dragoncon_lj_archive | So you wanna eat while at Dragon*Con?

Okay, so this isn’t going to cover ramen in the coffee maker or a diet strictly on ConSuite food and freebies. This is for people who want to eat out and eat well, but for as economically reasonable as possible. FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR OWN TIPS.

1) If you kind know where you want to eat, start googling and looking for coupons/specials now. Create an e-mail account and sign up for all the e-mail newsletters. Those free coffees, cookies, and other nom-noms add up. (For definition of nom-nom see: www.icanhascheezburger ). For a list of dining options in the Peachtree Mall food court: http://www.peachtreecenter.com/mall/pages/foodcourt.htm

a. Chick-fil-A specifically has some great deals during Dragon*Con. If you have the Chick-fil-A calendar, the September coupon is free 8 piece nuggets when you purchase a Coke product. And on Labor Day, wear your sports team’s logo and get a free chicken sandwich. (Source: www.cfack.com )

b. Quiznos (avenue level of the Peachtree Center Mall) has had some good Buy One Get One Coupons in my local paper in the past week or two.

c. Dairy Queen has a buy one get one free Blizzard coupon at www.dairyqueen.com

2) There are some restaurants within walking distance with certificates available on www.restaurant.com

a. Azio’s (upscale, Italian) is in Peachtree Center Mall. They have $25 certificates for $10. Use the promo code PALATE and take 70% off. So it ends up being $3.00. Minimum purchase $50/2 entrees. Dinner only. Excludes alcohol/other promos. 18% gratuity. Present prior to ordering.

b. Ted’s Montana Grill is at 133 Luckie Street (a block or so from the Westin). They have $25 and $10 gift certificates. Use the promo code PALATE and take 70% off the $25 certificate. So it ends up being $3. Must spend $50 in food including two entrees. Excludes alcohol. Must present prior to use. 1 per table. For dine-in and take-away orders.

3) So you want to go to Sear (the nice steakhouse in the Marriott). Marriott offers a “Dinner for Two” gift certificate for $109. This Marriott Gift Certificate entitles the recipient to a 3 course dinner for two including the choice of a complimentary appetizer or salad, entrée, desert and any non-alcoholic beverages per individual at participating Marriott restaurants. I'm pretty sure they participate, but I'd call and double check. Depending on what you order, that could be a "bargain".

4) If you are willing to drive or take the Marta, August 29-September 6 is Midtown Atlanta Restaurant Week. Many places are offering Gourmet Prix-Fixe Menus for $25. Enjoy special three-course (some place four-course), prix-fixe meals at participating restaurants. See http://www.atlrestaurantweek.com/ for participating restaurants and specific deals. In addition, lots of these places are associated with OpenTable, and there are several restaurants within walking distance from D*C that you can cash in your OpenTable points.

5) IF ITS IS YOUR BIRTHDAY in September, start signing up for all those restaurant birthday offers. The best on I’ve found is Benihanas (located in the Peachtree Center mall) will send you a $30 birthday dinner certificate to use during your b'day month if you sign up with them via e-mail. http://www.benihana.com/email