Adventures of a fast foodie: Lunch for $7.50 or less

The go-to place for bags of produce for under $20 has installed a deli. You can literally get whatever you want. When I went, the deli counter worker asked me, Do you want whole wheat or rye bread? I hate rye and I wasn't in a whole wheat frame of mind so I said, Got anything else? She went out and grabbed a French loaf, which was exactly what I wanted. Anything in the deli case, which includes a dizzying array of meats, cheeses and salads, is fodder for whatever you're craving. After you choose your fillings, the toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion and your choice of "sauce" (a wide variety of mustards, vinaigrette, etc. My co-eater's gripe: No mayo. But that's a good thing 'cause they said they want to offer healthy choices.) My only gripe is that there's no giardiniera. There's an olive mix but sadly no spice. Anyway, the price tag? $5.99. I'm willing to overlook lack of peppers. At this budget-friendly store, you can easily add a side.

I highly suggest adding a fresh pickle for 99 cents. This is the real deal. It's in a barrel, swimming in pickle juice. OK, add your pickle joke here. Done? OK let's get on with it.

Feeling healthy? Fine, add a piece of fruit or perhaps some celery or carrots, you healthy snot. But while you're already at Stanley's, inevitably stocking up on fruits and veggies for the week, you've gotta check out the totally amazing potato chip machine. That's right, I said potato chip machine. This is quite the most amazing invention since the invention that slices bread. I am a potato chip junkie. If there were a self-help group for potato chip junkies, I'd be there 7 days a week. This wonder machine slices and deep fries chips, which are awesome. I bet they would be even more awesome reheated in the oven and served at a party with awesome homemade caramelized onion dip (check out Chicago's own Hearty Boys on Food Network for a great recipe). Or maybe just reheat the chips in the oven for yourself. Just sayin'.