A Day of Eating Out on Less Than $40

Inspired by Ms. Rachel Ray herself, I decided to take on the challenge of finding great food in a city rich in natural agriculture.  Armed with $40 and a mission, I set out to prove that quality can still come at a reasonable price.

While exploring downtown Watsonville, I inquired as to where I would be able find the best place to get breakfast for a good price and was pointed to the . Located at 946 Main St., you are sure to find a crowded parking lot and a full waiting area. 

Though known for there fresh buttermilk pancakes and omelets, owner Paula Diaz, who opened the restaurant of three years with her husband, Juan, personally recommended the most popular item on the menu: the "Barret’s Favorite." The dish consists of two warm buttermilk biscuits, draped in homemade sausage gravy, accompanied by fluffy scrambled eggs and sausage (or bacon, if you choose).

Diaz informed me that everything, including their melt-in-mouth biscuits, are all made from local ingredients and freshly prepared every morning at 4 a.m. My meal came out at a total of $11.09.

Leaving me with now $28.91, I was told that I had to make a stop for lunch at the on 589 Auto Center Dr. Owned by Jeanette and Michael Yee, Red Apple first opened 2005 and has been in business since 1990. 

Though known for their incredible breakfast menu, Red Apple also has impressive hot lunches and daily specials, which my waitress, Naomi, informed me has people rearranging their schedules to get to. The tuna melt, served with a side of fries, was highly recommended. Grilled on two buttered sourdough slices with a piece of tomato grilled into crispy cheddar cheese, allowed the meal to tell a story all it’s own.

Owner Jeanette also invited me to taste some of their signature golden brown country potatoes, which are full of flavor. Several other items like their Huevos Rancheros, walked out of the kitchen meeting much attention from on lookers. The tuna melt came out to $9.14.

Left with $19.77,  I wanted to complete my day with a little seafood from the Monterey Bay and found myself at La Perla Del Pacifico at 458 Main St. Known for their fresh, local seafood and authentic Mexican recipes, La Perla is still a popular spot after 23 years of service. Owner Ana Martinez and her family have designed a full menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I orders the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo with octopus as an addition. With rice, beans, fresh corn tortillas and fries, my total came out to an impressive $11.95.

With a remainder $5.77, it made a day of good food and great people even more rewarding. What food deals can you find with $40 in a day?