“Whenever I want to ‘eat like I’m in Mexico,’ I head to Nixtaco in Roseville for their lunch special of three house tacos with a side of rice or beans. Served Tuesday through Friday, this $9 deal is a lot cheaper than crossing the border—but just as authentic.” 

 “Got a pizza craving for lunch and don’t want to bust the wallet or the belt? Whole Foods market has the fix. Two slices of thin-crust, wood-fired, house-made pie in an array of flavors for six bucks, or one for $3.49. Kill a craving, and save your dough for dinner.” 

 “The Reuben Panini at Dominick’s NY Pizza and Deli in Folsom is always a crowd- and appetite-pleaser. You have to have it on pumpernickel bread and add coleslaw to it though. It’s so good that my boss usually tries to talk me into giving him half, which rarely works…unless he’s buying. Did I mention it comes with a side and that all food is 10-percent off on Tuesdays?” 

 “Lotus 8 in Folsom has more than a dozen lunch specials that come with soup and your choice of main, plus steamed rice, vegetable chow mein or pork fried rice. It’s always a battle deciding which protein to go with, but Orange Chicken usually wins.”

 “A day of wine tasting in El Dorado County isn’t complete without a Lunch Box from Allez! Each one includes your choice of specialty sandwich, potato or pasta salad, brie cheese, plus a cookie and tart. Order the Chicken-Applewood Bacon sub and Mediterranean Pasta Salad, and thank me later. Bon appétit!” 

 “I usually go for the Three Salad Sampler at Selland's Market Cafe. Until 2 p.m. each day, you can pick three side portions of any of their cold salads for under eight bucks; my go-tos always include the Cavatappi Pasta, Soybean, and Curry Chicken.”