Are Dinner Specials, Like Restaurant Week, Really Specials?

I like finding a deal in everything I do and going out to aspend this much on for a small salad, entrée
nice restaurant is no exception. I do not dine out oftenand dessert are limited. That's about $20 for
as I feel that it's often quite expensive, and I couldappetizers, two $20 entrées and $10 for
probably cook a meal that is almost as good if notdesserts for a party of two. I typically do not spend
better. However I will admit I love the fact that I don'tthat much at a normal restaurant so right off the bat I
have to clean up! That's why I always look forward toexclude ½ to ¾ of the restaurants as this
Restaurant Week.isn't not a deal at all.
For those of you not familiar with it, Restaurant WeekThen, after you found a restaurant where the prix fixe
is a week (or two) event where a number ofprice is a good deal, you have to like what they are
restaurants participate and offer a prix fixe menu at aserving on the special menu. The restaurants typically
certain price. After doing some research and talkingdo not offer a full menu at that price, but rather a few
with friends, a number of cities have an event like thisselections for each. If you do not like the chicken, steak
including Austin, TX, Philadelphia, Washington, DC,or fish that they have selected, you will need to order
Kansas City, and New York City, to name a few. Theoff the regular menu and forgo the discount.
restaurants have a special menu that usually includes aFortunately for me, I'm not a picky eater and am willing
small appetizer, an entrée and a dessert.to try new things. But for those with limited palates or
Sounds like a good way to try a new restaurant andrestrictive diets, the prix fixe menu might not work for
save a little money, right?you.
Recently, I was out to a nice restaurant for dinnerFor the most part, restaurant week seems like a good
during a Restaurant Week special and left the mealmarketing gimmick to get consumers out dining. But if
wondering if most people are really getting a deal. First,you are lucky enough to find a very nice restaurant
the price didn't seem like a special at many restaurants.that is serving a meal you would enjoy, you can
At $35 per person (which was the price the last time Icertainly get a meal fit for a king at a price many can
went), the number of restaurants that I would normallyafford.