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Contributed by R.A.Henriquez
Yes! The recession is halfway over. However, there are still more important bills and priorities many of us have to tend to before dining out at Mr. Chow's in Beverly Hills. For this reason I'll give you some tips on ways to save when dining out.
I'm always looking for a deal, whether it's discounts on clothes or a free appetizer. That's why I always shop around online and look for coupons at some of my favorite restaurants' websites. It's quick and easy to print and even get on their mailing list for additional future discounts. Many of us have credit cards that we may not know offer exclusive deals like being part of a dining club. Check with your bank and see if you qualify. You can always check the Sunday paper for other great offers or take a second look at your "junk mail", there are some hidden treasures in the form of pay for one, eat for two deals.
 Celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself?
It's okay just to take it easy. Order water instead of soda. Add lemon or a packet of sugar for flavor. Try not to indulge in alcohol either. Some beverages like wine do enhance the dining experience and the taste of the food, but other concoctions can take away from some of the finer foods and chip away at your wallet. Not that hungry? Over the years, appetizers have come to be meals of their own. It's okay just to order the stuffed mushrooms and maybe a soup or salad. How many times have you ordered the loaded cheese fries and then had to ask for a doggie bag by the third bite of your 12 oz. ribeye?
And are you really ready for dessert?
Say you did finish the cheese fries, and soup, and salad, and the 12 oz. juicy steak with the loaded mashed potatoes and a few of your date's steak fries. Before forcing down some tasty treats, let your stomach settle for a bit as you drive to your neighborhood ice cream shop and save a few extra dollars. Or you and your date can share strawberry shortcake. Now that's romance, Lance. Just don't go cheap on the tip.
Now for my top 3 penny savers.
You don't always have to go commercial; some mom and pops restaurants offer the same dining experience for half the price and without those massive vibrating buzzers. La Casa Del Pasta located on South Independence offers some of the best authentic pasta dishes and paninis in town. Not sure what you're craving? Why not go to an all you can eat buffet for under $10 a person-at most locations. Go down to your local Golden Corral or Chinese Buffet and select from roast beef to pizza. The kids will enjoy endless trips to the dessert bar where they can create their own sundaes. And there's nothing better than your neighborhood greasy spoon. Rick's Café located off of Virginia Beach Boulevard serves breakfast all day and night at a fraction of the price with similar dishes you'd find at Denny's or IHOP. Come try a real $8 burger for only $4.
It's okay to treat yourself, but it's also about time you start feeding the piggy bank, too, when you go dining out. Bon appetite!
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