Gazette Online, IA
08-14-07
Dining on a dime
Learn how to enjoy fine food on a takeout budget
By Anne Kapler
The Gazette
anne.kapler@gazettecommunications.com
Each year, the average American household spends more than $2,200 dining
out.
That's a lot of cash.
Since August is the most popular month to visit a restaurant (maybe it's all that
summer travel), we figured it was also the ideal time to look into ways to get the
most out of your dining budget.
We're not talking about dollar menus and drive-throughs. With a little planning
and flexibility, it's possible to enjoy fine dining on a takeout budget.
"Some of these are very simple things that we can do," says Phyllis Zalenski,
family resource management field specialist with the Iowa State University
Extension Office in Jones County. One example: Drinking water instead of $3
sodas.
"Trying to find coupons might be a little more challenging, but I think it's well
worth it trying to take the time," she says. "My thinking is: 'Be a wise consumer,
and try to get the most for my money.' That's what I teach, and that's what I try to
do in my own life."
Zalenski offers some of her best tips below. John Huntington, owner of
Huntington's Restaurant in Marion and chairman of the board-elect of the Iowa
Restaurant Association, weighs in, too.
Visit earlier in the day.
Dinner may break the budget, but eat out for lunch, and you may get the same
food (or similar food) for a lower price. Portions may be smaller, but chances are
they'll still satisfy.
One example: Visit upscale Iowa City restaurant One Twenty Six for dinner, and
the Jambalaya with Shrimp, Chicken, Pork and Andouille Sausage will cost you
$21. Stop by for lunch, though, and you can order Jambalaya with Chicken, Pork
and Sausage in a Spicy Tomato Broth for $9.
Some restaurants also offer ``early bird'' specials for diners who are willing to eat
dinner around 4 p.m.
Look for specials.
Restaurants use specials -- like half-price appetizers or kids-eat-free nights -- to
draw more customers to their businesses, especially on weekday evenings when
they are generally less busy, Huntington says. Take advantage of those deals.
How do you learn about daily specials? Watch the newspaper for ads or check
the restaurant's Web site. If it has a mailing list, sign up; you'll be the first to hear
about specials and may get some coupons.
Pay special attention to new restaurants, Zalenski says. They often run specials
in an effort to attract new customers.
Use coupons.
Joining a business' mailing list is one way to get coupons. Another is to check the
newspaper, the phone book or flip through those coupon packets that arrive in
the mail. You'll find more than deals for pizza; earlier this summer, a Valpak
mailing included a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for Konstantinos, a Greekinfluenced American restaurant in downtown Cedar Rapids. (You also can find
Valpak coupons online at www.valpak.com)
Coupon books sold by local schools and non-profit groups also frequently include
coupons from local dining establishments.
Share.
Most restaurant portions are two to three times bigger than one person needs
anyway, so order one entree and share it with a friend -- or take the leftovers
home for lunch the next day.
"You're getting two meals for the price of one if you do that," Zalenski says.
Want more food? Share the entree, but order your own soup or salad to
accompany it.
Be aware, though, that some restaurants charge a fee for splitting an entree.
Skip the entree.
Stop by that fancy restaurant you've been dying to try for just a drink and an
appetizer, or maybe just dessert. You'll get to experience the restaurant's
ambience and some of its most creative and flavorful cooking.
Skip everything but the entree.
Appetizers, desserts, sides, drinks -- especially alcoholic drinks -- can add up
quickly and easily end up costing more than the dinner itself. Keep your focus on
the entree, and ditch the extras.
Ask about senior discounts.
"Oftentimes, if you're over 50 or 60, they will offer you a senior discount,"
Zalenski says.
Ask your server, or check with local senior centers or the AARP for lists of
participating restaurants.
AAA members also may be eligible for dining discounts while traveling. Some
restaurant chains, like Hard Rock Cafe and Joe's Crab Shack, offer a 10 percent
discount to AAA members.