Like many of you, I'm sure, I gathered with some friends on the first evening of this year to celebrate the fresh start of a new year. Being that we're almost a whole week into 2012, it seems like a long time ago already.
But we ate black-eyed peas, watched the Cowboys lose and claimed new year's resolutions. Being that we're almost a whole week into 2012, I'm sure many of those resolutions have already been abandoned.
At any rate, my friend, who will remain nameless due to her transgression, stated that one of her resolutions was to dine out less often. She said that to me! Can you believe it? I scowled at her.
"That's a bad one."
"Oops!" she said.
"You should change that to dine out better."
I understand how people would want to begin the year with the goal of spending less money, especially less money on themselves and superfluous entertainment. And money spent at restaurants, coffee shops, the pub, etc., is a logical place to start.
Fair enough.
But I think, just as it's better to work smart than work hard, I think it's better to dine out smart than dine out less. Here are some suggestions for how to do that:
- Change it up. I'm as bad as anyone about having my "bail out" places. The first place that comes to mind, whether I've been there multiple times this month or not. Think past the "bail out" spot. And what's the best way to do that? With the WacoFork iPhone app, obviously.
- Go local. Seriously, even if it means driving across town to try a unique place for the first time, do it. That might mean Tony DeMaria's or Lone Star Tavern in Bellmead or even to The Coffee Shop in McGregor.
- Look for good specials. If saving money is a priority in the new year, then hit up a happy hour or a nightly special. They're all over the place. And if you find a good one that's not listed on our happy hour page, shout at us about it.
- Research. Find a well-written and entertaining restaurant blog to help point you in the right direction. Preferably one that's based here in Waco and features a blogger with charm and razor-sharp wit. If you need help finding one, email me —This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
One more bite: After trying a new place, write a review about it. Remember, we're giving away whatever is the latest version of the iPad when we reach 1,000 reviews (we're at about 700 at the moment). Every review written earns the reviewer an entry in the hopper.
