Like most other men in my young twenties, I have to get rid of my left over take-out or homemade meals about every two weeks. Most of the time I don’t even look at what I am throwing out, but every little brown paper bag that crinkles as I grasp it is like an awkward second date: It was really nice the first time, but then I thought about what you are like “with age”, and don’t need another taste.
But I’d rather have a bad second date than a second day’s helping of rice. There is nothing worse than second day rice from a takeout container. Even if the curry or Mongolian Beef might make it through a stint in your microwave, the rice will come out like the gravel at the bottom of an aquarium.
So here are a few tips to make your left over Chinese, Indian, Mexican, or any other cuisine commonly associated with take-out, go the extra mile.
1. Save the sauce. Always ask for extra sauce. Just put those soy, duck, ketchup, mustard packets to the side. You can use them for later for any number of things, but it’s always good to keep some around.
2. Buy staples. No, don’t attempt to eat the metal version unless you are Optimus Prime, and even then, they won’t provide much sustenance. Having rice, noodles, even Ramen around means that you can take that curry that’s been staring at you in the fridge and add it to a fresh grain, which will make you feel like you just ordered it.
3. Buy in bulk. Dr. Pepper flows through my veins just like the Botox in Joan Rivers’ veins. I used to buy it in 20 oz. bottles, or even twelve pack cans. However, a 12 pack can will run you upwards of 5 dollars (and I live in Brooklyn, I can’t imagine what it is in Manhattan). Let’s do the math. 12 oz. x 12 cans = 144 oz. A 2-liter bottle has 67 oz of soda. Those cost you about a $1.50. So, by buying three 2 Liter bottles, you already save money, not to mention limiting your impact on the environment if you recycle bottles.
4. Plan ahead. Buy washable Tupperware containers. Usually take out is more than enough for one person. At my favorite cheap Indian place (Curry Heaven on Grand and Union in Williamsburg), I just serve myself enough to eat on my plate. Then, I put the rest in a Tupperware container, put it in the fridge, and BAM!, I have lunch for tomorrow. As long as you don’t mind eating the same thing, you can save tons of money just by portioning out your food before you eat. Not to mention, it’s a great way to control those calories.
Those are just a few ideas of ways to save money, but now I want Curry Heaven. Thank Vishnu a meal only costs 8 bucks.
-Christopher, Student Maximus blogger
NYU ’10
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