Recession Is Your Friend

Restaurants Now Resorting to ‘Half-Off Sales’

Allen & Delancey writes in to tell us about their Sunday night “Wine Jamboree” dinners. Starting March 1, they’re offering half-off wines from regions that will rotate every few weeks (first up, Bandol in southern France), with the option of a $38 four-course pairing menu. And then there’s Umberto’s Clam House, which is not being shy at all about its just-launched recession special: Two posters, each filling an entire freaking window, proclaim a HALF-OFF SALE now through April — “order any pastra or entrée at the regular price and the second one at the equal or less price is 50% off.” In case you and your buddy are getting out of Goldbar at an ungodly hour, keep in mind that Umberto’s serves till 4 a.m. (Also, see “The Bro’s Guide to Taking Advantage of Cash-Strapped Restaurants.”)

Restaurants Now Resorting to ‘Half-Off Sales’