Restaurant Bargains under $35

In these times of watching our pennies, it's nice to know there are some places which offer terrific bargains for dining out.

If you are scrounging around your couch for coins to pay for a meal, it's nice to know of a fast food alternative where the meal costs only $1, and all you have to do is eat it all on the premises and finish it (no doggie bags). Considering that Bamboodles has a daily special with beef, chicken, pork or fish that always includes noodles made that day, it may be worth the drive to San Gabriel. Freshly made food for a dollar means that you could feed a family of four for five bucks, including a tip!

If you're on the Westside and want some Nawlins mudbloods (crayfish), head over to West 4th/Jane 1432 4th St., #A, Santa Monica, (310) 395-6765. They have a pound of crayfish in a spicy sauce served with corn and potatoes for only $9.99. They have other food to go with the 100 beers they serve, like beer steamed mussels, but I would go for the more labor intensive critters.

For something a little lighter and a little bit more money, but with a lot of value, the omakase (chef's choice) at Wakasan 1929 Westwood Blvd., L.A., (310) 446-5241 includes TWELVE dishes for $35, an unheard of price for Japanese omakase. Please note that this is a tiny place, so be prepared for a wait during peak dining times.

Now let's see how much money we can find in those sofa cushions.....