I buy in bulk. Well, maybe not the bulk you're talking about. I buy a bunch...but don't get a discount and don't buy a whole cow.
Mama Mangia, is perciatelli & buccatini offered at grocery stores or is it a special italian store you go to to get them??? I know you drive a ways to get them... but maybe the place you're getting them from is close to me.
And yes... we do desperate things.