Trimming the Fat

We know it’s tough out there. And as optimistic as you might be that things can only get better, you’ve likely had to make some hard decisions of late. Whether you’re a passionate foodie or simply a parent charged with keeping the family well fed, chances are you’re more overworked, overscheduled, underfunded—and hungrier—than ever.

We feel your pangs. And in this month’s Dining Guide, we’re out to prove that you can break bread on the Main Line without breaking your wallet. And lest you conclude that our assessment of what constitutes “cheap eats” must be out of touch with reality, we’re only calling it like we see it: Half off a $12 burger is still a great deal in this area.

When it comes to the most important meal of the day, there are plenty of worthy breakfast spots around these parts. After all, Main Liners are pretty ravenous in the a.m. Apparently even downsize-minded Starbucks knows as much—which might explain why not a single one of its local stores is closing. Here at MLT, we’re partial to bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches. And the places on our list can accommodate that and more—at prices that shouldn’t leave you strapped for noontime cash.

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As for those obligatory business lunches, we suspect you’ll score points with most bosses these days by keeping tabs on the tab. A real sit-down meal for $10 seems like a steal when you’re used to forking over $8 for a specialty hoagie consumed at the office. Here on the affluent Main Line, it’s all relative, right?

And the deals keep on coming as day turns to night, with our rundown of great happy-hour specials, and dinner options for families and couples alike. Or how about an overnight Valentine’s weekend getaway for you and your spouse—meals included—for a price that won’t leave the rest of the family housebound for Spring Break? We’ve got you covered there, too.

So, go ahead. Eat to your heart’s content. And while you’re at it, throw in a little gratitude with every bite—because no one should go hungry.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Senior writer J.F. Pirro delves into the larger-than-life motivations of acclaimed developer Carl Dranoff, downtown Ardmore’s self-described “savior.” What possessed the Haverford resident to take on such a risky and controversial venture in these unstable economic times? Pirro finds out the answer, going beyond Dranoff’s impressive resume to give readers a detail-rich portrait of a fearless visionary who thrives on uncertainty.
 

Our Best of the Main Line Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!