An Economical New York Weekend: Discounted, Cheap, or Free!

Everyone is trying to save money, right? Definitely me! I never go out in NYC unless it's discounted, cheap, or free! So, I thought I'd share with you some of the fun and economical things I did this weekend!



Friday
Last Friday was the end of NYC Restaurant Week (even though it was just extended until February 28th.) So, my roommates and I took this opportunity to have lunch at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill. I am a huge fan of Chef Flay and his awesome throwdown style! Unlike many of the restaurant week menus, Mesa Grill had an amazing option for vegetarians!
For $24, I devoured this fantastic three-course lunch:
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER + GREEN CHILE SOUP with Blue Corn-Goat Cheese Taquito
CORNMEAL CRUSTED CHILE RELLENO filled with Roasted Eggplant + Manchego Cheese with Sweet Red Pepper Sauce + Balsamic
PINEAPPLE BUTTERMILK UPSIDEDOWN CAKE with Pineapple-Vanilla Ice Cream

Saturday
I participated in my first yoga class (I’ve done yoga videos and countless pilates classes, but this is obviously different!) My roommate and I went to Yoga to the People on St. Mark’s Street in the West Village of Manhattan. It is a donation-based studio---they suggest $10, but you are encouraged to put in whatever you can. Some throw in $5, some put in $20. No judgments. Their goal is to make yoga available to everyone. I will definitely become a regular.
Their website with schedules/locations: http:// www.yogatothepeople.com



After the class, we went to S’Mac. I had HEARD about this place, but I had never been. It is a small restaurant that serves ONLY macaroni and cheese---but MANY variations of it!!
And I dare to say, I had THE BEST mac and cheese I’ve ever had!! Just imagine this: Goat cheese, sauteed spinach, kalamata olives, and roasted garlic. This is their Mediterranean dish, and it is AMAZING!!! Also, it’s served in precious lil’ skillets!


Sunday

A couple girlfriends and I decided to take a FREE cooking technique class at Williams-Sonoma at Columbus Circle. It is not a hands-on course. You simply observe the chef, take notes, ask questions, and most important---you get to sample the food at the end! I LOVE to cook, and I was intrigued by the subject: Italian Comfort Foods! Chef Judi prepared marinara sauce (delicious), meatballs (yeah, I don’t eat these..never ever. But, I could use the mixture along with veggie/tofu crumbles to make veggie “meat”balls), and a spinach/ricotta calzone. YUM.
The bottom of this site has some info about the next class: http:// .shopsatcolumbuscircle.com/go/fb/guide/store.cfm?StoreID=257

If you know of any cheap/fun things going on, please let me know!! :)