Going to school at OCCC allows me to be on the south side of Oklahoma City on a regular basis.

In fact, I’m probably here more than I am in my hometown.

With that being said, I get hungry just about every four hours which makes me look more closely at my eating options in the area.

I have a taste for quality, but for a reasonable price. I can’t afford to eat at a sit-in restaurant for lunch every day, or any day for that matter.

So making the right decision for breakfast, lunch or dinner is crucial.

Sure, I can get a delicious dog-food quality burrito from Taco Bell for a cheap price. Or I could get some decent burgers and fries from one of several Braum’s located in the 10 -mile radius of campus. And I could give up completely and decide McDonald’s is what my life is worth that day.

But I’ve found a hidden gem in this jungle of fast-food confusion: Crest Supermarket located at 10601 S May Ave.

Initially, I was blown away by their immaculate store, local foods, fresh produce and excellent services. I just can’t help but smile when the bag boy says “paper or plastic?”

But, what really upped the bar for me at Crest Supermarket was the deli.

Usually when I think of delis, I’m reminded of frozen foods reheated to a crappy bland flavor that makes me feel like garbage instantly after eating it.

This food was different.

The quality is amazing, and the options are immense. I got a four-piece chicken strip dinner with mashed potatoes (with gravy, of course) and a side of mac and cheese.

I was getting worried as I watched them dip my plate, thinking there was no way it would be cheap. This was a deli designed for gods. They rang up the price, and I was in true disbelief when it came out to just around $5.50.

As I exited the store, I wasn’t sure of what just happened.

Did I just break a law? What universe am I in where I can get a huge meal for that kind of money?

If this is a dream, I never want to wake up. Also, the food was as amazing as it looked.

Rating: A++

To contact Bryce McElhaney, email editor@occc.edu