Thursday, January 22, 2009

Dining Out During the Recession

Funds are low and times are tough but there are many reasons we choose to dine out and here are some ways to afford it. If you are wondering why I would suggest dining out during such difficult economic times, restaurants like any other business need the support. I sadly found out this week one of my favorite bakeries Panya shut down as well as various B.R. Guest's restaurants including Fiamma, Ruby Foo's Uptown and Level V.

Didn't make reservations for Restaurant Week, fear not Jean-Georges restaurants Perry St., Nougatine, Vong, Mercer Kitchen and Matsugen offer year round $35 three course pre-fixe dinner menus (some during specific times.) Menus are available online.

One of my favorite restaurants is Kuta Satay House in LES. They offer a fabulous 4 course pre-fixe menu for $25 which includes 1 satay, 1 starter, 1 entree and 1 dessert. It's a small place and does get quite busy so I recommend reservations especially if a large group. Note: quite a few items on the menu are spicy

Don't want to travel into the city take a trip to Zitoune in Mamaroneck for some great Moroccan cuisine. They offer two Stimulus menu options: 1. 5-7:30 sun-thurs $16 for one glass of wine, one appetizer and one main course 2. 7:30-closing sun-thurs $22 one glass of wine, one appetizer and one main course. Check out the menus.

Looking for a lighter fare, why not have some appetizers at a bar. Sushisamba offers a nice Happy Hour special with $2, $3 and $4 apperitivos Sunday-Thursday 4-7 and 10-close. But note drinks, like the their special Sambatini will run you about $12.
Are you a fan of Top Chef? Well now you have the chance to visit Tom Colicchio’s Craft for Frudal Fridays where exectituve chef Damon Wise will be hosting tapas-style dinners where each meal costs less than $10 Check Out Eater's Article on this noteworthy event.

Finally, take a moment to check out Restaurant.com which offers certificates at discount prices (exclusions may apply but it's worth it). You can buy a $25 certificate towards your meal and with all the specials they promote pay as little as $8 for the certificate.

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