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Chef's Choice

6 top toques dish on their favorite spots for super cheap grub.

Brian Kingsford Bacaro, Providence
Fried squid ($9.95) at Mike’s Kitchen. I religiously order this dish. Mike’s fried squid is crisp, and tender on the inside, but not heavy. I usually get it with a side of marinara and hot peppers. I also like to ask him where he’s sourcing his squid because I know he’s going to direct me to the best place. 170 Randall St. (at the VFW hall), Cranston, 946-5320.

Jules Ramos 1149, East Greenwich
Carne de alantejana ($13.95) at O’Denis. My parents are Cape Verdean, so I grew up eating a lot of Portuguese food. To get my fix these days, I eat here about once a week, usually ordering the pork with littlenecks and potatoes. They also have a great Portuguese wine list with many bottles for $10 or less. 579 Warren Ave., East Providence, 438-3769.

Nick Rabar Chinese Laundry, Providence
Large Italian grinder ($7.75) at Edgewood Market. I lived off this sandwich (no pickles) every single Friday night for a year and a half. The bread is baked fresh daily [Silver Star Bakery], and it’s like five inches wide by twelve inches long. They have the best, biggest and cheapest sandwiches in the state. 1043 Narragansett Blvd., Cranston, 941-5060.

Kate Jennings La Laiterie, Providence
Almond Crescent cookies ($1.99) at LaSalle
Bakery. On the weekends I treat myself to these cookies at LaSalle, right down the street from where I live. Each end is dipped in chocolate and they’re topped with slivered almonds. When they’re fresh, they’re chewy and perfect for dunking in coffee. 993 Smith St., Providence, 831-9563.

Champe Speidel Persimmon, Bristol
Shrimp Pad Thai ($7.95) at Jacky’s Galaxie. We often head here after a night’s service. It’s open late—at least for the East Bay. They offer many different versions of pad Thai, but I always order the shrimp, along with sides of crab rangoon ($5.95) and beef teriyaki ($7.50). 383 Metacom Ave., Bristol, 253-8818.

Christian Pieper Mills Tavern, Providence
Nime chow ($2.99) and beef Cantonese noodle ($5.95) at Apsara Palace. I go three or four times a week because it’s right near my house, and it’s always consistent. I order the noodles dry and extra spicy. 783B Hope St., Providence, 831-4722, apsarapalace.com.

—JENNA PELLETIER