City Editor Grace here. In one of my recent YouTube binges, I came across something that really caught my eye — a reposting of Rachel Ray’s 2004 Asheville episode of her Food Network show, "$40 a Day.” Ray would hit the road with 24 hours to spare and $40 in her pocket to cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Now, 20 years later, the value of the dollar has changed (with $40 equating to about $66.58 today) but we wanted to attempt the original challenge in 2024, equipped with $40 and an empty stomach.
In the Asheville episode, Ray visited Tupelo Honey, the now-closed Spirits on the River, and Picnic’s before rounding out the day at Early Girl Eatery. But to spice things up, we chose a new eating itinerary.
Breakfast
To start the day, I’m leaning on my old standby and most frequently ordered breakfast in Asheville — a breakfast burrito from Tiger Bay Cafe. Scrambled eggs, cheddar, avocado, tomatoes, onions, and chipotle mayo get wrapped up in a spinach tortilla and grilled to perfection. Including tax and tip, this delicious breakfast will run you $10.16.
Lunch
Despite still being full from that hearty breakfast burrito, it’s lunchtime. After getting some inspo from our $10 lunch guide, I’m going back in time, paying a visit to the old school Soda Fountain at Woolworth Walk. There are plenty of options to choose from, but I’m keeping it classic with a chicken salad sandwich, topped with lettuce and tomato and chips and a pickle on the side. Lunch is $11.17, including tax and 20% tip, bringing our running total to $21.33.
Dinner
For a fresh and flavorful dinner option, I’m heading to Gypsy Queen Cuisine for the hommus bowl. For the plate of garlicky hommus, herby tabouleh, and choice of protein (I opted for falafel), the total checks out to be $16.51 with tax and a 20% tip, with our running total for the day reaching $37.84 — just under budget for the day.
