"...a few nights out..." is a relative phrase, I think. And has to be defined by the reader. For some it might mean and month and others a year. I agree that most of us do need to make some lifestyle modifications during these difficult times. I certainly have. However, I do agree with Michelle, we still need to enjoy ourselves. At least a few nights a month. Plus if we "foodies" quit supporting our local chefs altogether, they may not be able to weather the storm. I'm sure they too are really feeling the brunt of the current economic woes. So eat, drink and be merry. The economy sucks, but with the help of this recession busters story, our meals don't have to.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I think you misunderstood my post, as I never intended to be insensitive to the current situation. While I understand there are serious times facing our country right now, I do think the constant doom and gloom is a bit much. While I am still plenty of years off from retiring, I am still concerned about my 401K, Roth and other savings, but I also know it's not wise to watch my portfolio everyday b/c while it may be down now; there is plenty of time for it to recover. I also believe a lot of people got themselves in this situation, as well as the greed and corruption on Wall Street. Many people rely too much on credit cards or purchased a home or car they knew all along was beyond their means. However, that's beside the point - we are where we are now and have to deal with it together as a country. The point that I was trying to make is that there are still good deals to be had - really good deals to be had - and despite the current situation, you can still go out every now and then if you want to, and how much is up to you. For example, I've been to Lolita some night for less that $15. In all honestly, sometimes it more cost effective to eat out then making dinner. Do we eat out every night? Of course not. But we both have good jobs and work hard for what we have and are incredibly responsible with our money. Eating out is something we like to do and something we will continue to do, but perhaps with some modifications here and there. Again, I was not dismissing the economy - in fact, it's an area I follow religiously as well as politics in general - election or no election. And would never fault someone for not dining out, rather, just sharing some good deals for those that do. We all know what we can and can't afford to do. And all I'm doing here is sharing some things I learn along the way for those that wish to take advantage of it.

Thanks -

"A few nights out"?...would that be a week, a month or a year? Cleveland is the country's second poorest large city and, sadly, foodies sound like they're fiddling while Rome burns. I like fiddlehead ferns and beef-cheek pierogies as much as the next slow-fooder, but to dismiss the problems in the economy -- and by extension those who do not dine out because of it -- seems insensitive at best.

Hey Kate! Thanks for the comment.

Thanks for this one. I am so terribly weary of the 'false advertising' that has sent this country into a tailspin. - k

PS: I enjoyed your response to 'Jefferson.' I deal with that crap every day. It's really too bad people can't work harder to find positive things to do with their lives....

Jefferson - your comment was deleted. Rude and nasty comments will be deleted every time. You're welcome to share your views but keep it civil. Do not pretend to know me, my views or what I understand. In this instance, it happens to be a topic I am extremely educated on. And while I normally stick to just food, this is my blog and I'm free to say whatever I want - that's the beauty of it. If you don't like it, you don't have to read. Again, I welcome people that disagree with me on things - but anything nasty and immature will be deleted every single time.

You should move to Canada before the baby comes.....that way you could get an entire year off for maternity leave!!!

I'm totally moving to Mexico!! Cheaper there, there are awesome beaches and hello, it is perfectly acceptable to drink margaritas ALL DAY LONG. And I said it 4 years ago (but obviously didn't do it), but this time I may be serious.

I think I've said I'm moving to Canada about 3 times this week already.

I like this article and I think it's smart to talk about bargains at a time like this, BUT, don't say that you are moving to Canada. It drives me crazy when people say things like this around election time. You don't mean it and it makes you sound childish. I love this blog and I think you are a great writer , but leave the politics out of it.