet away, it is all too tempting to kick back and delay that 'must-do' visit to the shopping centre.
The gift buying can wait a little longer, though...we've got that main course to devour which has just been presented.
Al's mac 'n' cheese is a smokey play on the original, and the bowl of plenty is cleared.
This is hearty, warming fare – perfect for a day like this.
My portobello burger is piled high; a generous-sized breaded 'shroom, layered with fried halloumi and teased with red onion and a yummy basil mayo, all sitting tight in a brioche bun.
The chips are tata-riffic, and whether you go sweet potato or chunky chips, you'll be seduced by the carbs!
You can bite with confidence – there are no part-cooked disappointments to be found here.
The burger wins out and I can't finish the battle I've waged with it, but when the slate is wiped clean, it has been dismantled and is less than half the burger it once was. It was a respectable fight to the end.
Desert comes a-callin; A social sundae, chocolate brownie and British cheeseboard lose out (after much deliberation) and Al picks the comfort food option again, bagging the apple crumble with home-made custard.
Juicy apple quarters topped by a generous crunch of crumble, with custard to pour as you like it.
And he does like it, cleaning the bowl once again.
The baked cheesecake won't beat me though and I make light work of this tasty slice – it's the best we've had in a while, with a generous top and a crumbly biscuit base.
The presentation ain't bad either.
As the last of the Kir Royal is sipped and that full-feeling takes over, that shopping trip we mentioned earlier is edging closer.
Thoughts of those approaching bustling shoppers and queues are the only sour part of an otherwise lovely lunch.
Come in from the cold and let Electric Social warm you up and fill you up.
Fine food at a fair price.
Visit: 499 Lower Twelfth Street, Milton Keynes
Tel: 0333 311 1300
