I am a foodie. I not only love to eat, but I love getting to know all about what I am eating. At the market, I ask questions. In restaurants, I can often be found interrogating the chef.

For example, one night while dining at Maestro in Tyson's Corner, I made the most of my experience there by getting the attention of chef Fabio Trabocchi and asking about his menu and, in particular, the way he chose to serve a scampi dish I was enjoying. Our conversation ended with a live scampi on my table and a quick crustacean anatomy lesson.

My inquisitiveness has shown no signs of wavering, and if you are a chef, I apologize: I am that annoying diner, asking a million questions.

However, being a foodie and being frugal do not have to be mutually exclusive. I believe you can have your gourmet adventures and pinch your pennies,too.

My passion for food, saving money and escapism inspired this blog and while I am not a professional chef, nor a financial adviser, and I do not see myself becoming a travel agent, I do love the escape cooking offers, and whisking my readers away on culinary adventures that combine unique and new flavors with comfort foods and staples. This blog is my effort to create budget recipes for the epicurean palate.