Saving Money at Restaurants (or not)

Saturday night my wife and I and our resident student from Japan dined out at an Italian restaurant on Arthur Avenue, Ann & Tony's. We've dined there previously and have had really good food. As a bonus, they participate in the Rewards Network that we belong to which offers 15% discount on participating restaurants. We just have to register our credit cards online, but otherwise the restaurant never knows we are getting a discount.

Dinner entrees were reasonable, in the $15-$20 range and included salad. Across the street from the restaurant we had noticed a cafe where we planned to go for dessert. But our plans changed when the waiter brought over the dessert tray - it's always harder to resist when the choices are placed in front of you and described in detail. I selected a brownie sundae and we encouraged our visitor from Japan to try an Italian cannoli. (Having a great view of the Mets on a large screen TV also encouraged me to stay in the restaurant longer.)

Two desserts and coffee ended up adding about $20 to the bill including tip (less the 15% discount). When we stopped in at the cafe afterwards, they had desserts at a considerably lower price. Even more frustrating, we left the restaurant before the Mets began their rally to go ahead of the Dodgers to win the game.

To keep our expenses under control, we're trying to keep our dining expenses to a minimum and be selective about the eateries we visit. But when it comes to dessert, I guess you have to break the rules once in a while.