Le Dish goes budget-friendly!

I know, everyone's looking for a good deal these days. However, I am REALLY trying to see how far a dollar will stretch due to my recent layoff. So, instead of posting about newly opened, trendy restaurants, I will bring you some fun, budget-friendly recipes I've been trying out in addition to some great neighborhood deals that I just can't pass up.

Last night, in my first real night out since the layoff, I ventured to Pamplona on 28th street. True, it wasn't the most bumping of nights, but the wine and sangria were half off (making a casual $9 glass a mere $4.50!!! Unheard of, right?!?) and I needed an excuse to get out of the apartment.

Kara and I both ordered a glass of a robust red Tempranillo and shared the grilled shrimp and chorizo skewers served over goat cheese toast. When I tell you that this was one of the best little appies for $6 that I've ever had, I am not joking around. While the skewers could have been a bit warmer, the toast was crisp and the flavors melded really well. We also tried the potato frittata for $6 which can best be described as unmemorable. However, Pamplona had a ton of other tapas and larger dishes that defintely appeared to have potential.

Pamplona is great for catching up with a friend at the bar and grabbing a recession-proof bite. When all was said and done, I paid about $15 for a glass of wine and two uniquely delicious tapas plates. Not bad for a Monday night.