I spend half of my income on food and drink — here's what I spend in a week

eating restaurantJoana Lopes/Shutterstock

  • I regularly spend $800 per week on food and drink, about half my income.
  • Living in Seattle gives me access to great markets and restaurants; food is my greatest passion.
  • I'm remaining anonymous for privacy reasons.

I know, I know. I spend way too much on food and going out. The thing is, I love food, live alone, and work from home, so I need few excuses to entertain or go out. This social being needs human interaction — preferably over food and drink.

I live in Seattle and make $1,640 weekly, pretax. I freelance on the side, but that income varies greatly. The rent for my one-bedroom apartment is $1,425 a month, plus utilities. Other monthly expenses include my dog ($100), Pilates ($160), cellphone ($80), internet ($80), and occasional travel.

I steer clear of caffeine, so I don’t have a daily Starbucks fix. Water is my beverage of choice, sometimes carbonated courtesy of my SodaStream. Booze is my runner-up, and I admittedly spend big money to drink well.

I got rid of my wheels several years ago, and my company provides a transit pass, so I don’t have to worry about that expense. Also, I’m not a big shopper, nor into acquiring “stuff,” so my retail expenses are minimal.

A big chunk of my income goes to shared experiences, so what my savings lacks in zeros my quality of life makes up for in spades. Here’s what I spend on food, drinks, groceries, and dining out in a typical week. Totals include 9.6% sales tax where applicable.

Friday

Wikimedia Commons

Breakfast

I have a work hard/play hard attitude toward life. I don’t diet, but try to squeeze in healthy meals where I can. The Green Dream smoothie at PCC Natural Markets ($5.99), the community co-op that’s one block from my apartment, gives me the energy boost I need to start the day.

(Total: $6.57)

Lunch

I don’t work until 1 p.m. on Fridays, so I’ll frequently take myself out for lunch before starting my shift. One of my favorite go-tos is the Columbia City Ale House. Their Reuben ($14.95) is to die for, especially when paired with one of the brew pub’s many selections. I’m partial to the Hales Kolsch ($6.75).

Total (with $5.00 tip): = $28.89

Groceries

I made a post-work repeat appearance at PCC to pick up beer and fruit garnishes for cocktails for the weekend. Think: Negronis, my cocktail of choice.

12-pack of Aslan Light Lager ($19.50), organic Meyer lemon ($1.30), organic heirloom orange ($1.17), organic Anjou pear ($1.91)

Total: $23.88

Dinner

My boyfriend came over and we decided to check out the neighborhood newcomer, Bua 9 Thai. We ordered take-out gyoza, Pad Thai, and a luscious green curry with chicken that didn’t disappoint.

Total (with $5.00 tip): $37.50



Saturday

Shutterstock/themorningglory

Brunch

I had a bunch of freelance work on my plate for the day, but a dear friend had just returned from a work trip to Thailand and had eschewed yoga in lieu of day drinking. We met at Super Six for brunch, where I indulged in the “Big Blue” Benny ($14) and a Super Michelada ($6).

Total (with $5.00 tip): $26.92

Dinner

Still full from brunch, I decided to go light for dinner and hit the salad bar, at yep, you guessed it, PCC. (I jokingly refer to it as my pantry, since it’s commonly a three times a day habit.)

Total: $8.99



Sunday

Ben Gilbert/Business Insider

Brunch

It’s a known fact that I make the best breakfast sandwich on the planet. It costs waaay more than an Egg McMuffin, but is seriously so darn delicious. My boyfriend regularly comes over to indulge in breakfast sandwich brunch, complete with mimosas.

English muffins ($3.19), eggs ($3.89), Tillamook cheddar cheese ($5.99), arugula ($3.99), Mama Lil’s peppers ($7.99), Karam’s Original garlic sauce ($12.99), pound of black forest bacon ($7.99), two bottles of Prosecco (2 at $10 = $20), organic grapefruit juice ($7.99)

Total: $82.19

Lunch

I unapologetically love cheese. And although I love the Pacific Northwest, not a day goes by when I don’t long for the heirloom tomatoes I had living on the Central Coast of California. Whenever I can get my hands on a good-enough tomato, I turn into a caprese salad. So simple, so good.

Heirloom tomatoes ($6.82), whole milk mozzarella ($5.99) and basil ($4.99)

(I had olive oil and balsamic vinegar on hand)

Total: $19.51

Dinner

Chef Joel DeBilzan puts together themed Sunday feasts at Seafood Feast at Tavolàta. The Seafood Feast was off-the-hook featuring all of the Pacific Northwest’s finest from spot prawns to King salmon, Total knockout of an 11-course tasting menu!

$120.00 + Manhattan ($11), glass of La Spinetta Vermentino ($15) + 20% service charge

Total: $160.80




See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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