I wrote a post about this subject a couple month back, but it has once again been brought to my attention, that people need to do their part so that when the good times are back again we will have our favorite restaurants to go to. I know of one restaurant that recently had to cut their payroll by a good size chunk to continue to keep the doors open, mind you, this location has a huge following. Think of the new locations that are still struggling to get on their feet and do them a favor and be a regular.
Here are some suggestions to cut back on the total of your bill: Order a few appetizers (you get to taste more of the menu too) and share a main course. Have a drink before you go to dinner and skip the mix drink. Order a bottle of moderately price wine and forgo the wine by the glass. Skip dessert or share one. Go out for dessert and a drink after eating dinner at home. Some restaurants have a “stimulus” menu. (Joe’s has a Prix Fixe Menu for $45. JiRaffe has Monday Night Bistro, 3 courses, $38.) Savor every bite. Go to more than one restaurant in an evening. (I will first go to one and have my meal and then go to the next one for coffee and dessert.) Tip generously and let the chef or restaurateur know how much you appreciate what they’re doing.
You cannot keep the entire restaurant scene alive by yourself, but you can support the restaurants that have meant something to you over the years. Show your face: Don’t just disappear. It’s better to come in more often for a bite at the bar than once in a blue moon for a big blowout dinner.
If we don’t support our restaurants now, they may not be still serving when things turn around and we really have something to celebrate. (I don’t mean to scare you, but do think about it.) My boyfriend and I go to our favorite restaurants; BarPintxo , Joe’s , Josie , Church and State Bistro (213) 405-1434, Piccolo ,Beacon , Melisse , Jiraffe and Casa, because we want to see them through a “tough” time. Please do the same for your favorites and we will all get through this together.
P.S. Valentine’s Day is Saturday Febuary 14th. Don’t forget to make reservations.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Tamra // Feb 5, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Good point.
Robb and I split meals all the time. Our favorite thing to do is split an appetizer (sauteed spicy calamari) an entree (chicken marsala or new york strip) a bottle of wine (merlot or cabernet) and a dessert (cheesecake or tiramisu) and leave a BIG tip. I’m always stuffed!
2 Denise Smith // Feb 9, 2009 at 7:58 am
You are always good at remembering and helping those around you. That is why you are such a special gal. Keep it up and surly all will come your way!
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