Getting Started

The Concept...

As a student in Montreal I had to be creative and innovative about the way I spent my student dollar (thanks again Mum & Dad). There was NO way I was going to eat every meal in my dinky living/dining room/ bedroom/ kitchen/ hallway (350 sq ft means that every room is one room...lovely). As adventerous as my taste buds are, I hate trying something new and being disappointed, therefore I left the guess work up to others. My boyfriend Cam and I always tried restaurants on the recommendation of someone else. Most of the time we would gauge the recommendation on their eatting habits. If we had had dinner with them in the past and they ate chicken strips and fries (a personal childhood favorite) then we would probably skip their idea. BUT, if we had been to their house and they whipped up a "curry" concoction then we would probably take them seriously when they told us about a new thai place they had discovered.

We also (actually Cam) discovered a sweet little book entitled "Cheap Thrills" which promoted and documented cheap restaurants in Montreal from all corners of the world. The index allowed you to think of an ethnic craving then look up the area you were in, therefore narrowing your seach to your specific area. Although it ususally didn't matter where this restaurant was because the Metro system in Montreal is fantastic. This book allowed us to dine without the surprise bill at the end. We knew before we entered the place that the restaurant was going to be within our budget. Cheap thrills also recommended different dishes, whether it be the "house specials" or the writters personal favorite. Like a cook book where you highlight and write your own notes in the margin, I began documenting my notes and ideas in the margin. If you have never done this before, it is extremely satisfying. I love going back and seeing the date I tried the restaurant, and what I exactly thought of my experience. (A mature journal if you would...) My mum taught me this trick while you are cooking, so that you always know how to improve the recipe. Whether you need to keep it in the oven for 3 extra minutes or add an extra 1/2 a cup of chocolate chips for a more decadent cookie, it always helps to write about your trials. Thanks mum!!

So, I left Montreal after I graduated from Concordia University in 2007. I had to come back to Vancouver. Even though I started a full time job at the Pan Pacific Hotel (I no longer work there.....eh hem) I still wanted to make my hospitality dollar go a long way. Whether you have a full-ish bank account or not, it always feels good to love what your eating without spending a fortune. I've discovered that there is a more affordable option to every type of food experience.

This is where I am going to document and 'blog' about my Vancouver experience with food. Maybe this isn't such an orignal idea in the city, but I still haven't found an outlet where "inexpensive" restaurants are critiqued and promoted for all those budget concious foodies. The concept is that all couples OR individuals should and CAN enjoy a meal out for under $30. (Unfortunately alcohol, tip, and tax often get in the way of keeping your costs down). So, the idea and the goal....2 can dine for under $30!! If you don't think this is possible...keep reading and start eating.

Enjoy...