Eating at restaurants is inherently expensive however there are ways to whittle down the costs.  Restaurants.com is a big help in this area. They offer discounts in the form of prepurchased gift certificates. Now the most important part is to make sure this includes restaurants that you frequent or would like to try. And read the restrictions which sometimes include minimum purchase prices. They also usually include a gratuity of 18% added to your bill.

One of the best ways to use this site is for special occasions. You know you are going out for a birthday, anniversary, or to impress your new in-laws. Purchase a $50 gift certificate for $20 and save $30 off the price right away. Many places also offer a $100 gift certificate for $40 which knows $60 off the bill.  Each restaurant has different rules so please check before you buy. Remember it only saves you money if you actually use the certificate.

If you are in Los Angeles or New York or bi-coastal, there is a great new site Blackboard Eats. Sign up for their newsletter and start partaking of their deals before they expire. No cost or obligation, just check out what they have to offer. Sometimes it’s a free tapas plate, sometimes a pre fixe dinner, or a global discount on your check. This is fun for interesting places that you might not venture into otherwise.  They cover the gamut from reasonable to high end trendy.  In Los Angeles, Blackboard Eats recently has these deals-30% off dinner at Ciudad, a pre fixe dinner at the Mercantile, and free tapas with dinner at Sauce on Hampton in Venice.  They also have the dish on other deals around town. 

Now families love the Entertainment Book , not only do they have many kid friendly restaurants, they also have tickets to a variety of attractions, fun activities like bowling, theater tickets, and exercise classes just to name a few.  Today the book is half price or $17.50 with free shipping so you are way ahead. With spring break coming up, this is a good way to save on fun days.

When walking in the Grove, I stumbled upon this great deal. During the week from Monday to Thursday, the Grove offers a $30 per person Date Night available for two. 

And what does this include? 

Dinner for two at Grove restaurants including the Cheesecake Factory, the Whisper Lounge, Morels, or Maggianos. You can check the website for the specific menus.  There is a choice of appetizers, entrees, and dessert.

Movies for two at the Pacific Grove Theaters.  Yes, movie tickets are part of the date night.

And complimentary valet  parking. And you don’t have to do anything  except call the concierge at (323) 900-8080 and make your reservations.

So let’s go over this again. For $30 per person or $60 you get dinner, movie tickets and parking.  If you can swing a night out from Monday to Thursday, this is a great deal.

Don’t you love the farmer’s markets? All that fresh produce with infinite possibilities for meals, great food stalls, and local products.  My only problem was figuring out where and when.  This site solved all my problems. With Farmer Net you can keep up with changes, find out what’s fresh that day, and plan your weekly produce shopping.

All the markets are listed on one page and you can sort by location, day, or time. In Culver City on a Tuesday afternoon, pick up some clementines. In Studio City on a Sunday morning, pick up some sweet potatoes.  In midtown on Wednesday afternoon try the Farmers’ Market at Barnsdall Art Park for Meyer lemons. Plus when you click on the market, it takes you to a page with the specific location, events, and specialities.

In addition to the freshest in-season produce, many also offer flowers, cheeses, baked goods, local artisans’ products, free-range chicken, and even seafood. Each market is unique and produce varies. Many of the vendors offer organically grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs.  The Santa Monica market at Arizona and 3rd on Saturday morning is mostly organic. Look for the certified organic sign to be sure.

Divas, enjoy fresh air shopping, meet local farmers, and stay healthy with more produce in your diet.  And send this article to your Frugal Dude so he can pick up some great flowers on Valentine’s Day.

It’s fast and it’s fresh and on Wednesdays Whole Foods gives us a break- the salad and hot food bars are reduced from $7.99 down to $5.99. This is wonderful if you want to make up your own combination.

If you are anywhere near Ocean Park and 29th pop into IlForno Caffe  and get dinner to go for $6. And I’m talking a entree size order of pasta, an entree size salad, or a pizza. Plus they all come with bread.  Now this is take out only, cash only and available from 5:30 to 6:30. Dinner for two for $12 and you didn’t have to turn on the stove.  Did I mention parking is free in the lot. And did I add that the food is fresh and fabulous.  Take a night off, dial 310.450.1241, and they will have your order waiting when you cruise by.

With multiple  locations Zankou Chicken is a life saver. Whose at home? One meat eater, one dieter, one vegan?  Order a steak kebob, roasted chicken wrap, falafel, and tabbouleh and everyone is covered.

In the mood for noodle soup, sushi, or dumplings. Try the Japanese Mitsuwa Marketplace, 3760 Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066 , where they have a food court with all kinds of prepared meals.  Your kids are home from school and are now vegetarians - go to  Samosa House and Bharat Bazaar at 11510 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066.  They cook only veggie meals ($7.99) and side dishes.

Portos Bakery in Burbank and Glendale has all kinds of Cuban sandwiches and appetizers for a light dinner. And as a bonus, you can pick up one of their yummy desserts. They are open till seven and only take cash.

What if you need an entire meal for a holiday?  Markets now have everything to make you look like the best home cook ever.  Gelsons has a meal for every occasion. How does 2 1/2 pounds Beef Brisket with Julienne Vegetables & Gravy, Chicken Broth & Matzo Balls, Chopped Beef Liver with Egg, Potato Kugel, Tzimmes, Gefilte Fish with straight Horseradish, Charoses, Macaroon Cookies sound for Passover?  How about Corned Beef, Boiled Cabbage, Boiled Carrots, Boiled Potatoes, Salad with Cilantro Dressing, Dinner Roll, Butter & Chocolate Mint for St. Patrick’s Day? These average about $10 to $15 per person for a multi course meal including dessert. And you get to keep the leftovers.

Let me know your favorites and I will add them to the list.

Just when I thought that everything had been done in the way of markets in comes a new kid on the block.  A little organic, a little convenience, a little gourmet grocery,  and a whole of savings.  There are so many wonderful Fresh & Easy products.  A bag of  frozen turkey meatballs this week for $5.99.  Add some tomato sauce, serve over pasta (99 cents this week), and open a bag of salad greens. That’s fresh, that’s easy.

Now if you want to get really, really easy and still stay really, really fresh.  We are talking about around $2.49 per person for lasagna with meat sauce to keep in your freezer. Cheaper then fast food and better for you.

Every week there are 98 cent produce packs.  Add a little excitement and use them in your cooking.  One week they had onions and red and green peppers. You can julienne slice them, saute, add some capers and olives. Set aside while you pan fry some tilapia and you have a nicoise style topping for your fish. Pick a pack of pears and pair with an interesting cheese for dessert. 

Yes I did say they are a little gourmet.  Pick up organic teas, fresh juices, fresh baked goods, wine (not at all stores), cheeses, balsamic vinegar along with fresh produce, fish, and meat on your way home.  And they have great sauces - Thai Chili Lime, Smokey Barbecue- and a good selection of spices.  Even pet food for your pooch.  So much good stuff in such a manageable size market.

You can also sign up for the email newsletter where you get weekly updates on specials and coupons. And please remember that all quoted prices are subject to change.

Smaller then a supermarket, more fresh food then a convenience store-this chain is a winner for the Frugal Diva.

Disclaimer: Fresh and Easy occasionally sends The Frugal Diva samples of their products.

We all need to eat out occasionally - celebrations, business appointments, and meeting friends. There are new quality fast food places opening in Los Angeles that share a common theme. Counter service, good food, and the feeling that you are in a relaxing space make these places way above average.

Those of you in Culver City are familiar with Tender Greens. Could anything be better than their salads. Fresh tuna nicoise, chicken cobb, grilled veggie are just a few that are priced at $10.50 plus tax. Or get a hot entree with mashed potatoes and a side salad also priced at $10.50 plus tax. The place is beautiful with both indoor and outdoor areas. You’ll never mind standing in line again. If you wish to indulge, they serve wine, coffee and sweets besides these great tasting and nutritional entrees. And more good news, they are opening a West Hollywood branch at 8957 Santa Monica Blvd.

Pitfire Pizza, great pizza, great pasta, great salads, and all for about $10 per person. How about pasta bolognese in a divine sauce for $9.95. And we are talking a dish similar to one at an upscale Italian restaurant for twenty some dollars plus tip. The place is spacious, big booths you can sink into. And they have cupcakes for dessert.

Another great resource is Damon & Pythias in Westwood Village. They have a variety of salads and entrees with prices ranging in the $10 to $12 area with half portions available on many items. These guys sure can cook. Ribs, turkey, steak, and salmon with specials and choices on sides. Or go vegetarian with just a side sampler. They don’t skimp on the portions, so ladies you might want to share a big salad and leave room for dessert. 

One of my favorites is Chutneys  on Pico and Barrington. A chicken tikka to die for. It’s cooked in the tandoori oven, served with naan, rice, and carrot & corn salad. And, oh yes, costs about $7 plus tax. They have excellent chicken, lamb, and vegetarian food. It’s great to pick up something on the way home.

Lemonade is counter service with a choice of market fresh salads (2 selections for $7.50), sandwiches, soups, and pot roasts ($9 for a generous portion with rice pilaf or salad). You can get tastes of any pot roast before you buy. The Frugal Dude went for lamb tagine which was fantastic with great spices and sauce to pour over the rice pilaf. The Frugal Diva stayed with the vegetable salads-delicious farro and spaghetti squash plus yummy beets. They are located at 1661 Abbott Kinney, Los Angeles, CA 90291, (310) 452-6200 and have other locations on Beverly Drive, downtown, and at MOCA. And of course the lemonade is divine.

If you have to take someone out for business consider ethnic restaurants with their fabulous lunch specials. Great multi-course meals that will make everyone feel indulged and receptive to your ideas. If you need to entertain several potential clients, call ahead and they will usually accommodate you with a separate room or out of the way table. Set up a menu with a selection of entrees and no prices, you look good and no one is the wiser to your frugality.

Sometimes when we’re running around town, we need to stop and refuel, gather our thoughts, make phone calls, and take a deep breath before moving on to our next appointment. Starbucks has gone a long way to meet our needs, better sandwiches, yogurt with fruit, and cheese trays.

Take a break at one of the great Happy Hours around town or as I call it dinner for half the price.  

BLT Steak on Sunset has an amazing Happy Hour from 5:00 to 7:00 on Monday to Friday which includes steak sliders, kobe hot dogs, and mini crab cakes for $5 plus five selections from their drink and wine menu for $5. And skip the valet for the free parking in back of Sunset Plaza.

If you are in Westwood after 5:00, check out Yamato’s Happy Hour which lasts until closing everyday. Half price sushi and all appetizers plus $5.75 large sake.

Who knew McCormick and Schmick, a seafood restaurant, would have the best happy hour burger in town?  $2.95 for a 1/2 pound cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and fries! And since they have great food, this is one great burger. Check the time and days at their various locations.

Ciudad brings back $3.00 chicken, steak, carnitas, and vegetarian tacos and 1/2 off mojitos, margaritas, and more from 4:00 to 7:00 Monday to Friday. Plus a chef’s special quesadilla for $5.

Weiland Brewery has about ten appetizers under $5 including  grilled chicken quesadilla, and no fry veggie spring roll plus $2.50 Weiland Brewery beers.  They have two locations downtown so please check the time and days.

The Palamino bar area just became my favorite place. They are featuring their bar menu for 1/2 price all day everyday along with $4 featured beverages that are available throughout the restaurant.  Thursdays the Hammer Museum is free and open until 9:00, so grab a bite and go across the street to enjoy the exhibits and/or freelecture.

Now these are happy hours however you can always order iced tea, soft drinks, or sparkling water and still have a nice evening out and great food at great prices. Please call to verify times and prices as these things change quickly and let me know any of your special finds.

This is a good time to start your holiday shopping.  The Frugal Diva starts at the Fresh and Easy  market.  There are so many gourmet treats to choose from - chocolates, cookies, sauces, spices, and much more. This type of gift is always appreciated since we are all  trying to save money by entertaining at home.

Here are some of their great ideas. I received these two products from Fresh and Easy and after much sampling decided they would be great gifts.   A Gourmet Belgian Biscuit Collection where every biscuit has Belgian chocolate in the recipe. Beautifully packed in a reusable gold tin, at $7.99 this is a fantastic deal. You can also remove the large protective label on top and replace it with a personalized label.  Now for the chocolate lover, consider the Gourmet Swiss Chocolate Assortment. Premium chocolates for $7.99 in a gift box any hostess would love.

Grill Master on your list?  Mix it up with some Thai Chili Sauce, Sweet and Sour Hawaiian Sauce, and a variety of mustards. Book lover? A cozy selection of teas and honey to  enjoy with  their favorite novel. Gourmet?  Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, fig jam, crackers, and a bottle of Ogio Prosecco.  Breakfast lover? Coffee, pancake mix, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

To make it fresh and really easy, put everything in a gift bag, add some colorful kitchen towels, and you have gifts that keep on giving throughout the holiday season. And they have convenient parking so you don’t get frazzled at the mall.

Who knew McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants would have the best happy hour burger in town?  $2.95 for a 1/2 pound cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and fries! And since they have great food, this is one great burger.

And for the vegetarians there is hummus and bruschetta for $1.95.  Also for $1.95 you can get a chicken tostado for salad lovers. It wouldn’t be a happy hour without cheese nachos, chicken wings,  and artichoke spinach dip for $3.95.   For that price you can also get a chicken quesadilla and for a dollar more there are fried chicken sliders and fish & chips.   They have speciality seasonal cocktails, a delightful sangria, and beer at reduced prices. 

Divas love to socialize and this is a great way to meet friends during the holidays. Informal, fun, and prices that rival fast food makes this a good choice for a gathering. Happy hours differ at each restaurant so call ahead.

What a fun night!  Abbott Kinney stays open late on the first Friday of each month. They have boutiques, galleries, coffee places, street vendors, and food trucks from everywhere.  There was grilled cheese on wheels, two Indian food trucks, and tacos of all varieties. However after walking one place beckoned me to sit down and enjoy a great dinner. Lemonade is counter service with a choice of market fresh salads (2 selections for $7.50), sandwiches, soups, and pot roasts ($9 for a generous portion with rice pilaf or salad). You can get tastes of any pot roast before you buy. The Frugal Dude went for  lamb tagine which was fantastic with great spices and sauce to pour over the rice pilaf.  The Frugal Diva stayed with the vegetable salads-delicious farro and spaghetti squash plus yummy beets. They are located at 1661 Abbott Kinney, Los Angeles, CA 90291, (310) 452-6200 and have other locations on Beverly Drive, downtown, and at MOCA. And of course the lemonade is divine.