MovieChat Forums > $40 a Day (2002) Discussion > $40 a day is expensive!

$40 a day is expensive!

posted 18 years ago by tmelliott818
17 replies | jump to latest

Ok, first of all, I'd like to say that I like Rachael Ray. I love her 30 minute meals and I think she's cute as a button....

BUT, I think that spending forty dollars on food everyday for one person is a lot when you are traveling. Now, I guess I don't actually know who this show is geared for but it seems to me that the average person (and certainly the average family) would spend much less than this.

But I still like the show because she gives you a little history of the cute town she's in and regional foods and such.

Forget regret, or life is yours to miss.
Actual Reality, Act Up! FIGHT AIDS!

[–] neubauer-2 18 years ago

I absolutely disagree! Most people use their vacation as an excuse to splurge. I think very few people go to more local establishments, especially in exotic locations because they aren't too familiar with the area. It is much easier and more convenient to stay in the tourist areas. Also, many people drink more on vacation than she does, which gets pricey. I think they also eat more - appetizers, salads, desserts, snacks. (Which is probably why so many people gain weight on vacation). She doesn't do a lot of that. She also never goes anywhere too fancy, which is fun to do at least once on a vacation. Besides, in some areas, it wouldn't be hard for one person to spend $40 on one dinner.

[–] TB272-1 18 years ago

Dude I totally agree $40 is really expensive. However, I am a student, and love the show. I suppose I would just find other places that are cheaper. I love the show though, just because she travels all over. My two great loves, food and travel.

[–] ur1991 18 years ago

I dissagree with the original poster. On vacation my family spends a lot more than $40 per person a day because vacation is fun and you want to go to diffrent places and better places.

[–] xobinkabiotchox 18 years ago

i agree with Judy... obviously this isn't meant for everyday life, but more as a treat if you want a fun day in an expensive city or just some great food... obviously u can find some cheap food on ur own... hit up a mcdonalds...

"don't knock it 'til u try it"

[–] goodygoodywitch 18 years ago

I agree with the original poster. $40/day is average splurging in my family, but it bugs me when she makes a big deal about how cheap it is, when it is typically the price. It would be more impressive if she did other things than eat on $40/day, or reduce it to $20/day.

[–] Valisun 18 years ago

I also agree that $40 a day is expensive. Most of the time the food/restaurant that's featured isn't even that special, and there's nothing cheap about it. The typical meal is like 7 bucks for a special burrito at the local B+ restaurant. And I have seen her eat at really expensive places too. The other day she paid 20 bucks for a small plate of dinner at some upscale restaurant.

I still like the show though. Though money saving should not be the gimmick.

[–] mcfly-31 18 years ago

$40 for *one person* is way too much in opinion. If she was traveling as a couple, maybe. But if she was and it was say, a two-week vacation, she and her guy would be out nearly $1200 on meals alone ($40 per person)! Screw that. Plus she always does throwaway blurbs about cab fare, which I'm sure jacks it up to about $70 a day considering she sees three different places.

My girlfriend and I had a comic field day with it the other night. She stayed at the hotel bar and saved on cab fare for her dessert...which was this $8 dollar, two-bite thing served in one of those dishes with footlong rims on each side. We were waiting for Rachel to say, "Sorry, I didn't order the kiddie menu one, please bring me the adult portion." A couple who can't split an $8 dollar dessert are getting hosed.

[–] sayitaintso1234 18 years ago

$40 a day is not bad at all!

Especially if you're in exotic and new places!!

With four meals (breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner) that's like $10 a meal and you have to remember about tip and tax!!

I love $40 a day!!!

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] MaraudersFan 18 years ago

I dont really think 40 dollars a day for all your food is a lot at all. It just goes to show you, that you can find good deals. It would be intresting if she did 20$ dollars a day. I think that could be possible it be more of a strech but if you found the right place i think it could be done

**************************************
http://www.explicitlymixed.com/

[–] kronosq 18 years ago

If you think $40 a day is expensive, you're missing the point of the show.

In order to fully explore the culinary delights of a particular city for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks or drinks, $40 is almost cutting it close.

Seriously, you could eat at McDonald's anywhere you go. That is not the point of the show. Nor is the point of the show to point to really cheap dime store style eats from city to city. It's supposed to be showing you that you can seriously indulge yourself and get a lot out of a place with not a lot of money.

For everytime I have ever been to NY, I know I need a good knot in my wallet if I want to make the trip worthwhile. I want to taste so many things...and I can't do that with only a couple bucks. It takes at least $30 or more to get the most out of a place.

[–] lilcrocutie00 18 years ago

tmelliott818 , you must be poor. because $40 is cheap as *beep*

[–] beckeis 18 years ago

If you're going to go to a nice sit down restaurant (some with entertainment), $40.00 a day is not bad at all! And while it's true there are times when she goes up to nearly $20.00 for her evening meal, it's usually because she's scrimped for breakfast and lunch and has more to spend. Good for her!

[–] OrangeCalifornia 18 years ago

Well, no one is going to watch the show if she has sandwiches for lunch in every episode.