Welcome to Discovering Houston on the Cheap, a weekly series highlighting ideas for cheap dates, cheap meals, Houston’s best-kept secret and more — all from the perspective of local chefs, TV personalities, athletes, and local business owners.

Dominique Sachse: news anchor, KPRC Channel 2
{Dominique has lived in Houston nearly 40 years. She is celebrating 21 years at KPRC.}

1) Favorite spot for a cheap meal – Center Court and Shandy’s

I enjoy eating healthy. My two favorite go-to spots are Center Court at the Houstonian and Shandy’s on Memorial just outside of Memorial Park. Both offer superb quality food that’s fresh and won’t break the bank.

2) Favorite spot for a cheap date – Midtown Reflexology

Nick and I both love massages, and we were turned on to Midtown Reflexology on Waugh about a year ago. A 60-minute massage and reflexology session is $40. I guess you could say it’s a precursor to a date night, but it always puts us in such a relaxed state of mind.

3) Houston’s best-kept secret – Sundance Cinema

The Sundance Cinema is our favorite place to see a movie. There’s nothing like having a salad or veggie wrap with a glass of Pinot to enjoy your flick!

4) Best place to save money in Houston – Resale stores can offer terrific prices for high-end clothing. Couture Blowout on Shepherd and More Than You Can Imagine on Westheimer near Kirby can get you designer looks without the designer prices.

5) Favorite annual Houston event or festival — The Houston Rodeo allows me to channel my inner cowgirl by throwing on the hat, boots, and bling to go with it. My guilty pleasure is checking out all the vendors in Reliant Arena. In this vein, I’d have to say the Nutcracker Market ranks up there, as well.

6) My perfect day in Houston — My perfect day involves a good workout with my husband, maybe a bike ride along Allen Parkway or jog in the neighborhood, Lakewood Church with the family, dining at Brasserie 19 or Corner Table, and then spending the rest of the day lounging at home.

photo: Al Torres Photography