warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

The Budget Health Foodie: Cheap Valentine's Eats

Grace Y. Lim |
February 11, 2013 | 11:21 p.m. PST

Contributing Food Writer

A spread of wine, bread, cheese, and some extras for Valentine's Day (ilovebutter on Flickr)
A spread of wine, bread, cheese, and some extras for Valentine's Day (ilovebutter on Flickr)
Happy Valentine’s Week! Even on Valentine’s week (because you know it’s more than just a day), you can still eat on a budget and semi-healthy. This is one of the few weeks where I will say “semi-healthy,” because even health foodies need indulgent days and why not for a holiday?

Here are three different cheap and semi-healthy options for Valentine’s Week for you and a date at a restaurant; for you and some friends for a fun and romantic picnic; or for you and your special someone with a home-cooked dinner at home.

Valentine’s "Day-te" Night

Tapas in essence are cheap eats because they are Spanish small plates. A small plate is a good option for those with tight wallets and tight pants because the portions are smaller, but so is the price.

My recommendation for a great tapas place is Manchego on Santa Monica’s trendy Main Street. Small but cozy, with a friendly and accommodating staff and just a couple blocks away from the beach, Manchego makes a great date spot in general.

The food is chic and delicious, the top recommended dish on Yelp being the beef and brie empanadas ($9.50) and I would recommend the baked brie, membrillo, and dried figs ($7.50) on a slice of toast. The sweetness of the membrillo and dried figs balances well with the rich fattiness of the warm brie. And because there are only two on a plate and each is just a couple bites, I don’t feel too guilty indulging in this delectable dish.

And the best part about Manchego: there’s no corkage fee, so you can bring your favorite bottle and have them open it for you, but not have to pay any extra cost. Be advised that there’s no alcohol on their menu, so if you’re looking to drink some wine to go with your tapas, it’s BYOB (bring your own bottle).

Picnic Party

A fun and easy option for those who don’t want to battle the day-te night crowds in the restaurants: grab a few friends, a pile of blankets and a few choice items from the local market, and create a fun, alternative Valentine’s Day party.

Good picnicky items: sliced cheeses, a long baguette for ripping off pieces, a dry salami, grapes and strawberries, and a bottle of wine. This set-up should feed two people very well for no more than $20.

A Romantic Dinner for One... or Two

If you’re happy just being in a relationship with yourself, what better way to spend Valentine’s Day than pampering and treating yourself to a romantic, cheap and healthy dinner at home.

Giada De Laurentiis is one of my favorite chefs who knows how to create delicious Italian meals with a healthy twist. On her former show “Everyday Italian,” she featured an episode on cooking for one with some great dishes. Try one out, or all, for an indulgent meal for yourself. Or, if you end up finding a last-minute date, just double up the recipe for two.

 

Reach Grace Lim here and follow her on Twitter.

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed dietitian or nutritionist. This column is not intended to be a replacement for medical advice. Before following any of the nutrition tips in this column or anywhere else, please consult your physician to make sure any of the advice given is appropriate to your needs.



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.

 
ntrandomness