‘Tis the giving season, but what to give?

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The giving season is here and if you’re anything like me, you probably have a lot more shopping to do! I really struggle this time of year because there are so many special people in my life to whom I want to give gifts, but finding the “right” gift is sometimes a challenge. And then there are the people in my life that are certainly deserving of a gift, but (regrettably) don’t always make my list right away – whether it’s due to a restricted budget or simply because they weren’t top-of-mind during my shopping excursion.

Some gifts are obvious, such as the stainless steel tools my dad has been hinting at since last Christmas, and the purse my mom has had her eye on since the Spring collection was revealed. But what about the others?

I got to thinking while I was out to dinner with friends one night that everyone needs to eat, and everyone LOVES to eat. Why not spread holiday cheer with Restaurant.com Gift Cards? They make perfect gifts for the people in your life you interact with all year round, but may not think to give gifts to.

Here are the top 10 people for whom Restaurant.com Gift Cards are the perfect gift: [Continue reading...]

Filed Under: Dining Tips |

Reinventing the First Date!

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I would in no way consider myself a dating expert, but I have recently been working on trying to recreate the excitement of those first few dates with my wife. Over the course of our relationship, we have gone out to dinner an irrationally high number of times, but it really became more out of the necessity of eating to stay alive than eating for the pleasure of each other’s company.  At one such dinner recently, we began to talk about the excitement of those first few meals we shared together and how it would be great if we could find a way to recapture the energy and the connection that we shared.  We had so much to learn about each other and everything was new.  The food was new, the company was new and most importantly the relationship was just beginning to bud.  We both felt like we were auditioning to each other in a way, and those nerves helped to make the experience not only exciting but incredibly memorable.

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Filed Under: Dining Experiences |

The Double Saving Divas ‘Dish’ on Feed It Forward

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The following post was written and contributed by Tarin & Tai Perry, the “Double Saving Divas.”

This is the time of year that causes people to slow down and think of others by giving. Yes, it is great to be the recipient of giving, but there is no greater feeling than to be the one who is doing the giving. There is a power in giving that cannot be expressed in words but only expressed in actions. History has shown what the power of giving can do in the lives of others. Take for example the happiness a less privileged child will have because someone decided to fulfill their Christmas list. Think about the mother who will be able to provide a Christmas dinner for her family because someone had given to their local food pantry. We sometimes get so busy with the cares of this life that we forget about others that may be in need.

When we heard about Feed It Forward and what it represents, it wasn’t hard to love everything about the program. It’s about thinking of others and extending a kind gesture by giving of your time and self. When you give, your heart instantly overflows with joy and gratification that money can’t buy. Although, we love to save money, giving is our first priority. So please take the time to think of someone who may need a smile and Feed It Forward by sending them a Restaurant.com eGift card. The best part of it all, it’s completely FREE….no strings attached!

Learn more about the Double Saving Divas’ involvement in Feed It Forward here. To learn more about the Double Saving Divas, visit http://doublesavingdivas.com/.

Filed Under: Inside Restaurant.com |

Tired Of Turkey? Over Leftovers? Try These Cuisines!

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Thanksgiving weekend is over. You’re back at work. And you never want to eat turkey again.

Your last week has probably been filled with turkey sandwiches, turkey casseroles, leftover mashed potatoes, leftover stuffing, turkey in pasta, more turkey sandwiches and…you get the point. Like holiday guests who have overstayed their welcome, it’s time for that bird to fly the coop.

[Continue reading...]

Filed Under: Dining Tips |

Celebrate the Gift of Giving! A Message From Restaurant.com CEO Cary Chessick

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This week, Feed It Forward, the celebration of the gift of giving, returns for its fourth year.  Every day from now until Christmas Day, anyone can log on to the Feed It Forward site and give FREE $10 Restaurant.com eGift Cards to up to 40 people each day.

Feed It Forward is one of the Restaurant.com initiatives nearest to my heart.  There is a hidden emotional gem in giving to others and Feed It Forward is about celebrating the gift of giving. We’ve created this free gifting opportunity so that everyone can share in the holiday spirit and spread good cheer to the important people in their lives.

[Continue reading...]

Filed Under: Inside Restaurant.com |

He Said, She Said: Sitting on the Same Side of the Table

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Let’s set the stage: you are on a dining date for two.  Maybe it is a fancy “date,” maybe it’s a casual dinner that’s part of a budding romance, or maybe you and your significant other just wanted to stop by a favorite neighborhood haunt and get a bite.  Whatever the circumstance, when your server shows you to your table, it’s set up in such a way that sitting side by side, on the same side of the table, is an option.  What should you do?

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Filed Under: Dining Trends |

Introducing ‘Specials by Restaurant.com’

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Love our everyday dining deals? Then you’re going to love our new and exciting Special deals. Specials by Restaurant.com is an additional avenue for you to save on memorable dining experiences through a unique selection of daily deals.  

Specials by Restaurant.com offers daily deals designed to complement your dining experience. Packages such as dinner and a movie, hotel and restaurant bundles or special discounts on flowers to surprise and delight your dinner date add an extra element of value to the dining savings you already enjoy.

Looking for something fun to do tonight? Today’s one day Special is two movie tickets and a $25 Restaurant.com eGift Card for just $25.

Start taking advantage of the unbelievable deals from Specials by Restaurant.com by visiting Specials.Restaurant.com. Daily Specials are offered at limited quantities and for a limited amount of time. Check daily for incredible savings on sweet dining experiences.

Filed Under: Inside Restaurant.com |

Business Dining – Do’s and Don’ts

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Have you ever been invited to a business dinner, but aren’t sure about the proper etiquette? Need to brush up on your basics to impress your coworkers or clients?

With the holiday season approaching, there are plenty of business dinners and chances to impress (or disappoint) those you work with.

Here are some of the basics to help you avoid some potentially awkward situations.

[Continue reading...]

Filed Under: Dining Tips |

Dining with Kids – Dining Disaster or Family Fun?

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Dining out is a fabulous family activity, but when you have young children, can sometimes be a bit of a challenge!  Since no one on the Dish Team can offer advice from personal experience, we’ve turned to Restaurant.com senior marketing manager and mom of two, Tania G.

With a nine-year-old and a four-year-old as part of her dining crew, Tania has learned the ropes of how to navigate a restaurant with kids in tow.  Her tips are below!

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Filed Under: Dining Tips |

Thanksgiving: Ready or Not!

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The following post was written and contributed to The Dish by Jan Leasure, www.jan-leasure.com.

I have to admit that all through October I mentally plan for Thanksgiving, what will I make, who I will invite, how I will set the table? In my mind my holiday celebration is always elaborate. Then Wham! It’s mid-November and I have two thoughts: 1.) “You know I REALLY like Boston Market turkey and that creamed spinach is to die for!” and 2.) What Restaurant.com restaurants are open on Thanksgiving?

I don’t always knuckle under to a catered Thanksgiving dinner, (ok, once) or flee to a restaurant (sometimes). I thought I could improve for everyone if I was better organized. Whether you’re serving your first Thanksgiving dinner or you’ve served Thanksgiving dinner every year for 30 years, putting together a timetable and plan is key.

Planning ahead, at least three weeks in advance, can help you have a successful, stress-free Thanksgiving celebration. Here are some general tips to consider:

Make and use lists – a list of guests, a list of ingredients, and another list of what to do prior to serving the meal.

Combine as many preparation steps as you can to save time. Use a date calendar to write down your daily plan in advance.

Following are tips to help you prepare for Thanksgiving Day from three weeks out to an hour before the dinner bell rings.  [Continue reading...]

Filed Under: Dining Occasions |