Comments on: The Fancy Meal Conundrum(s)

By: J. Money

J. Money — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:15:21 +0000

In reply to Ryan @ Impersonal Finance. I guess that's true, huh? I always think of things as "all or nothing" but the smart thing would have just had a nibble and then pushed away, haha... next time :)

By: J. Money

J. Money — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:14:24 +0000

In reply to Diane. I bet so many people have gone through that!! I get scared too when there's no prices, haha... a sure sign to bolt, you're right :) Thanks for sharing your story though!

By: J. Money

J. Money — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:11:43 +0000

In reply to Will Murphey. HAH!

By: Tushar @ Everything Finance

Tushar @ Everything Finance — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 05:19:18 +0000

I would have stayed I think. It would have been a bit of a pride thing for me. As far as eating the delicious but likely not healthy food, I would have done it regardless because I would have paid for it. I don’t share your friend’s point of view though I do see his point.

By: Ryan @ Impersonal Finance

Ryan @ Impersonal Finance — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:14:55 +0000

I would definitely have stayed to enjoy it. If it was still a great deal, and you had always wanted to eat there, you’re getting the experience for a good price. As for the food, I know what you’re talking about in terms of having to avoid things for your health. I probably would have snuck a couple of bites, like a partial cheater.

By: Will Murphey

Will Murphey — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:16:11 +0000

This happened to us once at Disneyland at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. We were exhausted and hot and this place was close. I don’t remember the prices, but they seemed to be $30 a plate, we sipped on our waters for a minute than bolted. Looking back we should have told the waiter our dilemma. I’m sure we were not the first folks to do this!

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 14:55:00 +0000

Funny that your story comes right after an interesting experience I recently went through. As a travel writer, I try to find local and unique restaurants and experiences where ever I go. I did some research on “where the locals eat” in Buckhead Atlanta and found what looked like a divine, small, upscale place for dinner. I made reservations and there I was at 6pm for dinner. I was swept in and lead to my table and I looked around-yes, it was cozy, small, modern decor. “Perfect” I thought. A new person brought water and a menu. So okay, I don’t really eat a “fine dining” establishments-too fancy-too fussy-too expensive. The menu had a 5-8 course vegetarian menu and a 5-8 course protein menu-with no prices. Oh no, I knew what that mean’t, I couldn’t afford to eat here! I looked at the wine list and felt panicked-trying to decide should I embarrass myself and get up and leave or suck it up and have a “fine dining experience” at one of Buckhead’s best restaurants. My pride got the better of me and I decided stay the course. My 5 course vegetarian meal was $85 and my glass of wine was $14. I nursed it the entire time, determined not to order another glass.

Each course was brought out by a different person and each was beautiful, artfully designed, made of ingredients I had mostly never heard of and oh so small. I believe I might have insulted the chef as he sent me out a “special” treat- a raw egg yoke in the shell with creme and spices. Uh, no thanks. I tried to use the tiny spoon to eat the creme and move the yolk around but the waiter knew I didn’t eat it. I said, “please thank the chef.” I felt so uncomfortable the entire meal that I didn’t really enjoy the experience at all. You can imagine the final bill with tip was pretty hefty. I decided that next time I would embarrass myself, if necessary, and leave.

I think at $20 instead of $10, I would have stayed and enjoyed :)

By: J. Money

J. Money — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 12:54:12 +0000

In reply to Christine @ ThePursuitofGreen. Smart woman!

By: Christine @ ThePursuitofGreen

Christine @ ThePursuitofGreen — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 08:26:19 +0000

In reply to Mel @ brokeGIRLrich. If it wasn't too long ago you should definitely contact Groupon and explain the situation and ask if you can get a refund. Never hurts to try and if you happen to be a frequent customer you've got some advantage!

By: Christine @ ThePursuitofGreen

Christine @ ThePursuitofGreen — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 08:22:26 +0000

Hmm interesting story. I think I would’ve left if the price doubled. Plus $20 for lunch is more than I like to spend too! Hehe and I would’ve eaten the dessert…I don’t have much resistance towards sweets at all.

I actually found myself in a similar situation once at Olive Garden on a weekend. I always enjoyed their $6.99 soup, salad and bread lunch and ordered that on a Saturday. They informed me that since on Saturdays it’s dinner price only it would be $13.99. This was a change they had made recently. So I let him know my dissatisfaction, he talked to his manager, and told me that they would give me the $6.99 price. Otherwise I would’ve walked out. Not paying $13.99 for soup, salad, and breadsticks!