Ep 19. Cheap Eats & Drinks
- July 19, 2012
Food(ography) season 4 episode 19, titled "Cheap Eats & Drinks," explores how to indulge and dine out in urban areas when you're on a tight budget. The episode features budget-friendly food and drink spots in popular foodie cities across the United States and Canada, ranging from coffee shops and pizza joints to dive bars and brewery taprooms. Hosted by Mo Rocca, the show takes viewers on a tour of cheap and cheerful places where you can find delicious and filling meals and drinks without breaking the bank.
The episode kicks off in New York City's Chinatown, where Mo Rocca tries out dim sum at Golden Unicorn, a popular dim sum spot that offers an affordable brunch. He also stops by Kossar's Bagels & Bialys, where the traditional Jewish bakery makes hand-rolled bagels for under a dollar. The show then heads to Portland, Oregon, where Mo Rocca meets up with culinary guide Nick Zukin, who shows him some of the city's best cheap eats, including food carts and a taqueria that offers $1.50 tacos.
Next, the episode takes a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, where Mo Rocca tastes the city's famous fried chicken at Busy Bee Cafe for less than $10. He also visits a local barbecue joint, Daddy D's, where the owner cooks up fresh brisket daily in a wood-fired smoker and serves it with homemade potato salad and coleslaw. The show then heads to Toronto, Canada, where Mo Rocca samples some of the city's best cheap beer and pub fare at Duggan's Brewery.
The episode also highlights some of the best pizza and burger joints across the US. In Chicago, Mo Rocca stops by Pequod's Pizza, which is known for its deep-dish pizza that costs less than $20. In Lafayette, Louisiana, he checks out the "poor boy" sandwich at Olde Tyme Grocery, which features roast beef, fried shrimp, and remoulade sauce on French bread for under $10. Finally, the episode concludes in Los Angeles, where Mo Rocca tries the "Impossible Burger" at Umami Burger, a vegetarian burger that tastes like meat and is under $10.
Throughout the episode, viewers will learn about the history and culture behind each dish and spot, as well as tips and tricks for finding cheap eats and drinks in their own cities. The show celebrates the joy of dining out and experiencing different cuisines, even when you're on a shoestring budget.
