Would you like fries with that?” may not be as modern a phrase as we think. You’ve probably seen the recent headlines extolling the full excavation of a gloriously intact fast-food joint, or thermopolium, in Pompeii. Virtually undisturbed save for a little pilfering in the 17^th century, the small food shop has remained as it was, a freeze-frame of everyday foodie life on that fateful day in AD 79.   

Known as The Thermopolium of Regio V, this remarkable site is one of approximately 80 other street food venues uncovered thus far in Pompeii. Careful excavation of the remains has exposed exceptionally well-preserved paintings gracing counter walls, along with offering a peek at what the lunch menu of the common folk might’ve contained.