Chipotle?

Don't have a costume for Halloween and want a free meal? Wear foil.

Good deal. Good meal.

Name: Chipotle.

Location: Any.

Price: FREE.

All you have to do is dress up as a burrito as in wearing foil around your face or body. It's only 6 PM and after. Also if you didn't know, you get a free drink if you show your high school I.D and assuming that you are a "high school student".

Happy Halloween!

Panda?

Get ready for some panda-monium.

Good meal. Good deal.

Name: Panda Express.

Location: Participating locations.

What are they known for: Orange chicken.

Price: Ranges from $5-$8

This may not be authentic Chinese food, but hey it's pretty good and can probably be in it's own category: Chinese/American food. With this coupon you're saving maybe $2-$3 since you'll be getting another entree with your purchase. Remember that this coupon expires OCTOBER 27 so try to stop by if you have a chance. If you're from Irvine you know that there's a Panda that just opened on campus, I'm not sure if it's valid there but let me know if you try it out.

Here's the link and I'm guessing you must have a printed out coupon.

http://pandaexpress.com/PX/survey/SFC2009/SFCSurveyCoupon.jpg

The Hat?

As I am typing right now, my stomach is churning and feels like I just ate at every Las Vegas buffet in one night. Do I regret my decision? Nope.

Good Meal. Good Deal.

Name: The Hat.

Location: Southern California.

Price: About $8 should do you good.

What are they known for: World Famous Pastrami.

It's good, it's great, but you can only have it once every couple months if you want to save yourself from a heart attack at the age of thirty. Their Pastrami dips are stuffed with lots of meat so you know you're getting your money's worth at the price of $6.99 a sandwich. If you're going there for your first time you have to get the dip and two other things: wet fries and orange bang. Wet fries are basically french fries with a side of gravy, yes I know it sounds disgusting at first but hey you eat mashed potatoes with gravy so why not fries? Again the portions are huge so it's good for sharing. Next is the orange bang, a refreshing beverage that my friend described as a "melted orange popsicle". Another reason why it's so awesome is because it's free refills, and who doesn't like free refills? Next time you're starving for a fulfilling meal that will keep your wallet happy, think of the hat, but remember to only have it a couple times or you might end up with some clogged arteries and that's not fun.

Gap?

Yes, I know another Gap deal, but hey isn't it a great deal?

Good deal. Good Clothes.

Name: Gap

Location: In stores only.

So 25% off your entire purchase this weekend. The deals ends on Oct. 4 so you still have a couple of days left. Enjoy.

Jamba Juice?

You're on a date at Jamba Juice. You buy one drink for yourself and then offer to buy your date's drink. Now you're looking sharp while having a fatter wallet.

Good meal. Good deal.

Name: Jamba Juice.

Location: Stores.

What are they known for: Smoothies.

Price: Buy one drink at regular price get another drink for a buck.

Just know that this expires on September 27, which is this Sunday. Also the free drink is the 16 oz. drink and you NEED to print this coupon. Have a good treat to beat this summer heat while treating a friend.

Gap?

I know it's been awhile, but here's a deal I recently found.

Good clothes. Good deal.

Name: Gap.

Location: Online ONLY

I think the picture explains itself but it's 20% off the sale price but again it's only valid ONLINE. Hope this helps someone out.

Corduroy?

Needs some cords for the fall?

Good deal. Good clothes.

Name: Gap.

Location: In stores & online.

Price: About $35

For a limited time, Gap is offering $15 off the original price of the corduroy pants. They normally cost $50 so with the discount it's about $35. It's for men and women in all different colors. Children have a $10 off instead. So if you're in need of some cords or just some color, check out Gap soon.

Coffee?

Ever had Vietnamese coffee?

Good deal. Good meal.

Name: Lee's Sandwiches.

Location: Check the website.

What are they known for: Vietnamese sandwiches.

Price: 99 cents.

Another special for 9/9/09, Lee's sandwiches is offering 99 cents iced coffees today! Super cheap and really good for this hot day!

Threadless?

Like to wear random T-shirts?

Good deal. Good clothes.

Name: Threadless.

Price: $9

Since today is 9/9/09 Threadless is having all T-shirts being only $9. I have never bought them online but my sister has and she likes them! So if you're in need of more T-shirts or just want to buy a random shirt, check it out today.

http://www.threadless.com

Kogi?

Ever had a burrito with Korean BBQ meat inside?

Good meal.

Name: Kogi

Location: The streets of Los Angeles.

What are they known for: Korean style tacos, burritos, & quesadillas.

Price: Ranges from $2-7

My cousin Sylvie was first to tell me about Kogi and ever since she's been wanting to go. Well it's kind of hard since she lives far away, but when they were coming to Fullerton she notified me. Kogi travels in a food truck all throughout LA to different places and you can check out on their website or twitter where they're going to be for the week.

For me they were meeting at a local Shell gas station parking lot. They also usually come at night, like for mine they came at 10:30 PM. I went there with my sister and had to wait an hour and 45 minutes. The wait was I guess normal for the Kogi truck, so be prepared if you visit one. Once we finally made it to the truck we ordered a kimchi quesadilla (my favorite) ($5), short rib burrito ($4), spicy chicken taco (least favorite)($2), and spicy pork taco ($2). The food was greasy of course and definitely not the best to be eating at midnight. The quesadilla is the best in my opinion because it had the most flavor and was quite a lot for being $5. The tacos weren't to die for me and the

burritos were okay. Also a tip is bring your own drinks! It'll save you a couple bucks bringing your own drinks. So overall was it worth it? I think for your first Kogi experience it's worth it, but I wouldn't wait a whole two hours for the 2nd trip. It's definitely something new and interesting to try if you're into new types of food.

Hawaii: Shrimp Trucks?

If you're driving all the way up to North Shore, make sure you go to the right shrimp truck which is called Giovanni's.

Good Meal.

Name: Giovanni's.

Location: North Shore, Hawaii.

What are they known for: Shrimp.

Price: $13 a plate.

So I was expecting to go to Giovanni's one day, but instead my family drove ri

ght past it and we ended up at a crummy fake shrimp truck called Romy's, which was a waste of time and money. A week later my cousins and I snuck out to drive all the way back to North Shore to make sure we ate at the right shrimp truck, Giovanni's. Another place my cousin Tina recommended. The drive is almost about an hour and a half from Waikiki, but

again it's worth it. Once arrived, we just decided to order everything; shrimp scampi, lemon butter shrimp, hot and spicy shrimpy, and garlic hot dog. The wait was only like 15 minutes long ( compared to the hour at Romy's). Forgive me, but I forgot to take a before picture of the food and remembered when I was almost done so don't think that's all you get in the picture. My favorite would be the lemon butter and scampi runs in second place. The shrimp was super fresh (shrimp pond is right behind

the truck) and already sliced. This is the best shrimp truck there is in North Shore which is why it's the most crowded one. Make sure if you're planning on going to bring your own drinks (save some money), paper towels (things do get messy), and hand sanitizer. After the meal we enjoyed a large cup of shaved ice and half a pineapple with some li hing moy on top (sorry I forgot to take pictures of the desserts). So just to be sure, if you ever go to North Shore make sure you go to GIOVANNI'S shrimp truck, don't be fooled by the other imposters. Trust me it's worth the drive up there (and you get to see sea turtles on the way back!).

Hawaii: Macadamia Nut Pancakes?

I think the title explains it.

Good meal.

Name: Boots & Kimo's.

Location: Kailua, Hawaii.

What are they known for: MACADAMIA NUT PANCAKES.

Price: About $7.

This is another place my cousin Tina recommended. It is about 40 minutes from Waikiki, so it us a drive, but trust me it's worth it. Since it is more inland a lot of tourist

do not know about it, but it can still get crowded since the restaurant is small (but they're currently extending it). I already know what I wanted to get the original macadamia nut pancakes, but I also got a side of spam. I was simply amazed when I saw the pancakes. Three stacks covered with the macadamia syrup. It was almost like melted ice-cream on top and wasn't as sweet as it looked. The syrup was amazing and I wished there was one in Souther California. The pancakes were also delicious. For anyone who's going to Oahu anytime soon, this is a MUST, you'll thank me later on. I don't even know how to finish this post because I'm drooling at the thought of those pancakes.

Hawaii: Mochi or Ice-cream?

Can't decide on mochi or ice-cream? Get both.

Good meal.

Name: Bubbie's.

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii.

What are they known for: Mochi & Homemade Ice-cream.

Price: About $5.

My cousin Tina, who lived in Hawaii for a year, recommended this hidden secret of Honolulu. First of all you can't even see it when you're driving, it's hidden up in an alley so it's definitely not a big tourist spot. The moment you walk in you see this giant chalk board covered in writing. That is the menu. They have many flavors of ice-cream

such as macadamia nut, banana oreo, blueberry, and strawberry cheesecake. My favorite being the

macadamia and banana oreo. With your ice-cream you can also get mochi! Again they have an endless menu of mochi flavors, I liked the lychee and green tea the most. The mochi was kind of frozen at fir

st, so you have to wait a while before enjoying the delicious treat. If you don't know what mochi is, it's flavored ice-cream wrapped in a chewy rice dough. Bubbie's definitely has the best ice-cream and mochi in Honolulu that many tourist do not know about. Next time you're on vacation go beyond the tourist spots and maybe you'll be lucky and find a local favorite.

Hawaii: Build Your Own Burger?

Want to have a burger your way?

Good meal.

Name: The Counter.

Location: Kahala, Hawaii & Irvine, California.

What are they known for: Burgers.

Price: Ranges from $9-13 a burger.

As they seat you to your table, instead of a menu the waiter gives you clip board with a check list. You can pick some of their favorites or you can be adventurous and build your own. First thing is the meat, do you want 1/3, 2/3, or 1 lb. burger? The 1/3 are $9, 2/3 are $11, and 1 lb. is $13. Next is the bun, wheat, white, or no bun (you can even order a burger bowl which is everything in a bowl without the bun). Then you pick your cheese, 4 toppings, and sauce. They had so many choices it took me awhile to finally decide on something. My burger was 2/3, wheat bun, jalapeno jack cheese, mushrooms, onions, lettuce, jalapenos, and then a southwest caesar dressing. The burger was huge. It was difficult to take a bite but eventually I managed. The possibilities are endless for you and the meat was delicious. This is definitely one of the best burgers I have ever had and I recommend that you find a Counter nearest you to experience this great meal.

Hawaii: Luau food?

I've been to many luaus before and the food is just not that great, but my friend Lauren recommended this authentic Hawaiian restaurant in Honolulu.

Good meal.

Name: Ono Hawaiian.

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii.

What are they known for: Authentic Hawaiian food.

Price: About $10-12 per person.

This restaurant is literally a hole in the wall and parking was hard to find since it's on the street, but it's only a 5 minute drive from Waikiki. Luckily for me there was no wait, but usually there is since it can fit about 20 or so people. Since I had no idea what to order, Lauren told me to get the Kalua pork at a cost of $12. With that meal it came with

sides such as pipikaula (beef jerky), lomi salmon (salmon ceviche), haupia (almond jello), raw onions, and a choice of rice or poi. I never had poi before so I chose the rice, but the waiter brought out a small dish of poi for me to try. My mother said it tasted like cement, but to me it didn't really have a flavor. They brought out each dish and it kind of reminded me of Korean BBQ with all of the sides they had to offer. The waiter also showed us

how to eat the food, she said that they dip almost everything in the poi, since poi is there main source of carbs. The food was really good, a lot better than the food they serve at luaus. In the end I was able to have a real authentic Hawaiian meal without having to sit on sand outside. Also, not only did Lauren recommend this place but also Anthony Bourdain from the Discovery Channel.

Gap?

Need a new sweater or t-shirt?

Good deal. Good clothes.

Name: Gap

Location: In stores only.

I just came back from Gap and found out that right now they have a great deal. It's buy one get one free for any sweater and t-shirt. You can mix and match if you want one sweater and one t-shirt or two sweaters. Of course the cheaper priced one will be free, but it works for sale items and regular priced items. I got two sweaters for only $15 each when normally they cost $40. I saw that for mens, t-shirts only cost $6 each when you buy two or more. I'm not sure how long it's gonna last so hurry in to your nearest gap!

Also, they still have the $20 off jeans still!

Gap?

Need new jeans?

Good deal. Good clothes.

Name: Gap.

Location: Stores and online.

Price: $20 off.

For a limited time Gap is having $20 jeans for men and women. So it's only about $35 for a pair of jeans. A great deal so hurry before it ends.

California Adventure?

Hungry at California Adventure and wanting a quick free snack?

Good deal.

Name: Disney’s California Adventure

Location: Anaheim, CA

Price: FREE

As my friend and I were waiting to watch the electrical parade, we were hungry. I got a $4 crumbly dry Oreo brownie (don’t worry I had a $4 left on my gift card so I just used it up, normally I would not buy it). My friend left me and said she was going to get a salad for free. Free at California Adventure? No food here is free (except for the free tortilla’s and sourdough bread at the Warf) or even close to being free. Five minutes later she came back with pieces of lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. She said that if you go to the restaurant in Condor Flats, there is a buffet of burger toppings wide open for anyone to take. I thought it was fishy, but thought saw that there was really a buffet wide open there were no signs that you had to purchase a burger. We enjoyed pickles dipped in BBQ sauce and pieces of lettuce. (Dill pickles are like $3, but you can get sliced pickcles for free!) So now here’s a good snack at a free deal.

BJ's?

Want to change things up on your pizza at BJ’s?

Good meal.

Name: BJ’s.

Location: I think there’s a BJ’s in almost every state.

What are they known for: Chicago deep-dish pizzas.

Price: Not so cheap, but it’s a nice splurge for once in awhile.

After spending a day at Disneyland, my friend and I were starving! We decided on splurging a little, so we chose to eat at BJ’s. Now you can choose one of their original pizzas, or you can make your own and have a fatter wallet. For two people we picked a medium size pizza (that comes with 6 slices), I’m sure you can split this among three people too. We chose the create your own two topping pizza and that cost about $17. We got mushrooms and Italian sausage, and the tomatoes were free to add on top.

Now this is a way my sister and I found to change up your pizza a while ago. You can ask for half marinara and alfredo for your sauce. The alfredo makes the pizza a little bit more creamy and it changes your ordinary pizza to something new. There is also no cost to add in alfredo. Oh, speaking of sauces, you might want to ask for extra sauce, because our waitress told us that BJ’s normally doesn’t give a lot of sauce so you should ask for more. The pizza was delicious and flavorful. I liked how we chose to get two toppings because it made it simple, and to many toppings would lose the flavor of each topping.

After our pizza we split a vanilla ice cream with white macadamia nut pizookie. It cost $5.50 so about $2.75 for each of us. If you have never had a pizookie, it’s a must at BJ’s and if it’s someone’s birthday you get it for free (not saying you should but you can pretend it’s someone’s birthday). BJ’s is quite a splurge but definitely a wonderful meal to end a tiring day.

Google?

Looking for the nearest Gap, BJ’s, supermarket, or whatever you’re looking for?

Good deal?

Name: Google.

Let’s say you’re at Disneyland and you’re craving to have unlimited soups and salads at Olive Garden, but the thing is you’re not sure where is the nearest one. Praise Google. If you have text messaging you can text to Google (466453) and just type Olive Garden in the text, and then hit send. Soon you’ll get a couple of incoming text messages that give you the closest Olive Garden to Disneyland and their phone numbers, so then you can call and see what time they close. If you have unlimited text then it’s free, but if you don’t then you pay whatever expense it is to text.

Now what if you don’t have text and you don’t want to pay? You can call 1-800-GOOG-411! Praise Google again. By just simply calling Google, you can find out where the nearest Olive Garden is. When you dial, just say Olive Garden and for city you can say Anaheim. Then they will direct you to the nearest one. It’s quite amazing and a lifesaver. So it may not be a deal per say, but it’s a great thing to know!

Just to make things clear, I used Olive Garden as an example. You can text/call for any store, restaurant, or place you like.