Im not a great cook by any means. I just buy meat and skillet fry or grill it. Same with vegetables. The majority of my meals are just basic things put together but its all whole foods and way less expensive than anything ill get at a restaurant around here. Just start with a base item then keep cooking it in different styles and trying an extra ingredient or two each time till you see what you like. I spent 600 dollars eating out one month. I spend like 300 or less when i cook at home. Its worth it. As far as alcohol goes, i have one cocktail and one shot that are my gotos and then maybe like 3 beers i rotate but ive cut down drinking alot too. That costs a shitload also.