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Presents: 7 Ways to Scout a Good Dining Deal By Crystal Green of Your Social Butterfly |
| Landing a deal of any kind can be rewarding and downright exciting in today's economy. When you're starving for savings on your favorite hotspots, you'd be surprised at what you'll find. No matter if you're looking for casual dining or cramming in a large catering order for guests, be smart and get a good deal while you dine. |
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| Try Something New
Be willing to step out of your comfort zone when dining especially casually. Although your favorite neighborhood grill may have an awesome view, you may learn that you like the ambiance and pricing of a restaurant that's not Zagat rated. Give up and coming bistros and cafes a shot. You're likely to find something enjoyable there as well. |
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| Group Savings
Make use of group purchasing while the trend is hot. Register for a service such as Groupon or Living Social where you can receive daily deals from local restaurants that offer up to 50% or more when you pre-purchase. Look for deals such as “Spend $40 when you purchase a daily deal at $20.” An offer like this allows you to purchase more items on the menu for yourself and a guest for half the price. Purchase the deal as a gift for your friend or spouse where you two can dine at the restaurant with the same offer at another time. Chat With ‘Higher Ups'
Contact the management team directly when you want to wheel and deal on large orders or catering. Here you'll be able to veer from the standard menu pricing and negotiate on your order. You may receive something as simple as a complimentary dessert with your order or a deep discount and private room if you dine in-house. Don't expect your restaurant to give away the farm, make reasonable requests if you want to be taken seriously. |
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| Coupon Clip
Don't be a snob to coupons. Coupon cutting is all the rage and saving families hundreds of dollars in their personal budgets. Check your mail and newspapers for coupon ads where you can save big bucks when you present it with your order. Sign up for mailing lists at your favorite places to get special and limited offers that you can redeem. | 
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| Go Against The Grain
Attend food events. The Tallahassee Food Festival is an indoor food event where restaurants and caterers of all kinds come to showcase some of their menu's new and popular items. In an expo environment, restaurants commonly create special offers for the weekend or because you attended the event. Here's where you can load up on the savings for future visits. Ask And You May Receive
Ask! Ask! Ask! Don't be afraid to ask for specials when you're at a restaurant before you order. Often a soup of the day or entrée will be on sale encouraging you to select and order. Especially when you're coming into the restaurant in droves; ask your server if you can get free refills on specialty beverages or a complimentary appetizer. |
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| Tuesday's The New Friday
Ditch the weekend dining every once and a while and visit your favorite spot during odd times. Friday and Saturday evenings are prime times for dining. Enjoy your date night or family dinner on a Tuesday night or Sunday evening. Call ahead and ask if there are any special discounts during less frequented times such as for happy hour 2-4-1 drinks. |
| Crystal Green is the CEO of Your SocialButterfly, a full service event production, marketing management and concierge services firm. Your SocialButterfly are the producers of the Tallahassee Food Festival and several other large community-wide events. For more information on Your SocialButterfly, please visit www.ysocialbutterfly.com. | You are Invited to the Tallahassee Food Festival! Saturday, September 24th, 2011 10 AM to 4pm at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center Adults are only $8 Kids 12 and Under are Free! |
