http://www.nwsource.com/contests/restaurants/25for25_0307/
So basically its a chance to try out a restaurant you've been wanting to try, or enjoy a great deal on a meal at an old favorite. The menu is prix fixe and typically includes a variety of starters to choose from, 3-5 entrees , and a number of dessert items.
Although I have been to some restaurants that come up with a new and "cheaper" menu for this event, most seem to offer some of their favorites and don't cut corners.
Sunday my wife and I were heading downtown for a concert and stumbled across the ad for this year's 25 for 25 and decided we'd try and catch the blue hair special at Etta's.
We called and were lucky to snag a table at 5:15 AND confirmed that some of our favorite Tom Douglas items were on the menu.
Tom's "rubbed with love" salmon, cornbread pudding, and a wonderful endive and beet salad were my choices, followed by a brownie. My wife also opted for the salmon, but chose the short rib appetizer and the coconut cream pie.
The salmon was fantastic, and no they do not reduce the quantity or quality of food when you opt for the cheapo menu...great stuff. The cornbread pudding was decadent as usual, and both the salad and short ribs were wonderful.
The only minor disappointment was the brownie, but the massive slice of coconut cream pie made up for that (thanks for sharing hon.)
I have noticed sometimes this kind of promo can bring out the worst in both diners and servers; diners who abuse the opportunity to sample some great stuff at these restaurants sometimes fail to see the value provided, and servers fail to see the value in a customer who may not represent a huge bill tonight may fall in love with the restaurant and come back often if treated well.
Etta's delivered a top notch dining experience (again) and while we didn't spend a ton of money, we received exceptional service and made sure to tip our server well.
Next weekend I'm hoping to make a trip to the Barking Frog as they are taking part in the promo too. Last year the 'Frog included some special wines to celebrate the 25 for 25 which were both interesting AND discounted significantly. NICE!
If you are considering visiting one of the 25 participants, check out the site for the list of restaurants and book as early as possible. Most of them run the promotion Sunday-Thursday through March 31st, and serve a prix fixe lunch for $15 or dinner for $25.
My short list includes:
- Barking Frog
- Tulio
- Oceanaire
- Zoe
- Campagne
Which ones will you try?
