Welcome to Food Passion,
Food Passion goes independent! See the good and the bad in all their glory!
Previous entries on the Food Passion website are paid for by the businesses represented. We will gradually updating the site with new entries which will be our critical take on the food scene here in Swansea.
Whilst the Food Passion Blog has always maintained its independance, we believe that the 6,000 members of the public who read our site each month would love the REAL lowdown..
Keep your eyes peeled - we'll highlight all new independent entries as they come live.
'Eating Out Without Breaking the Bank' - Special Feature from our Associates at Money Supermarket
Most people love a good meal out- what's not to love? Lovely food, even better wine and no washing up! However the recession has meant that people have less disposable income left at the end of the month, meaning that luxuries like eating out are put on the back burner. This need not be the case, as it is possible to go for a luxury meal without breaking the bank. Read this guide for some top tips on eating at your favourite restaurants for less…
Use vouchers
Don't think that you have to pay full price for your meal out. Countless restaurants are jumping on the discount vouchers bandwagon, to ensure that people carry on coming through the doors despite the recession. You can find vouchers for the big chain restaurants or smaller independents, for whatever kind of cuisine you're looking for. Before heading out to a restaurant, make sure that you check online on moneysupermarket's vouchers page and print off a voucher to get you 2 for 1 on your meals, a percentage discount or a freebie starter, desert or bottle of wine. These discounts can save you a hefty chunk off your total bill, being kind to your bank balance as well as your belly.
Eat early
There is a space of time during the day that a normal restaurant will be relatively quiet- just after the lunch time rush and just before dinner. This is when restaurants need more custom, so they're likely to create special menus and offers for the 'early birds'. This usually comprises of 2 courses for a lower amount, a different set menu or a 2 for 1 offer. To eat a bit earlier may be tricky if you have work commitments, however if you head straight for dinner after you finish you could make some brilliant savings. This is also ideal if you have something planned for the night time, such as a concert or a night out as you can eat out before you go for less.
Take your own plonk
If you're heading out to a smaller, independent restaurant you may be able to take your own drinks. This may seem pretty old fashioned but some restaurants do not have licenses to sell alcohol but allow you to take your own. One of the major costs of eating out is buying alcohol, specifically wine, so by buying your own before you go could save you a fortune. If you can't take your own you can cut down on drinks costs by just asking for a jug of tap water or sticking to soft drinks. Most establishments offer free tap water on request so in theory you could just pay for the food.
Share a desert
For those with a serious sweet tooth this may not even be an option. To save some money on the overall bill simply share a desert. For a nice desert in a good restaurant you're looking at spending at least £5, which could be saved if you opted to share a desert with someone at your table. Another option is to skip desert entirely and opt for a healthier version instead- perhaps some fruit and yoghurt at home. The same goes for side orders too. Those extra sides of chips, onion rings and vegetables are probably not necessary and by not ordering them you could drastically cut your bill down. One way to avoid over ordering is to not go to a restaurant extremely hungry as the old saying 'eyes to big for your belly' certainly still exists.
Subscribe to Newsletters
If you have a favourite restaurant that you visit frequently, ask them if they have an online presence. This will most certainly be a yes, as social networking is now one of the most powerful ways to advertise. Become a follower on Twitter, a friend on Facebook and sign up to their newsletter. Usually restaurants will send out exclusive offers to those who are part of their online community, and will throw competitions which you can enter easily online. Many restaurants will email you special offers and discounts and may even give you a few exclusive deals, saving you a few pounds off your next meal.
Take your food home
If it’s the food you're after and not the sense of occasion, why not take your food home? Most restaurants offer a takeaway service and usually give a pretty good discount on the food- after all; you're not paying for the service. This can save you around 30% off your total bill, and you can pick up your own bottle of wine on the way home. Perfect for a romantic night in.
The Food Passion Blog - as featured in the BBC Olive Magazine
- the only place to discuss your thoughts on Swansea's food scene! Hate a restaurant, or have a great local food insight of your own, leave your replies to the many discussions and see what others have to say. If you want to start your own topic, email the editor and we'll add it for you!
Latest Blog topic!!!! - Supermarket Squeeze or the Inspiration behind local produce?. Click this Food Passion link to read more.
Do you have Food Passion?
Now established as the food and restaurant guide for Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower, Food Passion is your insight into great places to eat out or fantastic produce to take home and enjoy.
But we believe we have created something much more than just a guide - after all, the editor's passion is quality food and drink. By being based here in the area, and only concentrating on the food scene, Food Passion is providing an up to date resource and insight into what is happening, as soon as it happens, with access to the behind the scenes stories.
At Food Passion, we are always glad to hear about your food stories and events, so do get in touch if you want to tell us about your passion for food.
(image courtesy of BBC Olive)
Enjoy your Food Passion!
Tony Kluge
Editor
Food Passion is a trading name and intellectual property of Santo Enterprises Ltd., and covers the Food Passion print guide and website and all associated design and logos. All photography, design, and text within Food Passion guide and website are covered by UK copyright law, and any attempt to copy or misuse any of the above from either print or web sources will be met with a rather severe letter from my solicitor. Thank you.
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