How We Spend: How Much Money Luke Butler Spends in One Week
Welcome to Receipt, our occasional, voyeuristic look into the weekly spending habits of notable Philadelphians. How we spend our money says a lot; it speaks to what we value, how we unwind and what makes us happy. In this series, we ask our subjects to keep track of everything they buy for seven days, from a cup of coffee at Wawa to a night out on the town — and everything in between.
This month, we checked in with Brit-born Luke Butler, the chief of staff to the deputy mayor for economic development. His whirlwind week includes plenty of coffee, some punk rock, and just enough booze to get him through a tough football loss.
DAY ONE
American Male, Rittenhouse: haircut … $45
Halal food truck at 16th and Market: chicken, salad … $5
La Colombe, Rittenhouse: iced coffee … $3
(“An admittedly premature kickoff to iced coffee season.”)
Pub & Kitchen, Rittenhouse: two Founders oatmeal stout beers… $20 (including tip)
DAY TWO
La Colombe: coffee … $2
Nom Nom Ramen, Rittenhouse: tonkotsu miso, Coke Zero … $12
Whole Foods, Logan Circle: ingredients to make “a couple of different Indian dishes” … $68.77
Fine Wine & Good Spirits, Fairmount: wine … $26.98 (“To go with the Indian food.”)
DAY THREE
La Colombe: coffee, pain au raisin … $4.50
The Market & Shops at Comcast Center: Tex Mex salad … $10.50
Watch World, Comcast Center: replacement strap and battery … $53.10
Bank & Bourbon, Midtown Village: Four Roses single-barrel bourbon, cheese plate … $27.97
A.Bar, Rittenhouse: Four Roses single-barrel bourbon, glass of red wine … $27.50
DAY FOUR
La Colombe: coffee … $2
Tokyo Sushi, Comcast Center: Spicy crunch salmon rolls, Coke Zero … $12.50
La Colombe: coffee … $2
World Cafe Live, University City: Live Connections concert featuring Ryan Matthews and Flutronix … $18 “I recently joined the board of Live Connections, a great non-profit that inspires learning for young people through interesting and unique musical collaborations.”
Passyunk Square Community Art Show at Theatre Exile, East Passyunk: $15
“Fundraising event organized by a friend of mine.”
Garage, East Passyunk: two cans of Stella Artois … $12
“Really cool bar in South Philly.”
DAY FIVE
Spread Bagelry, Rittenhouse: bagels, coffee … $18
Misconduct Tavern, Center City: two pints of Guinness, hot dog … $21.02
“I was there to watch my football team, Newcastle United, take on Arsenal. Despite a valiant second half performance Newcastle lost 2-1.”
Lov’N Care Cleaners, Rittenhouse: dry-cleaned shirts … $22
Opa, Midtown Village: Maker’s Mark and ginger ale … $10
DAY SIX
Day by Day, Rittenhouse: brunch … $31.86
Sam Ash Music Stores, Cherry Hill: Humidipak refills for acoustic guitar … $20.99
“I went to pick up [my] guitar that had been in the shop.”
Moore Brothers Wine Company, Pennsauken: case of wine … $199.56
“Incredible wine dealership that personally sources small-produced wines from across the world.”
DAY SEVEN
La Colombe: coffee … $2
Nom Nom Ramen: tonkotsu miso, Coke Zero … $12
Kung Fu Necktie, Fishtown: $6
“I went to see my (heavily pregnant) colleague Rebecca Lopez Kriss play with her punk rock band, Thee Glitterbombs.”
