What about trying fresh pasta with a basic sauce from canned tomatoes? I grab fresh linguine and simmer crushed tomatoes with a little garlic and dried oregano. It comes together fast and tastes full without any cream or fancy cheese. My total cost stays low because I skip the expensive jarred stuff.

Actually, @jade_bell, those diners were great but not the only mixing spots. I remember church suppers and union halls serving the same purpose. It's more about the shared time than the specific place.

Ugh, olive oil is so boring though... bacon grease makes everything taste rich and cozy. Andrew's just making bland stew, sorry not sorry.

my friend tried that once and her book spine went totally sideways?