Released June 29, 2009
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Dining out is one of the fun things in life. It might be for a special occasion or when you are limited with time. If your budget is tight, try not to let dining out become an expensive habit for you. It is so easy to say, “I am too tired to cook,” or “I don’t have the right ingredients.”
When you do eat out, there are ways to save money at the restaurant, such as:
1. Set aside money each month just for eating out and then don’t overspend.
2. Look for restaurants where you order your food and serve yourself. You don’t pay for wait service or tips.
3. Some restaurants offer an early bird special, usually from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with lighter selections that are less expensive than the dinner menu.
4. Some restaurants will let you order from the kids menu. It has smaller portions and costs less.
5. Look for discount nights such as “Kids eat free on Thursdays.”
6. Dine at lunch, the portions are smaller and the food cheaper.
7. Try locally owned ethnic restaurants for good deals on authentic food.
8. Take advantage of restaurant specials or use coupons usually found in the local paper.
9. Skip the beverage and order water. One of the biggest mark ups in the food industry is drinks with alcohol, soda and coffee.
10. Skip the appetizer and save yourself money and calories. Or order the appetizer as your entrée along with a salad.
11. Split the main course with another member of your party.
12. Skip the dessert.
13. Remember to bring home the leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
14. Carry out can be much less expensive than eating in the restaurant. Just buy part of the meal and fix the salad at home.
--30--
http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2009/dine-out-less.html
Contacts: Kathleen Lovett is a health and nutrition educator with University of Minnesota Extension.
Catherine Dehdashti, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu
