This week, the internets were all about saving money on food, the dangers of vegetarianism, and lots and lots of service industry foul-ups. The $400 service charge will BLOW YOUR MIND.
Casual Kitchen: Six Good Things About the Awful Economy
Though Dan’s excellent rundown focuses on food, I offer this as #7: more time for checking your bank statements. Seriously, I never knew as much about money as I do now. Thanks, recession!
Consumerist: 112 Ways to Save Money
Consumerist asked, readers answered. From “serging” socks to nuking pens for their last bit of ink, you will never need another frugality post. I promise.
Consumerist: Let Supermarkets Help You Save Money
When it comes to this blog, there are fewer more thrilling quotes than: “Consumer Reports is gearing up to release their supermarket ratings, but the preliminary results show that supermarkets are trying to help consumers by extending sales and rewarding loyalty.” FEEL THE EXCITEMENT!
Dear Abby: Family Feuds Over Passing Of Plate From Bargain Buffet
As a dedicated Dear Abby reader since third grade, I had to pass along this letter from STEAMED AT THE SALAD BAR IN COLORADO. She witnessed a relative buy a single ticket for an all-you-can-eat buffet, and then feed her whole family from that one plate. Abby responds in kind, and does not hold back with the wet noodle, folks.
Eater: Tipped Off – the 20% House Charge at Masa
Once you get beyond the fact that this is a $2000 dinner bill, take a look at the $400 service charge. It’s not a tip – gratuity has yet to be added on. That is a honkin’ load of bullcrap, people.
The Kitchn: Good Question – How Can I Preserve All These Onions?
Do you have a plethora of onions leftover from the winter? Are you wondering what to do with them? Can you operate a spatula? Good. Read this.
The Kitchn: Good Question – Lighter Recipes for Dutch Oven Cooking
Do any cooks out there read the words “dutch oven” and giggle, because they still think of the “farting in bed” definition? I do. I’m nine.
Michael Ruhlman: Dough and Batter Ratios (the Chart!)
Prepare to be blinded by science: blogger / chef / personality Ruhlman has boiled baking down to a few simple mathematical proportions. Here, they’re presented in lovely chart form.
New York Times: New York Health Official Calls for Tax on Drinks With Sugar
…but New York politicians aren’t likely to enact any legislation. Because taking soda from New Yorkers would be like taking bagels from New Yorkers. Violence and sugar crashes will follow.
Oregon LIVE: Make the Most of Bulk Bins
Thorough, brilliant article on the art of bulk bin buying. A must-read. Just tremendous. (Thanks to reader Karen for the suggestion.)
Serious Eats: Served – The Ballsy Waitress
SE’s resident server columnist got a $5 tip on a $66 bill. So, though she’d never done it before, she confronted the guests, asking if there was anything wrong with the service. They said, “no, you were great,” realized the mistake, and coughed up another $8. Has this ever happened to you?
The Simple Dollar: Buying Fresh, Buying Cheap
Short ‘n’ simple guide to getting fresh fruits and veggies at a low, low price.
Surgical Technical Schools: 100 Best Blogs for Living Healthy on a Budget
“Is this heaven?”
“No, it’s Iowa an even hundred of the web’s best offerings.”
“Oh. I must have taken a wrong turn. Sorry to bother you.”
“It’s okay. Wait! You forgot your coat!”
"Oh! Thanks. Man, this has taken a weird turn for what's essentially a blog blurb."
"Yeah, I know. Wanna go get some coffee?"
"I do. Let's hurry!"
Time Magazine: Is Vegetarianism a Teen Eating Disorder?
Get this: Minnesota professors found that a full fifth (20%) of teenage vegetarians have eating disorders of some kind. Apparently, lots of veggie kids are more concerned with keeping their weight down than saving a chicken, and see going meat-free as an easier way to do that.
And last but definitely not least, Leigh’s Gumbo post was included in this weeks Make it From Scratch Carnival, hosted at I’ve Gotta Little Space to Fill. Thanks, MB!
(Photos courtesy of Amazing-Arts, Colectiva, and PJ Lighthouse.)
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