It's been a while since I posted a food blog. It's not really my thing since I don't dine in cafes that much but I will be posting this one since it marks a milestone as a Scrooge. Just recently, I came across cheap little shack down at Talamban Fronting USC-TC where they sell "budget tasty chicken". It was a funny experience. I have tasted their meals once when a friend of mine brought some to school at lunch.
It was beautifully stored in a white styrofoam pack-lunch container. I thought it was bought from a restaurant but when I asked what place it was from, she mentioned a place called Cheap Cook down at the Talamban, Cebu City fronting the University of San Carlos. I was still supposed to buy food for myself but being allured by the food that she bought, I decided to have a taste. Taking pity on me HAHA, she decided to tell me to simply share the food and invited me to come over to the cafe sometime when I am able. Well, I wouldn't dare resist an offer haha. I gladly took chunks of their Teriyaki Chicken, aiming to get the most flavor in my mouth while taking the least piece. I wouldn't want to be a burden. I just had to get some more where those came from.
A lot of people may already be familiar with it but it was my first to be there. Talamban is a very far place from where I am from. There was this one time where I came with a friend named Cheryl to meet someone in the adjacent place in Talamban for Research purposes. While waiting, I noticed my stomach already churning and growling as if telling me to feed it. I then remembered my friend mentioning how the place was at Talamban. I shrruged the whole idea off. "You can't spend now, you just had a talk with your financial advisers/future millionaire friends @smaeunabs, @ybanezkim26, @jcvertucio, @thegaillery and @legendarryll about living within your own means".
We decided to wait a while longer. 10 minutes turned to 30 then 40 minutes. But it turned out that we still needed to wait a little longer.
"Okay! That's it. I'm hungry after a hard day at school and I have been waiting for some time already. I need to eat right now", I thought to myself. I told my her to come with me and locate the place, Cheap Cook. She was actually shocked, surprised, astonished and flabbergasted HAHA. It was rather unusual for me to spend for myself. While their name implies affordability their prices still ranged from Php50-100. It was far from my usual meals of vegetables and fruits which were roughly around Php 30-40 only. "Are you okay? Do you have a problem?", she asked. I laughed so hard. I guess people are just so used to me being so stingy all the time. And I guess I am not used to myself spending as well.
The scrooge in me was tamed by my incessant hunger. I was firm that I needed to eat something and I needed to eat at a good place right now. She gladly escorted me to the place. We headed to the cafeteria with slow and sure movements as if she was still concerned with me spending. A part of me was still battling myself in a tug-of-war between delaying gratification and succumbing to my desires. When I entered the place, it smelled of freshly cooked chicken. The aroma was so appetizing.
The Scrooge within me died at that instant. I guess, when you are under a lot of stress and hunger, the base of Maslow's Heirarchy of needs stills prevails - physiologic needs were my primary concern at that time that nothing else mattered. I even decided to treat her! That's a big milestone as I rarely do that to anyone else. I decided to order the Buffalo Fillet which I so longed for and I bought her Pork Teriyaki. We ate until satiety filled not only our stomachs but our hearts as well.
I was expecting to feel something after. I usually have those whenever I buy something. I guess the scrooge in me just died that day HAHAHA. I did learn to take a step back and reward myself and others sometime. Everything relies on the delicate balance of things and I wouldn't want to step out of balance. I will definitely find a way to compensate for my expenses but I wasn't concerned of it until now. Atleast I know I am not alone. I have good friends who have felt the same way about spending but are very much eager to work double once more.
What did matter more was how I had good talks, great memories and was finally free from regret of not having a taste of Cheap Cook's meal when I had the chance. Overall, the quality of service and the food preapred was totally worth it. It was a very nice experience and I still laugh at myself at the thought of deliverating just to buy a meal. I will look forward to days where the the Scrooge in me will once more be tamed. When that happens, I'll make sure to share my thoughts here.
Cheap Cook will forever be close to my heart. I remember when the resto was still new, the girl (I think the owner) who serves as the cashier during that time is very sweet and friendly. Before, the place is not yet too crowded, we would do our plates inside the restaurant and Ate (the girl) instead of being angry, would casually offer us pancakes whenever we're tired. Sometimes, mauwaw man mi, mamalit mi samtang mag tambay didto, pa kapinan jud niya among pancakes. What a sweet lady. I don't know if naa pa ba siya run. I think the last time kita ko nya kay last last year? Not sure. Basta, murag memorable akong college years because of her. Char murag naka graduate na. Mao di jud nako ma forget ang Cheap Cook.
I guess a lot of students really go there. Im pretty sure its nothing apecial but seeing as how far we are from the place, the experience was exhilirating. I never go to talamban because I know how bad the traffic is. Thanks for sharing your experience.
tell me about it. haha Thanks for sharing this post too.
Wonderful story, very well written and amusing as well. Quite a journey to get a plate of chicken and rice, but you deserved the reward when you finally reached the restaurant. Great share, I really enjoyed this.
#thealliance
Thanks so much for stopping by @coff33a! Indeed it was a lot to go through. The tug of war between spending and saving was very strong. Im very glad you enjoyed it:)
The food looks really tasty. I like your writing style. It was fun to read. I have an idea for you. Just cook the same meal at home and save a lot of money! Do you know how to cook?
Jose! This was a great story!
I could 'hear' you talking. 😃
I get it. It's like a constant "buyers remorse" on everything you spend money on. I was TOTALLY like that... like really bad. I would weigh the options of the dumbest things, making some kind of excuse that I wasn't worthy of it.
Turns out. I AM worthy. 😉 And so are you.
It's important to remember that WE create our environment and WE are the only ones able to REACT to it. Sure, there are extenuating circumstances for everyone, but your basic freedom is still there: to react to all your situations however the heck you want. So far, that's not been taken away from us....(humans, in general).
That said: It's okay to treat yourself once in a while. We need the reminders that we are worth it. And really, if you wanted to eat at Cheap Cook's every day- you could find a way. It just has to be your intention that now your minimum to survive includes Cheap Cook's menu items. 😎
And why not? (I mean, besides the large amounts of sodium added to make the meals extra delicious...)
Go out!
Haha Thanks so much for your words and for reminding me that I am worth anything I spend money on myself. I guess this just stems from not having active income yet. I will get by soon. This may simply be a phase that I need to go through.
And yes, budgetting does make things easier and I wouldn't have to battle with myself anymore. Thanks so much for dropping by @carrieallen!