In these trying times, many people are finding themselves staying home more often to be recession conscious. However, restaurants all over the area are doing their best to maintain their customer retention and satisfaction by developing budget friendly specials for patrons to enjoy at a fraction of the cost. This is a great way to get out and try new and interesting cuisines that you may not create in your own kitchen. To satisfy a craving to go out on the town, these helpful tips will ensure a fun filled evening with your friends or loved one without breaking your bank account.
1. Plan to dine out during the week. Most restaurants have great specials during week days to attract customers, and help fill their establishment on slower evenings.
2. Alcohol is the most expensive portion of your bill. In order to work around this, try and find a BYOB (bring your own bottle) to enjoy an authentic dinner. Many ethnically diverse eating establishments will make their traditional drinks for you provided you bring the alcohol portion of the beverage, (e.g. tequila for margaritas).
3. If you are planning on going to a restaurant that is not BYOB, plan to have an earlier dinner to ensure you receive the happy hour drink specials to save on your alcohol tab. For these specials you may need to sit at the bar, but this is a great way to have a nice conversation with the bartender to learn more about the culture behind the appetizing food you are about to indulge in.
4. When dining with a group, a fun way to explore the various flavors of your restaurant pick, go Tapas style (eating a variety of smaller portion dishes) by ordering multiple appetizers, salads, and desserts to share.
5. If you are dining as a couple, maybe not for a first date, you could opt for Tapas, or plan to share your entrée so you can also have an appetizer and dessert as well. This will give you more to try, and believe it or not cost you less then 2 entrees.
6. Do not be afraid to move around from place to place. Most people tie themselves down to one restaurant, and that may limit the experience. Start your evening with an appetizer and cocktails during a happy hour with a fun atmosphere, and then move to a more intimate setting for dinner or dessert, this is a great way to explore different ethnicities in one evening.
7. Do not be afraid to ask if they have any price conscious specials for the evening, and more importantly to ask what the costs are for items not listed with prices on the menu.
With these tips in mind get out there and explore the diverse and exciting culinary world in your town. Enjoy your meal without having to worry about what it is going to cost you, because you now know how to dine for less money, without missing out on flavor or fun!
For more information or questions about this article: foodieinyou@gmail.com
1. Plan to dine out during the week. Most restaurants have great specials during week days to attract customers, and help fill their establishment on slower evenings.
2. Alcohol is the most expensive portion of your bill. In order to work around this, try and find a BYOB (bring your own bottle) to enjoy an authentic dinner. Many ethnically diverse eating establishments will make their traditional drinks for you provided you bring the alcohol portion of the beverage, (e.g. tequila for margaritas).
3. If you are planning on going to a restaurant that is not BYOB, plan to have an earlier dinner to ensure you receive the happy hour drink specials to save on your alcohol tab. For these specials you may need to sit at the bar, but this is a great way to have a nice conversation with the bartender to learn more about the culture behind the appetizing food you are about to indulge in.
4. When dining with a group, a fun way to explore the various flavors of your restaurant pick, go Tapas style (eating a variety of smaller portion dishes) by ordering multiple appetizers, salads, and desserts to share.
5. If you are dining as a couple, maybe not for a first date, you could opt for Tapas, or plan to share your entrée so you can also have an appetizer and dessert as well. This will give you more to try, and believe it or not cost you less then 2 entrees.
6. Do not be afraid to move around from place to place. Most people tie themselves down to one restaurant, and that may limit the experience. Start your evening with an appetizer and cocktails during a happy hour with a fun atmosphere, and then move to a more intimate setting for dinner or dessert, this is a great way to explore different ethnicities in one evening.
7. Do not be afraid to ask if they have any price conscious specials for the evening, and more importantly to ask what the costs are for items not listed with prices on the menu.
With these tips in mind get out there and explore the diverse and exciting culinary world in your town. Enjoy your meal without having to worry about what it is going to cost you, because you now know how to dine for less money, without missing out on flavor or fun!
For more information or questions about this article: foodieinyou@gmail.com
This is a really great post! Awesome...thanks for the advice!
ReplyDeleteAgreed!!
ReplyDelete