20 Ways to Save Money and Still Eat Out

There is an old American tradition called the “blue plate special” that originated in the 1920’s and was popularized in the 50’s. If you were looking for the best deal at any restaurant you knew to ask for the blue plate special.

Things are a little more complicated today with online deals and Facebook offers. But it’s still possible to find terrific dining deals, even if you’re not computer savvy. Here are 20 of our favorite ideas.

Fast Food chains


Ok, let’s get this out of the way up front. I know fast food chains have a bad reputation and for those who are concerned about health (and honestly shouldn’t we all be?) they may not be the best choice. Still, there are some great deals out there and these days fast food doesn’t necessarily mean grabbing a burger and fries from you local McDonald’s. There are fast food chains like Chipotle that offer a wide selection of meal choices made from fresh ingredients and at a reasonable price. Of course

sometimes you are just looking for plain old fashioned comfort food and a burger and fries may be just what you are craving. Fortunately, most fast food places and nearly all fast food burger chains offer some kind of value menu. So before you consider eating out at a pricey restaurant, take a look at what fast food places have to offer. You may be surprised!

Travel Destination To Add To Your Bucket List

LONG SUNSETS IN NEGRIL

The best beach holiday in the Caribbean.

Sunset In Negril, Jamaica.

With year-round sunny skies and 85 degree temperatures, Jamaica makes for a great beach getaway anytime of year. The crown jewel of the country, Seven Mile Beach, is found in Negril. The richest aquatic life lives here, making for the best snorkeling and diving in Jamaica. Then at the end of the day, grab a drink, sink your feet into the fine sand as the warm Caribbean water rolls at your feet and watch the long sun slowly roll out of view.

You don’t have to go far to experience the Jamaica’s culture. Friendly locals can direct you to the best local eateries for spicy jerk-rubbed meats and Jamaican patties, with reggae music or the more upbeat dancehall playing somewhere from a speaker.

There are many Caribbean islands worth exploring but only Jamaica provides that traveler’s coveted combination of stunning beauty and unique culture.

Travel Destination To Add To Your Bucket List

LONG SUNSETS IN NEGRIL

The best beach holiday in the Caribbean.

Sunset In Negril, Jamaica.

With year-round sunny skies and 85 degree temperatures, Jamaica makes for a great beach getaway anytime of year. The crown jewel of the country, Seven Mile Beach, is found in Negril.

Photo by guido1515

The richest aquatic life lives here, making for the best snorkeling and diving in Jamaica. Then at the end of the day, grab a drink, sink your feet into the fine sand as the warm Caribbean water rolls at your feet and watch the long sun slowly roll out of view.

Ricks Cafe Sign

You don’t have to go far to experience the Jamaica’s culture. Friendly locals can direct you to the best local eateries for spicy jerk-rubbed meats and Jamaican patties, with reggae music or the more upbeat dancehall playing somewhere from a speaker.

Part of Seven Mile Beach In Negril.

There are many Caribbean islands worth exploring but only Jamaica provides that traveler’s coveted combination of stunning beauty and unique culture.

20 Ways to Save Money and Still Eat Out

There is an old American tradition called the “blue plate special” that originated in the 1920’s and was popularized in the 50’s. If you were looking for the best deal at any restaurant you knew to ask for the blue plate special.

Things are a little more complicated today with online deals and Facebook offers. But it’s still possible to find terrific dining deals, even if you’re not computer savvy. Here are 20 of our favorite ideas.

Fast Food chains


Ok, let’s get this out of the way up front. I know fast food chains have a bad reputation and for those who are concerned about health (and honestly shouldn’t we all be?) they may not be the best choice. Still, there are some great deals out there and these days fast food doesn’t necessarily mean grabbing a burger and fries from you local McDonald’s. There are fast food chains like Chipotle that offer a wide selection of meal choices made from fresh ingredients and at a reasonable price. Of course

sometimes you are just looking for plain old fashioned comfort food and a burger and fries may be just what you are craving. Fortunately, most fast food places and nearly all fast food burger chains offer some kind of value menu. So before you consider eating out at a pricey restaurant, take a look at what fast food places have to offer. You may be surprised!

Outback Steakhouse Food That Will Make You Drool

Photo by Mike Mozart

Who can’t spot an Outback Steakhouse from a mile away? The restaurant chain was started over 30 years ago, and has grown into one of the most popular chain restaurants in the U.S. With over 1,000 locations in 23 countries, this Australian-themed restaurant chain should be at the top of your dining list. Here’s why – the menu is brimming with a large selection of wood-fire grilled, tongue tingling, juicy fare that will satisfy the toughest of taste buds. Not a steak lover? No problem. Outback’s menu is broad enough to cater to the oh so fussy eater (steak and potatoes only, please!) as well as the I’ll have one of each eater.  

Photo by Steven Depolo

Are you in the mood for a perfectly plump Porterhouse seasoned to perfection, or something from the sea swimming in steaming garlic butter? Maybe you want to delight your taste buds and treat yourself to the seared filet medallions topped with succulent roasted garlic butter? Whatever your mood and appetite, rest assured, you won’t leave Outback Steakhouse disappointed.

Photo by Yuichi Sakuraba

Start off with Outback’s signature staple – freshly baked dark honey wheat bread served warm with delicately whipped butter. Whether you’re in for dinner or just drinks, I highly recommend you request at least half a loaf. Once you try this bread, you’ll want it on your own table every night.  

Photo by Mack Male

The Appetizer menu at the Outback Steakhouse, or “Aussie-Tizers” as they’re called, provides a pleasing beginning to a tasty feast. If you’ve steered away from sampling Outback’s original Bloomin’ Onion, don’t. A beautiful looking Aussie-Tizer, this hand cut sweet onion is cooked to golden perfection and served with Outback’s enticing signature bloom sauce for dipping. If you’re in the mood for something rich in protein, consider the Wood-Fire Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie. A blend of tantalizing seasonings tops this appetizer and is served with grilled artisan bread, savory garlic herb butter, and fresh tomato basil. Your senses will thank you.

Photo by 모나카

The Outback Steakhouse doesn’t stop short when it comes to soup and salads. A steaming cup of creamy clam chowder is the perfect prelude to your meal. If you want to go lighter, I highly recommend the Brisbane Caesar Salad made with a pleasingly tangy Caesar dressing. This Aussie-Tizer will leave you with room for the rest of your meal.

Not all steaks are alike. The Signature Steaks at Outback are bold, classic, and hearty. Outback has carefully chosen cuts of the most succulent beef you will find. With 7 delectable and tender cuts to choose from, there’s something for everyone. I challenge you to find a cut of meat that’s more luscious than Victoria’s Filet® Mignon. It nearly melts in your mouth. Perhaps you’re more in the mood for a ribeye? Seared on a wood-fire grill to lock in moisture and add subtle smokiness, the Outback Rib Eye drips with flavor. If you’re especially hungry, I recommend the 14-ounce portion of this superbly marbled and aromatic steak. Can’t handle 14 ounces? Outback offers steaks in varying sizes, depending on your appetite. So, go for it.

Photo by Felipe Neves

Have your heart set on something other than steak? Don’t worry. Outback Steakhouse offers an expansive choice of meats other than beef including moist chicken, luscious pork and heavenly lamb, all of which are as tender and divine as their steak options. If your taste buds are burning for flavor, try Outback’s Baby Back Ribs. They’re rubbed with 17 specially selected spices, grilled over wood for gentle smokiness, then finished with Outback’s homemade zesty BBQ sauce. Can you say flavor?

If you’re craving something from the sea instead, how about the Bacon Bourbon Salmon? This dish is grilled over a wood fire and layered with a smoky bourbon glaze, leaving yourself to ask “Should salmon be served any other way?”  

Please tell me you saved room for dessert? The Chocolate Thunder from Down Under screams chocolate in a way only chocolate can. But if you’re a cheesecake connoisseur, treat yourself to the New York-Style Cheesecake, topped with rich chocolate or tangy raspberry sauce. Be warned though, it’s colossal in size, so you may want to share this one.

We can identify four main tastes: sweet, sour, salty, and bitterness. Some experts claim there’s a fifth taste called umami (Japanese for ‘pleasant savory taste’). Umami is what the famous French chef, Escoffier, claimed was the secret of his renowned success. Surely, a restaurant chain with a history as lengthy and successful as this one, must know something about umami that the average person doesn’t. If you want to satisfy your umami taste bud, stop by an Outback Steakhouse. You’ll be delighted.