Munch on lunch 

Did you know that American workers spend an average of $3,000 a year on coffee and lunch at work? At least, that's according to a survey performed by Accounting Principals in 2012. So believe it or not, you people (on average) spend about $50-plus a week on dining out, taking food to go, and bringing a bagged lunch to the office. That's a good chunk of your paychecks, folks. But, if you're going to spend that cash on noshing, you might as well spend it on a good meal deal. My friends, the best kept lunch secret on Higuera Street in downtown SLO is Thai Classic. I know, there are other delicious Thai places located in the area, but this little spot behind Firestone Grill is a New Times editorial favorite to grab lunch to-go. Personally, I'm a fan of the green curry lunch special: $8.50 for green curry with peas, green beans, chicken, coconut milk, and sweet basil served with your choice of steamed white or brown rice and a crispy fried wonton chip or two. If you're planning on eating in the restaurant, you also get a little bowl of soup and a plate of salad to munch on for the same price. Thai Classic's lunch specials range from $8.50 to $10.50 (I know, right?). Every now and again, I like to splurge the extra $2 for the shrimp and squid fried with chili. I can smell it sometimes from the New Times parking lot, and it makes my mouth water!

Thai Classic is located at 1011 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo. The restaurant serves up $8.50 to $10.50 lunch specials from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays (but not holidays). Soup and salad are served for dine-in only. Δ

Editor Camillia Lanham is always looking for a good meal deal. Send your favorites to [email protected].