27 Jul

Posted at 03:00h in Dining on a Dime by
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If there's one thing Jersey is known for (other than the Jersey Shore kids, or the Sopranos or a smelly Turnpike) it's the diners.They're litered throughout the state and serve classic dishes at an affordable price. And there's nothing better than eating breakfast at a dinner after a long night out. I went back to Jersey this weekend for some thrifting and I had to stop by one of my favorite spots, Phiefer's.It's undergone a ton of management changes in the last few years, which is reflected in the menu, but it still has that no frills diner joint feel.

{some of the "breakfast's" specials}

Click more to see what we chowed down on...

14 Jul

Posted at 03:00h in Dining on a Dime by
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I’ve tried noodle bowls at Xi'An and tacos at El Cafetal, so for my most recent cheap eats, I went for Columbian cuisine at Aguapanela’s.

Johara from Luvin My Curves recommended the spot and it surely didn’t disappoint. I guess I shouldn’t call the restaurant “cheap” by some standards (meals averaged $15), but the amount of food you’re given is insane and muy delicioso!The menu was full of typical Columbian dishes like empanadas, maduros, carne asada, arroz con pollo and other yumminess.We ate well and didn't break the bank. Click more to see what we had.

07 Jul

Posted at 03:00h in Dining on a Dime by
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Ah summer,  hot days and warm nights. The last thing you want to do is slave away in the kitchen. Luckily, this weekend I made a dish* that was quick, easy and of course, super affordable. Not only is fish healthy for your, but it's simple to prepare and a great alternative for dinner guests who don't eat pork or red meat.I present to you: lemon garlic tilapia with mushrooms and capers.Ingredients: Tilapia: $7 Butter: $2 Capers: $2 Mushrooms: $1 Lemons: 66¢ Garlic: $2 Parsley flakes: $1

Click more to see how I put the meal together...

17 Jun

Posted at 03:00h in Dining on a Dime by
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Are you guys familiar with AllRecipes.com? I stumbled across the site a few weeks ago and I'm so glad I did. They have easy recipes for every meal to satisfy every palate. This weekend I made a Curry Chicken Club, based off of All Recipe's Cajun Chicken Club. It's basically a chicken club sandwich but with a bit more flavor added to the chicken.I wanted a healthy side dish, so I included some bok choy with mushrooms.

Click more to see how I whipped up this easy, cheap and yummy meal.

15 Jun

Posted at 03:00h in Dining on a Dime, Thrift by
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Last week I was seriously craving Mexican food and remembered my old stomping grounds of Astoria, Queens (that’s where I first lived when I moved to NY). At El Cafetal, the food is cheap, good and cheap! The taco meals are all under $10 and keep you full for hours.

{3 steak tacos and rice and beans, $8.50}

If you’re ever in the area you should definitely check it out for some cheap eats. What’s even better is the restaurant is right next to a thrift store, The Second Best Thrift Shop, that has tons of great furniture.

Click more to see the meal my friend had for $5 and the goods we found at the Second Best.