These days, juggling schedules, meal plans, family time, and budgets can be a balancing act that even the most seasoned parent finds a bit daunting.
Sometimes you just want a night out with your family focused on quality time without worrying about the cost.
Working downtown, I have the advantage of knowing about the many activities that occur in our district as well as the different deals and promotions that our downtown businesses offer.
I received an enthusiastic “YES!” from my son when I asked if he would like to have a night out. I checked the downtown calendar for events and then made my plan: a frugal First Friday.
Friday came and off we went! We parked in the conveniently located Fraser Street garage and headed to Allen Street Pizza.
As we walked in, my son immediately spotted the ‘Pizza by the Slice’ sign on the back wall while I, on the other hand, noticed the wonderful aroma of fresh pizza. Booths lined the walls, and a warmer on the counter held pizzas available for purchase by the slice.
Much like the Sbarro’s style of premade pizza, the slices here can be re-crisped and served hot. My son chose a slice of classic cheese pizza, while I went for a slice of Mac and Cheese and another of BBQ. The cashier was kind and thoughtful, and offered to serve my son’s slice from the warming case without reheating it, making it temperature-safe for younger palates.
The BBQ pizza had a mild, flavorful sauce, while the Mac and Cheese slice brought back nostalgic memories of Cici’s Pizza buffets, but with much better quality. Both slices had plentiful toppings, with the crust being a combination of chewy but not tough, and crispy but not crunchy.
My son gave his slice of cheese pizza a thumbs up with a rating of “800 million out of 10”.
Allen Street keeps things simple and budget-friendly by offering self-serve soda (with free refills), utensils, and napkins. The total for three filling slices of pizza, a crispy garlic herb breadstick (shared with my son), a cup of ranch dip, and two drinks? Just $13.78, thanks to the restaurant’s $8 combo deal.
We boxed up our leftovers, and after a quick detour, went to Growing Tree Toys for their free First Friday activity: Easter Egg terrariums! We wandered the aisles of the store, which featured just about everything a kid could ever want, and after a few minutes of play at the Brio train table, we headed outside. The craft activity took place in front of the store, with the owner and manager on hand to help the kids assemble their eggs, filled with Easter grass, and a soft velvet flocked miniature figurine. My son chose to forgo stickers in favor of a puffy paint style pen, writing the name of his ‘critter’ on the egg shell. With full bellies and smiles, we walked back to the garage (Growing Tree Toys is one among many businesses that have validated our parking) and headed home.
A night out with no cooking and quality time together, for under $15? Now THAT is a good deal.
Sarah Llewellyn, local resident and downtown advocate
