BBQ Perfection

In homage to my favorite local eatery, the first restaurant review for this blog will feature the perfectly smoked delights available at BT's Smokehouse in Sturbridge, MA.  OK so it's not exactly five-star dining, but it is the kind of place where you can get a good bang for your buck if you plan it right.

This will not last long, so take advantage of it.  BT's is offering coupons at www.restaurant.com for $2, 4 and $6,  worth $5, $10 and  $15 respectively.  This means that if you buy one of the $15 certificates for six bucks, you can enjoy two mouth-watering single-meat dinners, with two sides and corn bread,  plus an extra meat to share (Sticky Tips!)  for  ($16 for the dinners, $5.49 for the sticky tips and $3  for 2 sodas = $24.49 minus the coupon for $15 = $9.99 + the $6 coupon) $14.99.  Spend six, save ten.  Good deal!

Since the restaurant requires you to spend $22.50 if you use this coupon, the more frugal diner will go in as a party of one, order at least $22.50 worth and wrap up the rest to go, since take-out is not allowed for this promotion.

Even with out  coupon, BT's cannot be matched for its succulent brisket, amazingly tender ribs (especially the Memphis style) or for its quirky sides like fried cheese balls or Andouile Dog Bite.  And I am sure that in heaven they serve only one sandwich: the Brisket Reuben. 

A link to the restaurant:

www.btsmokehouse.com

Now go pig out!

 

Prologue

This blog is dedicated to foodies everywhere who love to dine out but cannot justify the sometimes outrageous prices charged by even the most modest of restaurants.  In addition to reviews mostly around Worcester, MA, I will share tips and tricks for getting the most bang for your dining buck.  Some are links to well-known web discounters, others are hidden gems that can only be found by visiting and discovering that half-price appetizer or dinner special, the twenty-five cent wings during the  game or the free buffet if you come in during the Super Bowl.  Readers are encouraged to share great food finds.

Let's start with three easy links that will turn you into a more knowledgeable and more frugal diner.  Many sites offer restaurant discounts as frequently as daily, but few do it as well as Groupon.  If you are not already a member, then do not delay in clicking this link, which will give us both a great deal:

http://www.groupon.com/l/uu45753068

Tonight I dined at a new restaurant in Worcester (very positive  review soon to follow in an upcoming  blog entry), which I have been looking forward to trying, with a Groupon good for one appetizer and two entrees.  Upon joining Groupon, I got a promotional code for $15 off my first Groupon purchase.  The Groupon was available for $25.  With the promo code, I enjoyed a $51.99 discount off the bill by buying a $10 Groupon.  Such a deal!  And great thanks to my excellent and favorite dining companions for expanding the meal with extra appetizers and a great bottle of wine.

If you dine out frequently, then why not take advantage of free gift certificates simply for making reservations?  When making dinner plans and someone asks "Do we need reservations?"  Say "Yes, I'll take care of it"  and then go to:

http://www.opentable.com/boston-restaurants

Granted, you have to make a lot of reservations, but it will save you some serious dining dollars if you use it enough.

Finally, although it is a bit lean on some of the better venues, this link will lead you to some interesting discounts at places that you might otherwise not try.  I have been both pleasantly and unpleasantly surprised by some of the offerings, but I encourage you to explore and judge for yourself:

www.restaurant.com

Enjoy your  meal, and let me know what you think!