the thrifty robot

**disclaimer-my computer is on the fritz so i apologize for the lack of pictures, but i figure by now you have all seen my eating a cupcake...which is the only picture i took for this post anyway....**

I live in the most exciting and expensive city in the world. the former is why i stay, the latter is an unfortunate repercussion. this often means, cheap wine, cheap clothes, peanut butter and jelly for days on end. but i don't complain (often); it's rather exciting, and lord knows i am not the only one struggling to "make it". considering the career i am trying so hard to obtain, things won't get any easier...but they will certainly have to get more creative.
Yesterday i took a computer class in a different neighborhood than i am usually stationed. on my lunch break, although the weather was less than forgiving, i took a stroll, to see things i don't always see. I passed by the lovely and tremendous New York Public Library, the Jack's 99 cent store, and countless tourists. i stumbled upon a landmark i have only read about, something i seek out with every lunch time stroll i take in the stuffy Mid-Town district. The Treats Truck!
a beloved addition to New York's packed streets, the treats truck comes strolling down in a silver box truck, packed with cookies, brownies,and cupcakes. I asked if she makes the treats in the truck, and she said no, she makes them at their headquarters in Red Hook (bklyn). Although i wanted the cupcake with the pink frosting (because i am nothing if not predictable) it only came under vanilla cake, and I needed some chocolate. So i got the Chocolate cake with Vanilla Frosting and sprinkles. It was 2 bucks.
Then i grabbed a large coffee at a no-name deli for 1.55.
Then i headed over to bryant park, where the air was still foggy, but warm enough to eat al fresco. I passed that 'Witch craft place, and noticed something that really tied my whole snack together. They had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.....FOR 5 DOLLARS! i was floored; i actually yelled something i shall not repeat. needless to say i was shocked and appalled. it got me thinking about how much i had saved by going to the little guys.

Crumbs cupcake: 3.75
Large Starbucks coffee:4 bucks
SANDWICH I CAN'T EVEN DEAL WITH: 4.99
This is mostly me bragging about how stingy i am, but you've got to be wise to make it in a city where a PBR is 5 bucks ( i don't even want to talk about that incident) and a PB&J is is the same.
So, here's a list of the sunny robots favorite cheap spots!
Blue and Gold - bartender isn't the greatest, but the juke box is awesome and the beers are cheap. very private atmosphere with a pool table, if you're into that sort of thing.
Mamouns Falafel - best falafel i have EVER had. hot sauce makes you weep, and the whole thing is 2.50.
Mister Softee - that is all.
Nancy Whiskey Pub - probably the best place, ever. they have pitchers, they do buy backs, the juke box is the best i've come across, the waitresses remember you. and they're food is fresh and perfectly greasy bar food.
and last, but never....ever....EVER least:
Big Enchilada- I don't crave anything like I crave enchiladas, and these are some of the best i have ever had. tucked behind union square, it's cozy and authentic atmosphere is memorable, but not as memorable as their trademark dish, yes, you guessed it, The Big Enchilada. get the green sauce, sit back, and watch some soccer.
man i want an enchilada right now.

So, go forth and prosper in big bad NYC! don't spend all your money on a martini, put your make up on in Sephora without ever buying anything, and enjoy the ride.