7 Questions with Author of "777 Cheap Eats"
Natalie Everett
Issue date: 10/28/02 Section: Features
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I met up with Wendy Tucker, sporadic CCSN student and author of the book, over two 99-cent shrimp cocktails at one of her favorite "cheap eats" at the Golden Gate Casino's Bay City Deli.
I was surprised at how classy a downtown casino could be. The Golden Gate was well-lit, breathable (translate: not smoke filled), and well renovated, with woodwork retaining that old town charm. The Bay City Deli was one part piano bar, one part high school cafeteria, with the jazz pianist jamming away as patrons stood in line with their green plastic trays.
Tucker arrived in a brown tailored pantsuit and perfectly groomed dreadlocks, looking every inch the part of an owner of a publication company (Triple Seven Press), a self-published writer (with two more books on the way), and an all-around independent woman. We began the interview in line.
Coyote Press: There's obviously great potential for a book like this. But where did the idea for it specifically come from?
Tucker: "After resigning from a stressful job in the computer industry, I decided to take a leap of faith to start my own business. I wanted to do something I could be passionate about. Amongst many other things, I love Las Vegas, food, and saving money. So one day while brainstorming, the idea for the book popped into my head."
CP: In your book, you say that a "cheap eat" is anything that has good quality and great value. Could you explain a little more about what would qualify as a "cheap eat"?
Tucker: "In general, most breakfasts are under $5, lunches under $7, and dinners under $10. There are a few exceptions, like seafood buffets and filet mignon. Filet mignon can cost upwards of $50 in some exclusive restaurants, so filet mignon under $20 is a steal. Everything in the book is under $18."
By now, we are sitting at a small round table, eating tiny shrimps doused in cocktail sauce out of an ice cream glass. Tucker splashes Tabasco sauce on hers.
CP: Do you have any theories as to why Las Vegas has such great food bargains, compared to other cities?