Budget Crunch: 8 delicious St. Louis deals to try now

Got $10 and a friend? Then Kevin Korinek has 8 delicious deals you must try now in St. Louis.

1. On March 18, you’re going to need a little substance to soak up all the Guinness and Jameson in your system. Plan head and pick up a loaf of Daily Bread Bakery & Cafe‘s Irish soda bread for $8 now through March 17. The recipe has been handed down through generations and features a moist inner cake with dark raisins and aromatic caraway seeds. If you can scrape together an extra $5, get a jar of their whipped, clover honey butter to spread on top.

2. If only every day could be Pi Day. Today through tomorrow, celebrate Pi Pizzeria’s 10th birthday (March 14, of course). Deals include all-day happy hours, buy-one-get-one pizzas for $3.14, 4 Hands Pi Common for $3.14 and pi memorization contests for kids and adults at some locations. If your birthday also falls on Pi Day, bring a photo ID and enjoy a free large pizza.

3. March is the perfect time to check out Mr. Meowski’s, one of St. Charles’ newest bakeries. This month, it’s offering delicious ham and cheese croissants for only $3.45. These delectable treats are made with European butter, then baked with a slice of ham and a chunk of Swiss cheese in the middle. The result is a flaky, cheesy, savory piece of heaven.

4. Every Friday in March, head to Pearl’s Oyster Bar at the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles from 5 to 7 p.m. to enjoy $1 oyster happy hour. Slurp a few cold raw oysters, then put the rest of your money down on Red 27 at the roulette table. Just trust me, OK?

5. Grab a fun snack for the road. Sweetology is currently offering gummy bears coated in Albanese milk chocolate. For $10 a pound, get a mix of fun flavors like strawberry-banana, marshmallow and apricot. If you’re looking for something with a little more heft, spend $4 instead and request the off-menu, double-chocolate cupcake, topped with chocolate sprinkles and milk chocolate gummy bears.

6. The Swedish furniture company that’s built a worldwide following also knows how to build an affordable meal. Enjoy a hearty Ikea breakfast that includes eggs, chicken sausage, breakfast potatoes, Swedish pancakes and unlimited coffee for $2.

7. Every Monday, Edibles & Essentials offers a prix fixe, three-course dinner for $20. Selections change weekly, but first courses generally range from french fries to select soups and salads. The main course is where the money is. Look for the roasted vegetable quesadilla or country-fried chicken sandwich, made with smoked, boneless chicken thighs and served with havarti cheese and bacon gravy on a brioche bun. Grab a friend and split the bill.

8. Looking for a quick sushi fix? The Frontenac Schnucks at Lindbergh Boulevard and Clayton Road has you covered. Right now, it offers $5 sushi Fridays on select to-go packages at the sushi counter. Try the Spicy Alaskan with brown rice or a refreshing California roll with avocado.

Kevin Korinek is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for making homemade pie.