David M.

Warning: This is not open to the general public - you need to know someone who has access to the Legg Mason. This doesn't mean you have to work at the Legg Mason building; many people who work in the area will find that there access badges will also work at Legg Mason. Just ask your HR! I don't work in this building - but I do work nearby, so I'm lucky enough to get access to this cafeteria. You enter through the main entrance to Legg Mason, swipe your badge at the turnstiles and watch the little LCD display to tell you which elevator will be yours. Like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, you get in the elevator and its already pre-programmed to go to your floor (the 4th). If you don't have a badge that gets you in, you just need to find a friend that does, and they can sign in for you. On the fourth floor you'll go right and enter into the kitchen part of the cafe. Its time to choose between a salad bar in the center (you can find two soups there too), pay by weight entre item (it was jerk chicken, rice, yuka and papaya salad today), a deli counter for sandwiches, a grill with hamburgers, philly cheesesteak sandwiches and specialty items, or you can go over the entree section where they make specialty salads or rice dishes or wok dishes depending on the day. Once you've loaded up, gotten a drink - its time to check out. Remember, they only take credit cards! You'll find utensils and more napkins as well as mustard, mayo and ketchup after you go through the check out line. Now - and this is the best part - enter the dining room. You'll find large clean table with somewhat comfortable wooden chairs. The walls are decorated with the coordinates of notable places Captain James Cook explored. Now turn around from that wall and notice the floor to ceiling windows looking out over the harbor - its really incredible. On nice days, you can grab a table out on the porch for a better view. Once you're done enjoying the view and the food, turn around and you'll find the standard cafeteria style conveyor belt to take away your dishes. There are also a number of different recycling, trash and composting bins - so pay attention the signs. A few notes on the food. They actually have spicy food, some of it is tasty, and some of it comes out bland. You can generally get a good idea by the look of it, before you order, how it is going to be. Some lanes go really fast, sometimes the grill or entree line gets jammed up, so have a second option in mind when you come (check the online menu) if you have limited time. Prices vary wildly, so be sure to check before you order - I've gotten lunch for 7 bucks without trying, and accidentally spent closer to 15 when I thought I was being cautious. It is easy to get healthy food, easy to be fast and easy to get cheap food - but getting all three together can be a bit illusive. Lets be honest though, even if the food was mediocre (and most what I've had is pretty good), this place would be four stars just for those huge windows and beautiful view.