Eating bougie (aka, like you’re rich and have taste, duh) on a budget is a survival skill set that everyone should know, especially the single people. Single ladies are stuck paying for every single meal and taking themselves on dates. That can become exhausting. Listen, these circumstances are not pleasant or cheap. As a single female, I have been dealing with this for over five years. However, during this time I have come up with a blueprint to an extravagant, yet economical eating system. You will feel like a rich person who, in some other universe (or maybe this one, just not quite yet) who can afford an accent chair from West Elm, or a chocolate bar that costs more than $8.
Trash that box of pizza that you ordered on a Saturday night for yourself, you know, the same one you’ve been rationing for the past five days. I know that fancy food is an expense that may not be obtainable right now. Avocado prices seem to be rising weekly and restaurants have the nerve to be charging for cucumber water now. Unbelievable! We cannot let these prices steer us away from hearty and healthy (and bougie) meals. We are all working hard to have it all: get that cash money and find a decent person to date (unless you are loving your single life, and to that I say, you do you). Whatever your financial situation is, you deserve good, indulgent food. And there are affordable ways to do that: Allow me to share how it’s done.
1. Optimism: Be open to every food item on sale.
I plan my weekly meals according to the weekly discounts available. Sometimes this can get frustrating when I’m not familiar with cooking the particular bargain ingredient (jack fruit? IDK!) But, I research and get creative. My dinners usually turn out great …usually.
2. Sample: Take full advantage of free samples.
Six samples can easily become half of a sandwich. I eat lunch while shopping for dinner. There’s no time for shame when it’s my fifth time walking up to the sample stand — a girl’s gotta eat.
3. Happy Hours: Get to know them. Embrace them.
If friends want to catch up over food and drinks, I’m only available during happy hours. There are too many discounted food opportunities that are frequently missed, only due to timing. I take advantage of happy hour deals and save an average of $25 on food and drinks every time.
4. Look Great: Always look like a snack.
I’m a single female, so a dinner date is never passed up. I make sure I always look great (pro-tip: be confident and love yourself first) and the free dinners continue to roll in. Guys, this is attainable for you too. Gender roles are progressively disappearing and plenty of women are taking care of the food bills.
5. Group Eating: Split entrees and the bill.
Expensive restaurants are mostly expensive because the food is sold a la carte. However, the portions are normally huge. On the weekend I call my brunch buddies and order a variety of food items. We split the meals and split the bill. I always end up full, with extra money to spare on dessert.
6. Assistance: Use websites and cooking apps for ideas.
I utilize the many cooking platforms on the Internet. These platforms helped improve my cooking tremendously. I use cooking apps to find easy recipes and hacks that turn my ordinary meals into gourmet.
7. Make Friends: Be nice to local vendors and hospitality staff.
I’m always friendly, but I’m extra friendly to the staff at a restaurant that I’ve fallen in love with. Think about it, this staff has to deal with “hangry” individuals all day. If you are pleasant to them they most likely will be pleasant back. This can be followed with gifts of free food, exclusive off-menu items and discounts. The butcher at my neighborhood farmer’s market has become a very close friend of mine. I always attend the farmer’s market close to closing, chat with Roberto and he’s always willing to lower prices for me. If you’re the shy type, that’s fine. Still attend a farmer’s market close to closing, the vendors are willing to bargain so that they can get inventory off their hands before it ends.
8. Celebrate: Every day is my birthday.
It’s an old trick but it still works. If I just spent my electric bill money on a meal, I deserve a free dessert. Although, I do get those dreadful pity glares as I sit alone blowing out a candle and stuffing my face with cake. Who the eff cares, though. #singlelife.
