I’m finding it increasingly difficult to be able to afford to go out to a nice restaurant with a friend for dinner. It seems the price of each course has continued to rise despite the so-called “tough times”. A three-course meal I had a couple of weeks ago cost me nearly $100 after a glass of wine, GST etc. I used to love my meals out somewhere special as a way of lifting my spirits since my husband died. Do you have any tips for cutting the cost? Please don’t suggest McDonald’s!
Yes, the cost of eating out at quality restaurants seems to continually creep up. Consider taking a friend out for lunch instead of dinner. You can enjoy all the pleasures of fine dining at as much as half the cost. Besides, you will feel in less need of wine in the middle of the day. Go somewhere you can look out to sea or across a park. That will lift your spirits more than alcohol, anyway. If eating out needs to be at night-time, why not find a restaurant that makes superb “afters” and simply go out for a divine sweet. You’ll still enjoy the atmosphere of a lovely restaurant and catch up with your friend, and you’ll be able to afford the most expensive sweet on the menu. Might be a great time to try out some sweet wines as well. Let’s face it, none of us eat out to stave off starvation. It’s the fun of having someone else cook for us. One delicious course is all you need. But make sure you tell the restaurant of your intentions when you book.
Do you have a consumer question for Kevin? Email [email protected], or post to Weekly Consumer, PO Box 90119, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142.
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