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6yearrez
Citizen
Username: 6yearrez
Post Number: 149
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 7:50 am: | 
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Ordered the Osso Buco from the list of recited specials (recited without price). Bill came and price tag was $34; at least $8 more than anything on the regular menu. It was pretty tasty though and the potatoes were loaded with truffle oil so I just shrugged it off. But, if you go there, beware of the specials if you are trying to keep your bill moderate (which you can definitely do there). |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 409
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 2:58 pm: |
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Always ask for the prices of the specials. Waiters are getting used to it, and many restaurants are now reciting the prices and even better, printing them out. I used to feel a little weird, or cheap, asking for the prices, but the more I've done it, the easier it is.
I did it at Centanni last night. Waiter recited the prices immediately. |
connied76
Citizen
Username: Connied76
Post Number: 15
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 12:01 pm: |
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I agree emphatically! We love Cafe Arugula and frequent it a few times a month. We learned very quickly (after 2 big surprises) to NEVER order off the special menu. The specials are always at least 50% more (and sometimes double!) the cost of the their regular entrees. We got hit twice with a $30-40 entree charge on these specials which I think is very unfair. I expect specials to be in reasonable line with regular menu prices (maybe a few bucks more) and if they are that out-of-whack, I think it is good customer service to have the server indicate the price. |
kellybean
Citizen
Username: Kellybean
Post Number: 63
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 8:57 pm: |
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We got the venison special a week or two ago and were shocked at the $36 price tag! |
Scott
Citizen
Username: Selnychef
Post Number: 77
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 10:42 pm: |
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Venison racks cost about 15 dollars a pound. The dish probably cost the restaurant 10 to 12 dollars just to put in front of you. restaurants operate on pretty small margins and usually try to operate at 30 to 35% food cost. Chefs love specials because they can play and show you something neat. Osso bucco, takes 4 or 5 hours to do it right,and to really do it right calls for a lot of red wine.
Definately ask for the price, but remember, the chef or the line cooks are not going to be as excited cooking your chicken marsala as they would with seared rack of venison with an apricot cous cous and dried cherry sauce. BTW i've never eaten at cafe Arugula and actually ran that venison special at my restaurant for 35 dollars. |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 411
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 8:02 am: |
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Specials are wonderful. Scott's right: they are just more exciting. I will always try to order a special at my favorite restaurant because I know the other "regular" dishes will be there next time....the special probably won't be.
While I love specials at or a little above regular menu prices, I won't spend $12-$15 more, in all likelihood. It's just me. I have a hard time paying $35-$38 for an entree. Although I do appreciate everything Scott mentioned about cost of ingredients and time spent making a dish.
So come on, restaurant owners/chefs, wow us with your specials, and even charge up for the one which warrant the hefty price tag. But PLEASE, print out descriptions and prices on the menu. At the VERY least, have your waitstaff include the prices automatically when reciting the specials.
Terra has their specials (w/prices) printed alongside the daily menu, btw. I wish Arugula and Centanni would follow suit. |
Chris Farrow
Citizen
Username: Evrtnjrsy
Post Number: 61
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 1:31 pm: |
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Mickey
I don't have the daily specials printed at Centanni just yet, but I will make sure my wait staff recites prices when informing guests of the specials - FWIW our daily specials are almost always in line with our menu prices |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 412
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 2:00 pm: |
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Chris,
Excellent, thank you!
I did notice that your special prices were in line w/ your menu prices. I really like that. And if the chef whips up anything amazing, w/ high-priced ingredients, and you need to charge up, at least you can....without any surprises at bill time.
Btw, really enjoyed my meal there. I especially like the steaks: tender and well-accompanied and they're cooked exactly to order.
And a nod to Terra, too: one thing I loved was how hot the food was when it came out. Really tasty chicken quesedilla....a special, I think.
We are very lucky here in Maplewood.
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tjd
Citizen
Username: Tjd
Post Number: 31
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 2:49 pm: |
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We went to a restaurant in Red Bank once and my fiance (boyfriend at the time) ordered the surf and turf special! No prices were recited to us. We thought, "How much could it possibly be?" We were out for one our dating anniversaries anyway. Well, to our surprise, it was $75!!!! We ALWAYS ask now. |
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