Whoever claimed that love and romance had to be a pricey endeavor was mistaken. Enter Elliot William, 36, a mysterious guy from England who is putting a modern twist on the age-old proverb, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Or, should we say, the path that leads to the heart of any person?
Elliot, a connoisseur of the frugal, maintains that a large bank account is unnecessary for a close relationship.
Instead, he is on a mission to demonstrate that all one needs is a little bit of imagination and a sprinkle of thriftiness in order to prepare a wholesome meal for two. One may even refer to him as the hopeless ramen-tic of our times.
The Budgeting Maestro’s Digital Stint
Where may interested cooks find Elliot’s tips and tricks? Ironically dubbed “Cost of Living Crisis Tips,” his TikTok channel is a go-to resource for frugal meal ideas, grocery store tricks, and financial advice. However, there is usually some disagreement about a fantastic dish.
Elliot’s masterpiece, a romantic meal for two that costs less than $1, is shown in a video that has gone viral. Humble and inventive, the dish combines spaghetti and baked beans with salt and “any seasoning available.”
Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea
Although Elliot’s dishes won’t break the bank, people have had mixed responses to them.
TikTokers have chipped in to criticize his budget meal plans. Someone said, “Reminds me of the time got sanctioned and had to live off pasta and gravy granules.” Similarly, “Just because you can, does not mean you should.” Remember the wisecracking one who said, “Ye’d just rather eat dry pasta.”
Some in the chorus of naysayers joke that eating together after such an event would be the beginning of the end of their relationships. However, as the old adage goes, “Any publicity is good publicity.”
A Not-so-Traditional Take on Romance
Elliot is undaunted by the backlash and keeps pushing his agenda to change the way we think about romantic dinners. What’s his theory? In the end, “it’s not about the food, it’s about the person and their character.”
It’s hard to deny the natural sensuality of a couple sharing a meal together, eyes closed, savoring every bite and every word. What really counts is not the $100 steak or the $1 pasta, but rather the company, the stories, and the time spent together over dinner.
Elliot, who is confident in his beliefs, boasts that his 32-year marriage to Rebecca and his financial situation is both healthy and stable. Whether or not you share his optimism about cheap food, you have to respect his conviction.
A Culinary Savior in the Face of Crisis?
The spike in power costs seen by UK homes corresponded with Elliot’s meteoric climb to internet celebrity.
Many have been saved by his advice on how to make a pot roast supper with all the fixings for six people for under $30.
Opinion: Embrace the $1 Meal Revolution or Not?
In my own experience, Elliot’s viewpoint rings true.
Although I wouldn’t necessarily choose to offer a meal of spaghetti and beans on a romantic evening, I do agree with the basic principle. Shared experiences and the resulting closeness are what make a romantic evening out memorable, not the cost.
There is, in my opinion, a delicate balance to strike between saving money and sacrificing quality or enjoyment.
Meals that don’t cost a fortune but nevertheless manage to satisfy hunger and nourish the body may be found.
Whether or not Elliot’s $1 lunches appeal to your taste buds, his desire to challenge the concept that high cost equals high romance is admirable. After all, the most expensive dinners aren’t always the most memorable.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Wiktor Karkocha on Unsplash