One of the very first things I do every morning is look at my email. I can’t wait to see if I missed something important during those few hours during the night when I’m not checking my inbox. I know that without fail messages from Groupon, Living Social, Buy With Me, What’s the Deal, and Restaurants.com are awaiting my perusal. Emails feature tantalizing offers of 50% discounts or more at area restaurants. What could be better? (Offers for laser hair removal, botox(?!), pole dancing lessons, car washes, and various spas are quickly deleted).
I linger over these daily deals, weighing the benefits of being tied down to specific places that are not on my dining to-do list against getting a meal at half-price. Payment is required up-front and there is a specific expiration date, usually between 3 months to a year. So it’s a commitment.
I’ve taken advantage of discounts at Kushi, Coca Sala, and Frosting A Cupcakery, among others. But my inbox is now starting to pile up with deals that I have purchased and not yet used. It may be time to start exercising some discretion.
The first Living Social deal that I purchased was $25 for $50 to spend on food and drink at Indique Heights in Chevy Chase. It took me by surprise when I received a reminder that the deal I had purchased nearly a year ago was about to expire. Fortunately, Indique Heights is perfect for a last minute weeknight dinner with the husband.
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| Bhel Puri |
Our meal began with “street snacks” from various regions of the country. Bhel Puri from Mumbai is made of Rice puffs, crispy gram flour noodles, cilantro, and tamarind chutney. Aloo Tikki (New Delhi) are potato patties stuffed with spiced peas and chutneys. Both have unique flavors and the right amount of spice. I wasn’t as impressed with the onion kulcha, which is required eating for me with Indian food.
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| Chicken Chettinad |
For my main course, I took a risk on the Chicken Chettinad. It was described as “Not for the faint hearted!” An authenic preparation with coriander, toasted tellicherry peppercorns, and served with lemon rice. I asked the waiter if they could turn it down a notch, but my husband assured them that I could handle it and ordered me a side of raita to cool things down. He ordered Hyderabadi Baingan which is baby eggplant cooked with sesame, cashew-nut, peanuts, spices and tamarind.
I took my first bite of the chicken and braced myself. The spiciness snuck up on me, working its way up through my nose. The second bite was better because I knew what to expect. I settled in for a delicious adventure, affirming what I already knew. The complex flavors, textures, and spiciness of Indian food make it my absolute favorite cuisine.
My husband found the eggplant in his dish a little bitter, but the sauce was interesting and he liked the nutty flavor. Creamy lentils accompanied both his dish and mine—the subtle flavor nicely balancing the main courses.
Now that I think about it, I can’t really argue against saving $25 on a dinner that we thoroughly enjoyed. I can certainly justify a bargain on a weeknight meal, and save my preferred list for the weekends. Problem of having too many unused deals hanging around is solved! Because really, look at all the money we’re saving.
My rating (on a 1-5 scale): 4
Zagat Rating: 23
The growing stash of Groupon deals in the armrest of my car attests to the lure of a deal on a dinner. Six months is the minimum, also lunch & dinner an option before I'll bite. Usually restaurants I've already tried. Not very daring. These coupons must cost the restaurants a fortune.
With your comments about Indique Heights, I think we'll be revisiting soon.
Keep up the good work.
I guess they aren't losing too much money. it's not so different than the old days of the Entertainment Book but this way they get money up front and guaranteed customers. Its got to be bringing business in to these places because there are more and more groups doing them. Open Table just got in the game!