Friday, May 8, 2009
Godiva Gift Card Deal
Costco is offering two $25 Godiva gift cards for $19.99!! This offer is only good until May 10. Just in time for Mother's Day!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Welcome
Welcome to my blog! I decided to base this blog on my love of eating and finding great deals! I hope to add to this blog on a weekly, if not more often, basis. I'm not a professional cook, critic, writer or photographer. I just want to share bargains I run across because who couldn't use a deal in this economy?
Tam O'Shanter
Before the "Big Game" today, I decided to treat myself to a delicious lunch at Tam O' Shanter Inn in Los Angeles. I grew up in this town but have never dined there. I've been fortunate enough to dine at its sister restaurants, Lawry's The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills and Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar.
Needless to say, the service and food quality at Tam O'Shanter Inn is what I've come to expect from a Lawry's restaurant. When I arrived, I was pleasantly greeted by Pierre, the host. I was seated immediately in the wood paneled dining room with a cozy fireplace.
Within seconds, my server, Tonya, offered sparkling cider or Champagne (technically sparkling wine), which is complimentary with the Sunday Brunch menu. When I informed her I was interested in the Prix Fixe menu as part of Dine LA Restaurant Week, she kindly informed me of my choices for the $22 THREE course meal.
I selected the Tam O'Shanter salad, the Toad in the Hole entree, and the Chocolate Souffle for dessert. As soon as my order was placed, I received a basket of scones and muffins. The basket of goodness was accompanied by a berry butter and orange marmalade.
My salad arrived shortly after. To be honest, I was starting to become full after a scone, 1/2 of a muffin and the salad. That's saying something considering I usually have a hearty appetite and I didn't have breakfast this morning.
Before the entree arrived, I was greeted by Tony, the Manager.
He mentioned he wanted to stop by to welcome me to the restaurant because he noticed I mentioned it was my first visit when I booked the reservation. He shared the history of the Tam O'Shanter Inn, which is the oldest restaurant establishment in Los Angeles to be owned continuously by the same family. That's longevity, especially in a town like L.A.! I mentioned I was interested in returning to his restaurant with some friends, so he gave me his card and said to call him when my plans are finalized. He said he'll do something special for us. How nice is that?
When my entree arrived, I wasn't impressed with the presentation of the Toad in the Hole because it just looked plain on a plate with green beans. But, I was pleased with the texture of the Yorkshire pudding, especially
the crust, and the flavor of the burgundy wine sauce. The perfect bite was a bit of pudding, filet mignon, and mushroom. The flavors on the plate made me want to eat the whole thing, but I had to force myself to put the fork down as I knew a chocolate souffle would be waiting for me.
Just when I thought my lunch was complete, Tonya presented me with a second dessert, the English Trifle. She said it was in honor of my first visit to the Tam O'Shanter Inn. How "sweet" is that? Of course by now, I was completely stuffed, so the trifle (not to mention the remaining Toad in the Hole, scones, and muffins) went home with me in a box.
Needless to say, the service and food quality at Tam O'Shanter Inn is what I've come to expect from a Lawry's restaurant. When I arrived, I was pleasantly greeted by Pierre, the host. I was seated immediately in the wood paneled dining room with a cozy fireplace.
Within seconds, my server, Tonya, offered sparkling cider or Champagne (technically sparkling wine), which is complimentary with the Sunday Brunch menu. When I informed her I was interested in the Prix Fixe menu as part of Dine LA Restaurant Week, she kindly informed me of my choices for the $22 THREE course meal.
I selected the Tam O'Shanter salad, the Toad in the Hole entree, and the Chocolate Souffle for dessert. As soon as my order was placed, I received a basket of scones and muffins. The basket of goodness was accompanied by a berry butter and orange marmalade.My salad arrived shortly after. To be honest, I was starting to become full after a scone, 1/2 of a muffin and the salad. That's saying something considering I usually have a hearty appetite and I didn't have breakfast this morning.
Before the entree arrived, I was greeted by Tony, the Manager.
He mentioned he wanted to stop by to welcome me to the restaurant because he noticed I mentioned it was my first visit when I booked the reservation. He shared the history of the Tam O'Shanter Inn, which is the oldest restaurant establishment in Los Angeles to be owned continuously by the same family. That's longevity, especially in a town like L.A.! I mentioned I was interested in returning to his restaurant with some friends, so he gave me his card and said to call him when my plans are finalized. He said he'll do something special for us. How nice is that?
When my entree arrived, I wasn't impressed with the presentation of the Toad in the Hole because it just looked plain on a plate with green beans. But, I was pleased with the texture of the Yorkshire pudding, especially
the crust, and the flavor of the burgundy wine sauce. The perfect bite was a bit of pudding, filet mignon, and mushroom. The flavors on the plate made me want to eat the whole thing, but I had to force myself to put the fork down as I knew a chocolate souffle would be waiting for me.It's a good thing the pace at Tam O'Shanter was relaxed. There was a bit of lag time between the entree and dessert, which gave my stomach enough time to rest before the dessert arrived. As with the Yorkshire pudding, I preferred the crusty edges of the piping hot souffle. I hate to admit it, but my favorite part of the dessert was the whipped cream topping.
Just when I thought my lunch was complete, Tonya presented me with a second dessert, the English Trifle. She said it was in honor of my first visit to the Tam O'Shanter Inn. How "sweet" is that? Of course by now, I was completely stuffed, so the trifle (not to mention the remaining Toad in the Hole, scones, and muffins) went home with me in a box.In the end, I really got my money's worth for a $22 meal. In addition to the savings from the Prix Fixe menu, I also received 100 points from OpenTable.com towards earning a $20 OpenTable Dining Cheque. Additionally, I earned 22 points from Lawry's VIP Rewards towards a $25 Rewards Certificate. Not bad! Check out these websites for details!
Free Breakfast at Denny's
According to the commercials aired during the "Big Game," Denny's will be offering a free Grand Slam breakfast on Tuesday, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. I'm trying to get details from their website but it seems like thousands of other people are trying to do the same thing. Here's the link: http://www.dennys.com/
If you plan to brave the crowds, I suggest getting their early or try a late lunch for your breakfast. I'm not a fan of waiting too long to be seated in a crowded restaurant!
If you plan to brave the crowds, I suggest getting their early or try a late lunch for your breakfast. I'm not a fan of waiting too long to be seated in a crowded restaurant!
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