Editor’s Note: Our columnist is not a trained or paid professional, nor does he get complimentary meals from the restaurants visited. He and his party arrive unannounced and do not reveal that they will be doing a review. Comments or questions may be sent to Sam Geati, greengeezer9@comcast.net.
One thing is for certain about seniors: we love deals, especially meal deals! If you are a Seinfeld fan, you probably remember the episode when Jerry visits his parents in Florida and they go out for dinner. They arrive just as some of his parents’ friends are leaving the restaurant. The friends immediately question why they arrived after the early bird specials. What typifies the senior crowd more than catching the early bird bargains? Seniors love deals whatever the time of day!
In this column, I pass along some bargains offered by local restaurants. For the most accurate, current information, go to their websites or call the restaurants. In many cases, the deals are time-dated and may or may not be available when you want. Also, some require proof of residency in Sun City. Due to space limitations, I selected just a few for today’s column. So, foodies, let’s start off with one I just recently learned of that’s offered at one of my favorite dining establishments.
Biaggi’s – Check their website (www.biaggis.com) for details about the Pronto Pack. This is great for entertaining four to five people. It includes a choice of house or Caesar salad, one of seven pasta entrees, and bread and butter. This is only available for carryout. The attractive price is $30 plus tax. To place an order, call at least 30 minutes prior to your pick-up time. When you call, ask about the free pizza with the pack. Since you have but one entrée, everyone has to be happy with the choice. The price is right, and the food at Biaggi’s is always excellent.
Rookies – You can’t beat the dollar burgers, hotdogs, and chicken sandwiches, which include chips. To get this deal, you must purchase a beverage. However, the burger/hotdog offer is limited to January, February, May, June, and September. One-dollar chicken sandwiches are offered in April and August. (www.rookiespub.com)
Rainbow Restaurant – You can’t beat this place for breakfast or lunch in terms of quantity, quality, and value. Everything is made fresh, and the menu is very comprehensive. Many items are in the $6 range. The service is excellent, too. Be sure to ask for the Sun Day readers’ 10 percent discount.
Chen Chinese Cuisine – This is a great lunch or dinner spot featuring “buy one entree, get the second entree of equal or less value for half price.” Look for coupons in the Sun Day. (www.chenchinesecuisine.com)
Like hotdogs? Both Big Sammy’s and DayGoDogs offer two hot dogs, fries, and a drink for about $6.
Crystal Lake Rib House – Here’s another great place that has email specials, usually with buy one, get one free deals. Currently, they are running senior specials. Go to their website to get on their email list for specials. (www.crystallakeribhouse.com)
Niko’s Lodge – They offer daily specials at their Algonquin location on Mondays through Thursdays, including happy hour beverage specials. Clip the coupon for a free Saganaki in today’s Sun Day. (www.nikoslodgealgonquin.com)
Jimmy’s Charhouse – This great steak house has daily family entrees or complete dinners for as low as $16.95. You will probably take food home for another day. (www.jimmyscharhouseelgin.com)
Old World Steakhouse – You have to be a resident and prove it to get the $8.99 entrées here. However, there are limitations since the deal is only offered Wednesday – Saturday from 4 – 6 p.m. (www.wildwesttown.com)
Village Vintner Winery, Brewery & Restaurant – Lunch specials here are under $8. This is a great place to have a brew or glass of wine with your meal. (www.thevillagevintner.com)
Tropical Smoothie Cafe – They feature a $5.99 flatbread sandwich and smoothie combo. Clip the coupon in the Sun Day for this deal.
Bubs Subs – They get my vote for the best subs around. Everything is made fresh including the bread. One of these will fill you for the rest of the day. Some might find these large enough to share. (www.bubssubs.com)
Alexander’s – You’ll find complete dinners here at very reasonable prices, plus great desserts for $1. (www.alexanderselgin.com)
Moretti’s – Get on their email list to learn about the days when they offer a 16” pizza with one topping for just $10. (www.morettischicago.com)
These ought to hold you for a while. Until next time, bon appétit!
