In response to "Cheap Summer Eats" [by Bob Batz Jr., China Millman and Moriah Balingit in Weekend Magazine, July 29, and at post-gazette.com/food], a reader who wishes to be anonymous sent some of his favorite Downtown deals, which he's been sharing with his son who is interning in the Golden Triangle:

• Amazing sweet yet spicy bowl of chili with jalapenos, chopped onions and shredded cheddar cheese comes with two slices of thick-sliced Italian bread and butter for $2.99 at Primanti's on Market Square.

Make sure you ask for the peppers, onions and cheese. ...

Two more favorites:

• Mama Lucia's (on Wood Street) Wednesday $3.25 lasagna special always packs the joint. For another dollar you get garlic toast.

• George Aiken's five wing-ding platter with two sides for $6.25.

"I agreed with your No. 1 selection of the Istanbul Grill," he continues. "They seem to still be running grand opening specials. Great flavors, decent prices, and they load you up with enough to take home and share with the rest of the family.

"Ironically, one of my all-time favorites used to be in that very spot: Yovi's $6 two-dog special, loaded up Chicago-style, was a taste sensation."

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