Joining Loyalty Club #1 Way to Save

The Richmond Times-Dispatch's Accidental Chef, Kendra Bailey Morris, published her top ten cost cutting suggestions for thrifty diners. Topping the list is her recommendation to join one's favorite restaurant's loyalty program. More and more customers are expecting some kind of reward in exchange for their loyalty. Here's the full article:

DEAR ACCIDENTAL CHEF: Our family loves eating out, but since this economic nosedive, we find ourselves going out less and less. We want to continue supporting our local restaurants, and I would like time off from cooking. Any ideas on how the average family can still afford to dine out without breaking the bank? -- Hungry in Henrico

DEAR HUNGRY: I figure many of us are nodding our heads in appreciation of this timely question. Like you, we want to continue supporting our local restaurants, especially in such a questionable economic climate (they're suffering, too!), but how do we reconcile a night out on the town when menu prices seem to be increasing and portions decreasing?

The good news is, now more than ever, establishments are addressing this situation head-on. Never have I seen so many weekly specials, discounts or special promotions being offered on a regular basis. From half-off deals to $10 gift cards arriving by mail, restaurateurs are doing whatever they can to keep your business. With this in mind, if you play your cards right, you can enjoy the occasional night out on the town without emptying your wallet.

Check out these 10 cost-cutting suggestions before you make your next reservation.

1. Be a coupon clipper. Check newspaper-ad inserts or visit a restaurant's Web site to access downloadable coupons and special deals. Take a few moments to join your favorite restaurant's loyalty club online to receive additional promotions.

2. Happy-hour specials aren't just for drinks. Many eateries now offer food promotions during happy hour such as half-off appetizers and early-bird specials.

3. If you've got kids in tow, take advantage of "kids eat free" nights. Many restaurants offer weekly perks for families dining out, including discounted and free meals, usually with the purchase of at least one adult meal.

4. Go easy on the alcohol and dessert. Drinks are one of the fastest ways to run up your bill. Order water with lemon or have a pre-dinner cocktail at home instead. After dinner, enjoy ice cream or another dessert at home.

5. Take advantage of those three-course pre-theater deals (usually an appetizer, an entrée and dessert for about $25 per person). This is a great way to dine at a high-end restaurant minus the three-figure bill.

6. Do lunch or brunch instead of dinner. It's certainly not news that lunch prices are significantly lower, so take advantage of this. Instead of a Friday night dinner, take the whole family out for a relaxed Sunday brunch.

7. Enjoy your favorite restaurant at home. Grab some takeout for an intimate evening you can savor while wearing your favorite pajamas.

8. Split and share. Instead of ordering two entrées and having leftovers, split the entrée part of your meal, or order several appetizers to share as your meal.

9. Go ethnic. You can get a lot of bang for your buck dining at locally owned Asian, Mexican or Indian restaurants. While the ambience is often no-frills, a bowl of Vietnamese pho soup or a platter of tacos de carnitas will fill you up for less than $10.

10. Pay with plastic. Many credit cards offer dining rewards or cash-back bonuses for visiting certain restaurants. Be sure to join your credit card's rewards program to fully participate.

Lastly, no matter what promotions or specials you decide to partake of, always be sure to tip your server appropriately. A discounted meal doesn't mean your server worked any less.

Kendra Bailey Morris is a Richmond-based food writer, culinary instructor and author of "White Trash Gatherings: From-Scratch Cooking for Down-Home Entertaining" (Ten Speed Press). Send ideas, tips or culinary questions to info@theaccidentalchef.net or visit http://www.theaccidentalchef.net.