Nick Epstein's guide to budget boozin' schmoozin and eating really delicious food through the recession. In LA style of course...

Dining out is expensive enough, and limiting this luxury is what more and more of us who are economically impaired are forced to do. However, this need not be the case. There remain ample opportunities to eat for free or close to it throughout Los Angeles. If one is willing to drive longer distances and negotiate with vendors and volunteer their time, eating and drinking well on a limited budget are not only possible, but also unexpectantly satisfying.

First, sign up for services such as Thrillist, Daily Candy, TastingTable LA and check excellent sites and blogs including Flavorpill and Eater LA. The number of drink and food specials occurring all around the city on any given day is numerous. It is then possible to structure an entire week around said deals. Once you become accustomed to matching complimentary times and locations of discounted opportunities, nights of fine dining can be had with only a little coin spent.

One week in particular, I managed to dine out for five straight days and spent a total of less than a hundred dollars.

MONDAY: Will Volunteer for Finger Foods
 I was invited to the launch party of a new wine and spirit magazine, to be had at an upscale club on Sunset Blvd. There would be vendors from dozens of vineyards and microbrews, unlimited sampling of their products, as well as gourmet food. The downside, of course, was the $75 ticket price for those lucky enough to be invited. I called the manager of the club earlier in the day, and offered my services to volunteer. It was agreed that I would pour wine and restock ice for any hour, then be given free reign to enjoy the party. No more than fifteen minutes and a few bottles poured, and I was let go to enjoy a night of bottomless glasses and trays of food. Total cost: 15 minutes of labor. $0.

WEDNESDAY: Cheeze n' Booze

I was notified via email of a wine store in Silverlake serving $2 a glass tastings paired with particular cheeses. I offered to treat my friend Charlie for a few glasses if he would drive. Between us we enjoyed a dozen glasses of a dozen wines and more cheese than I ever care to eat again. Total cost: $24.

THURSDAY: Trolling for Tacos

Eater LA cued me on a taco bonanza taking place downtown at a random Mexican establishment. $1 tacos from 6-9 P.M. Thrillist alerted me about a new bar in the industrial district further east that was serving $3 drafts on all their brews. Eight tacos, four beers (Stella Artois, Newcastle, and two Hefeweizens) for a grand total of $20.

FRIDAY: Sushi on Sale!

Multiple sites reported of an unbelievable sushi sale in Beverly Hills. A sushi spot was celebrating its one year anniversary and was selling every item on it's menu for a dollar. Throngs converged on the site. I stacked plate after plate. 14 sushi items in all for a mere for $14. Excellent deal and well worth the wait in line.

SATURDAY: BBQ Overdose
I discovered through a local newsletter that a bookstore in Venice would be having a fundraiser, $10 at the door and unlimited food and libations. Luckily, it was to start just after a BBQ fest/competition taking place in Malibu. Tickets only cost $18 dollars and you could refill your plate as many times before the store of ribs was gone. Total nights cost $28 + $10 for some gas = $38.

SUNDAY: Self Sufficiency
I stayed in and made myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Total Cost for the Week: $96....

Story by Nick Eptein.