Recession buster: Take the $5 Irvine Lunch challenge!

It's been four years since I had to go to lunch for just myself in Irvine, so I don't have any ideas for hubby. I thought I would revive this thread because the deli in my husband's work complex closed earlier this year and he is frustrated with paying $11 for lunch on the days that he can't bring his own. He will not eat fast food. Even $7 for good lunch food in Irvine would be helpful.
 
[quote author="momopi" date=1229748815][quote author="NewToOC" date=1229748453]two sammies from Quizno's - 1 italiano + 1 bistro steak... all for $4.20 with tax</blockquote>


@_@ I got charged $4.31 at Quiznos by Sand Canyon!



I usually get 1 x Sonoma and 1 x Italiano.



<img src="http://www.sogoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/quiznos-sammies-707708.jpg" alt="" /></blockquote>


They look delicious! I haven't been in a Quizno's for years. So those are call "sammies"?
 
I'm sure you guys have a Pho restaurant somewhere in Irvine. I took my son to lunch today after his haircut in Orange and a large bowl of Pho Ga (my son's absolute favorite food in the world) was only $3.75 for a small bowl and $4.00 for a large bowl. Those that are closest to my house are more like $5-$6 a bowl. My son is always thrilled to go and I actually could eat it every couple of weeks, cheap and good!
 
[quote author="tmare" date=1245927747]I'm sure you guys have a Pho restaurant somewhere in Irvine. I took my son to lunch today after his haircut in Orange and a large bowl of Pho Ga (my son's absolute favorite food in the world) was only $3.75 for a small bowl and $4.00 for a large bowl. Those that are closest to my house are more like $5-$6 a bowl. My son is always thrilled to go and I actually could eat it every couple of weeks, cheap and good!</blockquote>


There is even a Pho premium in Irvine. It's like $6.75 for a large at Pho Bac. But so damn addicting...



My daughter loves Pho, too. We were so proud the first day she was able to use chopsticks to bring those noodles successfully from bowl all the way to mouth!
 
[quote author="reason" date=1245927163][quote author="momopi" date=1229748815][quote author="NewToOC" date=1229748453]two sammies from Quizno's - 1 italiano + 1 bistro steak... all for $4.20 with tax</blockquote>


@_@ I got charged $4.31 at Quiznos by Sand Canyon!



I usually get 1 x Sonoma and 1 x Italiano.



<img src="http://www.sogoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/quiznos-sammies-707708.jpg" alt="" /></blockquote>


They look delicious! I haven't been in a Quizno's for years. So those are call "sammies"?</blockquote>


Yes! I've always strongly preferred Quiznos to Subway but didn't like the price premium. Each sammie is only $2 and tax and tastier because of the bigger fillings to bread ratio. I was surprised how much I like them.



I don't go out often for lunch because I feel like I pack a healthier and cheaper lunch but when I do eat out it's typically at one of the following:

* Quiznos - 2 sammies

* Daphne's calamari salad always have a coupon of some sort

* 2 fish tacos from Rubios - they seem to give out a lot of coupons too
 
1. There's a Vietnamese place on Newport & McFadden that sells a 3 item combo for $4.50 during lunch.

2. Fresca's 99 cents tacos on Tuesdays are good.

3. Two tacos from California Fish Grille is delish.

4. Sam's Club pizza, pretzel, & 4 berry milkshake.

5. Subway sandwich.
 
[quote author="Minimorty" date=1245993675]Flame broiler has their chicken bowl with a coke for $5 now...</blockquote>


is it me or did the portion get smaller with that promo?
 
[quote author="Minimorty" date=1245993675]Flame broiler has their chicken bowl with a coke for $5 now...</blockquote>
Is this at every location??? There's one right by me over in Brea which I can go to for lunch.
 
The Brea location (actually maybe it's the Yorba Linda location) at the corner of Imperial and Rose has the $5 deal. The bowl is much smaller but it's a good portion size for me. I think it's at every location because it's on their website.
 
Costco Chicken Salad, $3.99 + a drink $.55, plus tax will put you 4 pennies under $5. I go there at least once a week during weekdays. I also get to sample some free food, and check out the big screen TVs, or the latest wines if I have time. I always go the one on technology blvd, which is a short drive from my office.



By the way, not sure others have noticed, the costco food court has been very busy.
 
[quote author="irvine123" date=1246016864]Costco Chicken Salad, $3.99 + a drink $.55, plus tax will put you 4 pennies under $5. I go there at least once a week during weekdays. I also get to sample some free food, and check out the big screen TVs, or the latest wines if I have time. I always go the one on technology blvd, which is a short drive from my office.



By the way, not sure others have noticed, the costco food court has been very busy.</blockquote>


The Costco hot dog and chicken has gotten bigger. Hot dog is the same price and the roasted chicken has gone down in price.



Wholesome Choice food court on the smaller meals.
 
I just thought this was weird... with the state of the economy, you would think that somebody would not turn down free food, right? I recently went to a Taco Bell and saw a homeless lady sitting near the drive-thru entrance. I bought my lunch and decided to buy her lunch too. I looped back around, held up the bag and called out to her. You know what she said? "Nah! I'm full." <img src="http://www.irvinehousingblog.com/images/smileys/longface.gif" alt="" /> Uhhh... I said, "Well how about you hang on to it for later??" She said, "NAH." I found myself having to beg her to take it. She reluctantly came over and got it.
 
[quote author="Irvinian" date=1245994748][quote author="Minimorty" date=1245993675]Flame broiler has their chicken bowl with a coke for $5 now...</blockquote>


is it me or did the portion get smaller with that promo?</blockquote>






Yes! i noticed that too. I would agree the portions are smaller. Not sure if it is at every location. I go to the one on Jamboree/Bristol.
 
[quote author="SoCal78" date=1246019994]I just thought this was weird... with the state of the economy, you would think that somebody would not turn down free food, right? I recently went to a Taco Bell and saw a homeless lady sitting near the drive-thru entrance. I bought my lunch and decided to buy her lunch too. I looped back around, held up the bag and called out to her. You know what she said? "Nah! I'm full." <img src="http://www.irvinehousingblog.com/images/smileys/longface.gif" alt="" /> Uhhh... I said, "Well how about you hang on to it for later??" She said, "NAH." I found myself having to beg her to take it. She reluctantly came over and got it.</blockquote>


Alittle off subject here. I once saw a <strong>blind</strong> homeless lady with one of those make shift sign. The sign said, "Please help. I am <strong>blond</strong>." Hahaha! Seriously! I think some knucklehead changed the spelling on her.
 
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