We’ve been hard at work compiling a list of potential Super Bowl viewing destinations around town….but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see the final result. In the meantime, we’ve got a great Tightwad Tuesday idea for you that gives you the option of dining out at some of the best restaurants in town at a fraction of the price – Restaurant.com! For example, if you’re looking for a way to go out for Super Bowl Sunday without spending a fortune, why not buy a gift certificate for Brew It Up! Brewery and Grill? You can pay just $3 and get a $10 gift certificate to the restaurant or pay $20 for a $50 certificate! And the best part is there’s no waiting – simply purchase and hit print on your home computer!
Check back tomorrow for our list of Super Bowl Sunday viewing suggestions – or leave yours below!
Archives for 2009
(Belated) Tightwad Tuesday: Super Bowl Style
Due to yesterday’s inauguration activities, we decided to delay our Tightwad Tuesday for today (yes, Wednesday, just go with it). With the Super Bowl right around the corner, we thought we’d kick-off a series of Super Bowl themed entries with the ultimate in Big Game budget dining.
What crowd-pleasing food is super easy on the budget? Pizza, of course! Now, pizza comes in a range of prices – and yes – I realize we all have our favorite pizza places (we can certainly get into that debate at a later date), but when it comes to making a pizza decision strictly by your wallet, take-and-bake simply can’t be beat.
Here’s my Tightwad Tuesday tip for Super Bowl Sunday, or any day, really: an extra large cheese pizza from Papa Murphy’s. If you’re like me, then you already have a few of their “$3 off an XL” coupons stashed in your junk drawer (they usually come attached to the baking instructions). After using the coupon, this is an amazing deal for the amount of pizza you’ll get – all for under $7. If my calculations are correct, this is only $1.75 a person for two generous slices. Okay, now here’s my biggest budget-stretching secret – put your own toppings on it! You can save a bundle by not “upgrading” the pizza to pepperoni or veggies, but by adding your own at home.
Here’s a Super Bowl promotion from another “Papa” – Papa John’s, (which, in the spirit of full disclosure, is one of our firm’s clients), is giving you a chance to win a large pizza for just 25 cents (not even take-and-bake can beat that price!). All you have to do is register, and if the Opening Kickoff of Super Bowl XLIII is returned for a touchdown, then you’ll get a Papa John’s pizza for a quarter. Not so bad!
Quick Slurp: Tomato Bisque Soup
Where: Paul Martin’s American Bistro
What: A fresh-tasting and intensely satisfying tomato bisque that was featured a few weeks ago on the ever-changing seasonal menu at the Roseville locavore restaurant.
Why: There’s just something about a steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup on a cold winter evening that makes this girl happy. Just don’t slurp too loudly – people will stare.
Cost: About $7
Foodie Debate
One day last week as office members were gathered together for Christine’s birthday celebration, a serious debate ensued: Which burger place has better fries: McDonald’s or In-N-Out? (Leave it to the SacFoodies to start talking fries while eating cake). The debate was heated as each SacFoodie defended every aspect of his or her favorite fry – too much salt or not enough? Crispy or lightly fried? Thick or thin? And, what to dip the fries in? A few times a week the white board in our kitchen becomes just the place for important questions like this one. As the photo below demonstrates, the outcome on this question was clearly divided – five votes for McDonald’s and five for In-N-Out. So we need your help to settle the debate.
Leave a comment below and help us figure this out: When it comes to fries, is it McDonald’s or In-N-Out that keeps you coming back for more?
Tightwad Tuesday
It’s no secret that the down economy is taking a toll on all of us. But rather than throw a pity party, the SacFoodies are on a mission to maximize fun on a minimal budget. That’s why we’re bringing you tips for dining throughout Sacramento on a shoestring! Every Tuesday, we’ll post our latest “tightwad tip” that will keep both your appetite and wallet happy.
For our very first Tightwad Tuesday, we bring you Azul:
Photo courtesy of Richard L. on Yelp.
Azul Mexican Food & Tequila Bar, located in Midtown’s MARRS building, is the perfect place to satisfy cravings for Mexican food without compromising your budget. When I went there the first time, I was pleasantly surprised with the prices as well! For just $1.90, you can get a soft taco with your choice of Asada, Carnitas, Chicken, Chorizo or Al Pastor. Granted the tacos are on the small side, but my recommendation is to get two chicken tacos for under four dollars and load up on chips and salsa! Your budget will thank you.
By Brittany Mohr
It’s hard to imagine it has already been one year since Azul opened its doors and offered Midtown diners an affordable yet appetizing Mexican menu. In the past year, my stand-by order has always been the quesadilla. Stuffed with cheese, mushrooms and caramelized onions then topped with pico de gallo and sour cream, this tasty treat is a steal at only $3.90! And when I feel like splurging, I’ll upgrade to the Azul Burrito that includes your choice of meat and is topped with guacamole and served with a side of rice for only $10.90. Happy Birthday Azul!
By Julie Ficker
Azul Mexican Food and Tequila Bar
1050 20th Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
916-447-4040