Budget Crunch: 8 delicious dishes and sweet deals to try now

Got $10 and a friend? Then intrepid Budget Crunch reporter Holly Fann has eight foodie finds you have to try, from Election Day treats to fancy fish fry dates.

1. ArtBar Saint Louis’ Tom Halaska has a special Election Day tradition: a free toasty G&W bologna grilled cheese sammy and a cold can of beer to those donning an “I Voted” sticker. After you perform your civic duty today, grab a free bite for a price that can’t be beat.

2. When the weather can still turn wintery, a bowl of comforting chicken and dumplings at Mama Josephine’s hits the spot. A hearty helping of chicken and tender, rich dumplings take a warm soak in savory chicken stock. The meal will cost you around $9 and will satisfy the hungriest appetite.

3. This Budget Crunch pick can be found at The Muddled Pig in Maplewood: the Tuesday Burger, Beer and Bourbon. Each week, a house burger, choice of 4 Hands brew and a shot of Buffalo Trace will only set you back a 10 spot.

4. The Silver Ballroom might be best known for the walls of pinball games, but owner Steve “Doc” Dachroeden has a delicious secret. He regularly slices up beef top round and creates his punk rock brand of dehydrated beef called Circle Jerky. A snack-sized bag runs $4, leaving enough quarters left for a shot, a few tunes on the jukebox and a game or two of pinball.

5. For more than 60 years, Carl's Deli has been slicing and stacking deli meats for its inch-thick sandwiches. We've already professed our love for its mammoth Reuben, and the hot corned beef sandwich also sets us drooling. A generous in pile of tender, rose-pink meat served on your choice of bread with classic deli condiments will cost you a mere $8.25.

6. If there is such a thing as a classy fish fry, then Holy Trinity's Serbian Orthodox Church's fish fry is it. Every Friday through March 25, the church serves up $10 plates of fried catfish, tilapia and shrimp with sides and home-baked desserts for those observing (or not) Lent. Flowers and candles on the table and soft elevator music add to the ambiance.

7. Unlike most coffee varieties which are based on blends of different beans, Sweet Bloom roasters from Denver uses only the single Columbian variety named Pink Bourbon for its San Adolfo coffee. Enjoy a pour-over cup of this singular bean, which has notes of mixed berry, jam and nougat, at Comet Coffee for $4.

8. Italian cheeses are the focus at the free cheese and wine tasting hosted by Whole Foods Town & Country on Tuesday, March 22. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., Whole Food’s cheese expert will sample and discuss lesser known Italian cheeses. A selection of wines will also be available for tasting and pairing with your bites.