“This meal just cost me $728 at Newark Airport. This is why Americans think the economy is terrible.”

–David Brooks Matthew Klint

I had lunch at Newark Airport’s swanky new Terminal A at an eatery called Mediterranean Grill and could not believe how much my modest lunch cost.

My Pricey Newark Airport Lunch

Lunch was a decision between Shake Shack or Mediterranean food and the falafel and lamb gyro won out. I found a place right below the security checkpoint and ordered lunch.

With my side of falafel and the oblgiatory 3% “employee work benefit,” the bill came out to $28.

$28.28 for this?! This is why Americans think the economy is terrible.

Lest the outrage machine accuse me of attacking Trump, let me make clear…this is a joke, with David Brooks as my inspiration.

> Read More: David Brooks’ Whopper About His Newark Airport Hamburger

Brooks made headlines around the world for complaining about his “$78 cheesburger” at 1911 BBQ in Newark Airport, but it was later revealed that 80% of his bill was from the alcohol he ordered with it!

1911 BBQ was nearby and I did considering going there and ordering the David Brooks special (cheeseburger, French Fries, and a double shot of whiskey for $17.78), but no, I wanted my gyro and falafel fix instead…

Without alcohol or even water, this was an expensive lunch…it’s the sort of thing that might cost less than half that at a take-away restaurant outside the airport and a great example of why I just prefer to eat at home.

But the food was delicious and it was nice to tank up before my six-hour flight in economy class to LA without a meal. Still, I think that I could have made that meal for a small fraction of the price I paid at home and it would have tasted even better.

Did I make a good choice for lunch?