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SEASON 1 CASTING

DINNER BUDGET BATTLE

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The Frugal Firefighter

Cruz Macias Jr.

Lancaster, CA / San Fernando, CA

Retired Firefighter

  • Cruz worked for LAFD for 35 years as a Hazmat Specialist, FEMA Urban Search and Rescue, and as the station cook.

  • When it comes to cooking on a budget, this former firefighter wrote the book, in fact he published two cookbooks that focus on how to cook for 10 to 12 grown men on a skinny budget. 

  • This recent grandpa's crowning cooking achievement is being a 2x LA Times Firehouse Cookoff finalist. He won it all the second time he went to finals.

  • Cruz is married with three kids and two grandbabies, and they all love his cooking as well.

  • His biggest budget tip is to head directly to the meat section at the grocery market and to build a meal around the best deal you can find.

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