2013

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Supplement

2 - Going Out - February 28, 2013

Locally Owned & Operated

Casual g n i n i D

Come, Eat & Enjoy!

Appetizers Lunch Dinner Desserts Childrens Menu Full Bar

Whether it be a mid-day break with your co-workers, dinner with your family or just a drink with friends, Benvenutos invites you to

Come, Eat & Enjoy!

Business Meetings Holiday Parties Rehearsal Dinners Family Reunions Retirement Parties Graduation Parties Baby & Bridal Showers

Gluten Free Menu Available

Catering Available
Call for carryout, reservations or more information

(608) 278-7800
www.benvenutos.com

Fitchburg
2949 Triverton Pike Dr. (608) 278-7800

Madison
1849 Northport Dr. (608) 241-1144

Oshkosh
300 South Koeller St. (920) 230-2300

Beaver Dam
831 Park Ave. (920) 887-7994

Top 5 Hot Food Trends for 2013

(BPT) - Grab your fork and knife. Amateur and professional foodies alike highly anticipate the newest food trends, and 2013 will not disappoint. Throughout the country, restaurants and home cooks are utilizing their creativity to make food that satisfies the palate and leaves a lasting impression. Indulge your passion for food and drink with the top food trends of 2013. Trend 1: Wine experimentation When you visit a restaurant in 2013, dont be surprised if you see wine flights on the menu, which allow patrons to sample different wines and find new varietals they enjoy. From pouring a flight of the same varietal from three different regions, to grouping wines by style, such as robust reds, flights encourage diners to experiment and try different wine and food combinations, explains Nancy Light of the Wine Institute. What wines will be popular in 2013? Light says that the top three California varietals - chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir - will continue to be the best-selling

February 28, 2013 - Going Out - 3

ager group Shiitake Happens to get the freshest mushrooms for their recipes. Trend 3: The reinvention of the burger Did you know the cheeseburger was born in Pasadena, Calif., and every year the city hosts a special Cheeseburger Week that attracts travelers from around the world? In 2013, the burger is getting reinvented and can be found on menus from casual diners to gourmet eateries throughout the country. In 2013 take a fresh look at your burger and be creative with toppings and seasoning. Pasadenas Umami Burger restaurant takes toppings to the limit: shiitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes and parmesan crisp make for a burger thats anything but boring. Another example is Slaters 50/50, which reinvents the burger from the inside out with a mix of half ground beef and half ground bacon. Trend 4: Olive oil is king Two reasons make extra virgin olive oil the oil of choice for 2013 - its versatile and healthier. How is olive oil different than other oils? Nutritional quality for one, says Theo Stephan, olive oil expert for Global Gardens. Polyphenols are found in olive oil which translates to antioxidants. Extra virgin olive oil is a monounsaturated fat; fat is actually necessary in our diets if we are going to maintain proper organ health and keep our weight stable. She suggests when dining out to ask for extra virgin olive oil as a butter substitute. For the home cook, extra virgin olive oil can be used in just about any kind of cooking. Consider shopping online or going to a specialty store to sample different varieties - many options at regular grocery stores- are altered or have high levels of acidity, making them not truly extra virgin. Trend 5: Farm to table grows Farm to table basically means youre dealing with farmers, fishermen or ranchers you know and are using their products in your style of food. In 2013, more people will utilize farmers markets and restaurants will make efforts to source from local suppliers, which means rapidly changing menus for diners.

wines. Moscato and red blends - i.e. zinfandel and petite sirah combined with cabernet or merlot - will be hot in the new year. Trend 2: Food foraging flourishes Food foraging is set to hit its stride in 2013, meaning finding foods that are growing organically in nature and then using them in your cooking. Things like wild edible plants, berries, nuts and of course mushrooms are the most popular items foraged from the wild. Restaurants are embracing this trend and using foraged ingredients at the peak of freshness, offering guests new flavors along with an interesting back-story about their dish. For example, Chef Tin Vuong of Abigaile restaurant in Hermosa Beach, Calif., partners with a local food for-

Homemade quality fresh foods. Farm fresh local meats. Wide arrangement of deli products featuring Boars Head meats & cheeses Homemade soups, salads, pasta dishes and more. We also make-to-order fresh party trays and hot foods.

135 S. Main St., Oregon (608) 835-0225

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How parents can dine out without drama

Some parents cringe at the mere mention of dining out with their children, envisioning 90 minutes of crying, taunting and tantrums. While some cultures place great significance on dining out as a family, North Americans seem less inclined to do so -- unless it is at a family-friendly (not food-friendly) chain restaurant or fast food establishment. However, dining out with young children doesnt have to be a debacle. Employ a few of the following tips, and your next night on the town with the youngsters in tow might just prove to be a nice family experience. Get munchies. A hungry child is often a cranky child. Ask if bread, crackers or chips can be placed on the table early on so that the kids have something to snack on and distract them from hunger pangs. Request a table near the bathroom. While looking at the restroom doors may not make for the most inviting ambiance, it does reduce the hassle of snaking through tables and rows with a child who needs to use the restroom. Order for the table. Giving kids a choice may waste time

and lead to arguments. Order a few items that everyone can share, increasing the likelihood that your child will find something he or she wants to eat. Stick with recognizable foods. Now is not the time to ask junior to delve into seafood salad or osso bucco. Save taste-testing for another time when theres nobody else around to hear your childs protestations. Make dessert a reward not an expectation. If the children behave to your liking, dessert can be a reward. It will reinforce good behavior the next time you decide to dine out.

Family Dining At Its Finest!

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Additional parking available in adjacent court.

Dining out drives U.S. job growth

(BPT) - Did you know that when you and your family dine out, you are helping your communitys economy and the economy at large? Thats because restaurants employ millions of Americans nationwide. Overall, unemployment remains high as the nation slowly makes its way out of recession. One bright spot in the jobs picture is the restaurant industry, which continues to outpace the national economy when it comes to driving job growth. Why is that? Because Americans love to dine out. In fact, more than nine out of 10 say they enjoy going to restaurants, and nearly half say its an essential part of their lifestyle. National Restaurant Association (NRA) research also shows that two out of five consumers say theyre not using restaurants as often as they would like. When more people dine out, order delivery and use takeout, restaurants staff up to keep up with demand. The restaurant industry is currently the second-largest private sector employer, providing career opportunities for more than 13 million people, or one out of every 10 working individuals, according to the NRAs 2013 Restaurant Industry Forecast. Since the employment recovery began in March 2010, restaurants have created more than 701,000 new positions - only the professional services and health care industries have created more jobs during that same time. The rate of employment growth in the restaurant industry was more than double the overall economy over the last

February 28, 2013 - Going Out - 5

year, and restaurants will continue to be a major driver in job creation into the future. Restaurants are projected to add 1.3 million new positions in the next decade, with the fastest growing job categories being combined food-preparation and serving positions, cooks and supervisors. From restaurant managers to chefs to servers, restaurants offer a wide range of jobs, often with quick opportunities to rise up the ranks. Restaurants are also a training ground for budding entrepreneurs and even careers in other industries, as half of all Americans have worked in a restaurant at some point in their lives. One-third of adults got their first job in a restaurant, and eight out of 10 restaurant owners started in entry-level positions. So next time you dine out, youre not only getting a delicious meal and quality time with family and friends - youre doing your part in creating jobs for the U.S. economy.

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Make Date Night a great night

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(MS) -- Great food, wine and a little design are the perfect ingredients for creating a special date night. HGTV host and interior designer Monica Pedersen, of Dream Home and Designed to Sell fame, is the perfect guide to help you design a memorable date night. Whether your budget is big or small, the secret to a fabulous date is making the extra effort to show someone that you think theyre special.

The right bottle of wine is an essential element for a memorable date night.

Light the Scene Create a special atmosphere by bringing out the candles. If large pillars or candelabras are out of the budget, simply mass inexpensive tea light candles in small glass votives on a table or around a room. In the world of design, nothing sets the tone faster than lighting. Wine by candlelight is an easy go-to for any date night. Make It a Tradition Uncork a great bottle of wine, and toast the person youre with by telling them how special you think they are. Monas a fan of Rutherford Hill Merlot from Napa Valley, which was served at her wedding. Try writing your toast ahead of time and reading it to your date. It really shows that you put some thought into the special moment, which is what matters most! Then date the cork from that night and tuck it away, or put it on display to start a new tradition. Putting them in a footed glass bowl is a great way to feature the corks, as well. Create the Perfect Pair If dinner is part of your date night, make a dish that you know is special to the one you love, and serve it with a wine that pairs perfectly (www.uncorked.com has an easyto-use wine pairing guide). Dont forget to bring out the fancy table settings, if you have them. Make date night the special occasion you have been waiting for by pulling out the good stuff. Add a Thoughtful Touch Since money and time are tight for most of us right now, inexpensive takeout and a mixed bouquet of fresh flowers can make a simple date night feel like a special occasion. These kinds of bouquets are usually under $10 at most grocery stores. Remember, its making the effort that counts. If you are near a grocery store, pick up a bouquet of their fresh cut roses. They are a serious bang for the buck. Invite the Crew If getting a babysitter for date night is a problem, include the kids, and let them read a list out loud of all the reasons that Mom loves Dad, and Dad loves Mom. All the while, Mom and Dad get to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine.

2360A Jackson Street Stoughton 873-1111 papamurphys.com

Savor Some Hamburger History

Most people know that a hamburger is a juicy patty of cooked ground meat served on a bun with a variety of toppings. What is not as well known is just how this beloved food became as popular as it is today. The hamburger has nothing to do with ham. In most instances, the term is used to describe a beef patty. Although burgers have been made from turkey, ostrich, bison, and even alligator, very rarely are they made from pork products. The term hamburger was derived from Hamburg, Germany, where the food was thought to originate. Just as the frankfurter is a food from Frankfurt. The hamburger evolved from another dish that was named the Hamburg Steak. Immigrants traveling from Hamburg to New York were treated to the tastes of home on the shores of America with a Hamburg Steak. This was essentially a dish of salted and spiced beef. It bears little resemblance to the hamburger of today. Shredded beef that was seasoned with regional spices - either cooked or served raw - became the Hamburg Steak that Germans enjoyed to reconnect to their homeland. Eventually the Hamburg Steak caught on and was included as a menu item at many American restaurants in the 19th century. Surprisingly, it was served as a breakfast food. Dr. James Salisbury invented his own take on the Hamburg Steak at about this time, serving it as a lunch or dinner food with gravy. It was dubbed the Salisbury Steak. In terms of the first time a Hamburg Steak was placed between bread to form the crude beginnings of a hamburger, the mystery continues. There are several who have laid claim to the burger origins, but none can be validated as the true inventor. One such person is Charlie Nagreen of Seymour, Wisconsin, who began selling Hamburg Steaks flattened and between bread at a state fair so that visitors could move freely from booth to booth. There are others who argue that the burger can be traced back to other innovative cooks. Meat-grinding machines of the 20th century helped propel the burger into a mainstream food. Fast-food chains eventually picked up on the concept of the hamburger and began mass-producing burgers for the public. Vegetables, like onions and lettuce, were eventually added to give the burger a more natural appearance. Ketchup became the condiment of choice, with mayonnaise and mustard also placed on burgers. Its hard to argue the popularity of burgers today. They show up in all shapes and sizes at just about any restaurant imaginable. From meager beginnings as a food for the poor and vague history on its origins, the burger is perhaps now as American as a food can get but also an international delight. Millions are consumed every year and likely will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

Pairing wine with dessert

February 28, 2013 - Going Out - 7

Many people are novices when it comes to choosing the right wine to pair with food, and the same can be said when wine carries over into the dessert hour. Dessert is an expansive term for many different culinary creations, so finding the right wine to go with your dessert is not always easy. Here are some suggestions, courtesy of The Nibble, a specialty food magazine. Apple pie or tartlets: Anjou wines, like Bonnezaux Cheesecake: Champagne or rick wines, like Sauternes Chocolate: Late harvest Zinfandel or vintage port Coconut custard pie: A Beerenauslese Riesling Cookies: Whatever is the best you have on hand Fresh fruit: Moscato DAsti Pudding or mousse: Fortified Muscats Tiramisu: Sweet Malvasia or Champagne

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8 - Going Out - February 28, 2013

New Years resolution: give yourself a new hair look

(StatePoint) If youve sported the same hairstyle since telephones came with cords, this might be the year to make a change. Keep in mind, hair makeovers dont have to be drastic to look great. Theres no need to shed massive amounts of length. Instead, the refresh can be subtle and chic. Here are four ways to start your new year with the perfect hairstyle: Go Big: After years of head-hugging, sleek strands, bigger now is better. Think full, lush, Victorias Secret hair says Matrix Artistic Director, Nick Stenson. A layered cut can provide the perfect foundation for body, as shorter pieces push the lengths up and out. Another quick way to build extra boost? Blow dry your hair with a large, round brush, then set it on jumbo Velcro rollers and let it cool. Why not do what many celebrities do before hitting the red carpet? Most of the women in Hollywood have extensions that add body and length says Stenson. There are lots of fun temporary extensions you can clip-in for a special night out, or even wear every day. Go Bang: Whether its a dramatic side-sweep; a 60sinspired, brow-grazing shape or an airy, pixie fringe, bangs can update a hairstyle in no time. Theres a flattering fringe for every face shape and personal style says Matrix Artistic Director, Ammon Carver. For example, long, wispy, angled bangs are a classic and can soften a round or square face. A blunt, long, solid fringe gives off a bohemian vibe and also covers a long forehead and balances a pointed chin. Work with your hairstylist to assess your face and create a custom fringe that suits you perfectly. Go Bold: When youre thinking about color this year, dont stop at blonde or brunette. Todays hair hues run the gamut from dusty pastels like lilac, silver and pink, to bold shades of amethyst, coral or mulberry. Depending on your personal style, you can opt for an all-over hue transformation or simply add a bright panel or streak for an unexpected pop of color says Stenson. Go Brilliant: Want to know the secret to looking younger? Forget Botox its all about shiny, gleaming hair. Dull, dry strands add years to your look, so investigate shine-boosting strategies in the new year. Start by selecting the right conditioner suggests Carver. Your stylist can assess whether you need moisture, protein or a combination of both and help you select a formula for your hair type, whether its fine or thick and coarse. A glossing hair color treatment will also boost the shine factor. Its like topcoat for your hair. And dont forget the finishing touch lightweight styling oil, applied to damp hair before drying and styling. Let a new year mean a new you and a new do.

Soups and Sandwiches all made to order from scratch daily. Enjoy a homemade Bakery item for dessert. From Donuts and danish to ethnic Norwegian pastries. Your special events are important to us! Special bakery items made to order.

Daily Homemade Lunch Specials

Full Line Bakery

243 E. Main St., Stoughton

(608) 873-3073
Hours: Mon-Fri 5:30am-5:30pm; Sat 5:30am-5pm; Sun 7am-12pm

Tips to make dining out more affordable

(NewsUSA) - As families find themselves strapped for cash, theyre spending less money and time dining out. In response, restaurant chains are evaluating their offerings and finding new ways to entice customers. Of course, Americans can learn to dine out even while sticking close to their budgets. Uno Chicago Grill offers these tips for less-expensive dining: Try Eating in the Lounge or Bar Area. Many restaurants offer special smaller-portion menu items in the bar area. This creates a low-cost dining option while also accommodating guests who may be too busy to enjoy a typical lunch or dinner hour. Enjoy Your Just Desserts. Dining out doesnt have to mean a full dinner. Why not treat yourself to dessert or a specialty coffee? Many restaurants offer dessert specials. Order two coffees and split dessert with a friend for an indulgence thats light on the wallet, if not on calories. Join the Insiders Club. Most chain restaurants offer loyalty programs, so take advantage of them. For example, Uno Chicago Grill encourages its loyal guests to register for the Uno Insiders Club online at www.Unos.com to receive exclusive offers and information regarding new menu items and promotions. Come for Lunch Instead of Dinner. A recent survey of American workers by the Center for Work-Life Policy found that 21 percent of respondents work at least 60 hours a week under highly stressful conditions. Many restaurants now offer lunch specials that feature smaller portions with a quick turnaround, which works for those pressed for time -- and money. Take It To Go. Several leading chains now offer curbside or take-out specials at lower cost than dining in. Families on the go can fit a quality restaurant meal into their tight schedule without busting their budget. One look at the headlines tells us how tough it is today, says Richard Hendrie, senior vice president of Uno Chicago Grill. So were creating options that help our guests reclaim some of their leisure time and enjoy dining out for less.

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Cakes for

Weddings & All Occasions

Cake Parfaits . Mini Cakes Cake Top Cookies

604 W. Verona Avenue . Verona, WI 53593 www.craigscakeshop.com . 608.848.6331

Available Daily:

10 - Going Out - February 28, 2013

Is it Important to Feed Kids Organic Food?

(StatePoint) The nutritional choices you make for your children are crucial, setting the stage for good health and good habits for years to come. So if youve heard about the benefits of organic food, you may be wondering if its worth the extra expense, especially if youre on a budget. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recently weighed in on the subject of organic food for the first time, whats most important is that children eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, whether those are conventionally or organically grown. Organic foods do have lower levels of pesticides and drugresistant bacteria, says Dr. Thomas K. McInerny, president of the AAP. That may be important for kids because young children are more vulnerable to chemicals, but we simply dont have the scientific evidence to know if the difference will affect a persons health over a lifetime, says McInerny. Both organic and conventionally grown foods have the same vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, lipids and other nutrients that are important for childrens health. If youre on a budget, dont buy the more expensive organic option if its going to reduce your familys overall intake of healthy foods like fresh produce, advises McInerny. Its better for kids to eat five servings of conventionally grown produce a day than for them to eat one serving of organic vegetables. Families can also be selective in choosing particular organic foods to stretch their budget. The Environmental Working Group has created a Shoppers Guide that rates the level of pesticides in produce. Their guide indicates that conventionally grown onions, sweet corn and pineapples have relatively low pesticide rates, making them safer to purchase. If you can budget a few extra dollars to spend on groceries, opt for organic apples and celery, which are among the most pesticide-laden crops. According to the AAP, organic milk is not healthier for kids than conventional milk, but parents should make sure all milk they purchase is pasteurized. The jury is still out on the long-term health benefits of organic produce, but in the meantime keep your eyes and ears open for new information as it becomes available -- so you can make the best possible choices in the future. You can find nutrition tips for kids on the AAP website for parents, www.healthychildren.org. No matter the size of your budget, you can do your kids a world of good by ensuring they get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Oregons Most Delicious Tradition for Over 34 Years!

Marias Pizza
Stop by and see us for one of our famous pizzas or try some of our great tasting pastas or sandwiches!
Hours: T-Th 4pm-12am, F-Sat. 4pm-1am, Sun. 4pm-10pm

134 S. Main Street Oregon 835-5455

Marias Pizza

Preventing the spread of germs when away from home

(BPT) - Eighty percent of infections are spread by dirty hands, and when youre at home, limiting your exposure to germs with an active hand cleaning schedule can become a familiar endeavor. But it becomes a different matter when youre out in public, where hand-washing isnt as routine and germs are more prevalent due to the number of people carrying different bacteria. Fortunately, avoiding germs while youre away from home is becoming easier as more businesses and public locations are providing options for employees and visitors to keep their hands clean. Keep an eye out for these ways during peak cold and flu season and throughout the year to help protect yourself from germs while youre away from home: Hand sanitizer solutions - Many businesses are installing dispensers in entryways and congregating areas. While hand sanitizer solutions dont literally clean hands because they dont remove organic matter, such as grease, dirt and blood, they do neutralize germs, especially when youre in a location where a sink and soap arent always handy. For maximum effectiveness, make sure to rub your hands until fully dried. Educational signs everywhere - During the cold and flu season, and at many other times of the year, you may notice signs posted on entry doors, hanging in bathrooms and even near service desks educating the public on everything from the proper method of washing hands to effectively covering a sneeze and reducing the spread of germs. For a refresher, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians promote The Four Principles of Hand Awareness: 1. Wash and dry your hands when they are dirty and before eating. 2. Do not cough into your hands. 3. Do not sneeze into your hands. 4. Above all, do not put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth. Germ-targeting products - Numerous studies show that using paper towels rather than hand dryers is more hygienic. This is usually attributed to the fact that hand dryers, themselves, are often not properly sanitized and in fact dont thoroughly dry the hands, but instead blow warm, moist, contaminated air around, potentially spreading germs. This year, you may even notice public restrooms stocking enhanced hygiene paper towel products like the distinctly

February 28, 2013 - Going Out - 11

green-colored Cascades Antibacterial paper towels, which releases a safe active ingredient when wet hands contact the dry towels, eliminating over 99 percent of bacteria on hands. Third-party microbiological testing also found that using Cascades antibacterial towels after washing hands with soap and water provides a more hygienic result than using alcohol-based gels and other sanitizers. Increased availability of flu shots - More and more public settings are offering flu shots for walk-ins at convenient hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people 6 months and older receive the flu shot every year. People who have asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease, are pregnant or over the age of 65 - or living with or caring for people with these conditions - are highly encouraged to get the flu shot. Businesses, government locations and other public settings are using these and other methods to help visitors prevent the spread of germs. Of course, when youre outside the home working at the office, going to school, staying in a hotel or visiting a hospital, keep in mind its up to you to take hygiene into your own hands.

Lakeside r Dining Fo s n so ea S All

3097 Sunnyside St., Stoughton 608-205-9300 springersonthelake.com

12 - Going Out - February 28, 2013

Restaurants becoming more sensitive to problem of food allergies

When dining out, Americans with food allergies can find restaurant visits stressful, if not hazardous. Cross-contamination, uninformed servers or mixed-up orders can easily turn a dinner date into a fiasco involving EpiPen and ambulance. The good news? Many restaurants are taking steps to accommodate Americas 12 million diners who have food allergies. Consumers can make informed decisions, whether theyre sensitive to shellfish or have celiac disease, a condition in which the body cannot process gluten. There have never been more tools available to the consumer with food allergies to access health information and to act on what they find, said Andrea Levario, executive director of the American Celiac Disease Alliance. Levario, on behalf of Uno Chicago Grill, offers the following tips to help consumers enjoy safe and healthy restaurant meals: Research your options online before you come in. Responsible chains put menu information online. For example, Uno presents detailed health information, including notes about its gluten-free dishes, on its Web site, www. Unos.com. If a restaurant doesnt post nutrition and ingredient information online, try calling ahead to speak to a manager. Take advantage of posted information. Many restaurants offer nutritional information through lobby kiosks. Other establishments may have pamphlets that they can provide upon request. Alert your server. A good server will make your experience his top priority -- he will want to ensure that you have an enjoyable, safe meal. Tell your server about your specific allergies, and ask him to communicate your needs to the kitchen. Ask the manager for special accommodations. Managers should personally check special-needs orders, adding another safety-control measure to your meal. Dining establishments are growing in their understanding of food allergies and other customer health needs -some in response to new laws, some voluntarily , said Levario. I believe these activities are an example of a very positive health-consciousness trend within the restaurant industry.

6857 Paoli Rd., Paoli WI 53508

Shopping and Dining Along the Sugar River

Monday, Closed Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm Sunday, 11am - 4pm Monday, Closed Lunch: Tuesday - Sunday, 11am - 2:30pm Dinner: Thursday, Friday and Saturday Evenings, 5pm

Shop Hours

Caf Hours

Reservations Welcomed 608-848-6261 paolischoolhouseshops.com

Use the Internet to your advantage when dining out

There is no denying that ours is a culture increasingly dependent on technology in all facets of daily life. We rely on e-mail and messaging to keep in touch and turn to our tablets or smart phones to keep track of current events and entertainment. Meetings and even educational programs are offered via video chats and groups. Many people would admit that theyd feel lost without their gadget of choice at the ready. Individuals who rely on technology may be in search of other ways to employ their digital prowess, and researching restaurants and making reservations online might be right up their alley.

February 28, 2013 - Going Out - 13

com) allow diners to browse through more than 25,000 restaurants partnered with the service and make reservations even down to table selection. Simply search for your favorite restaurant or browse by specific region. Then select your time and fill out the required information. Many restaurants are using this service to help manage their restaurant reservation process. Although services like this may help remove confusion over reservations, there also are steps diners can take to ensure their night out on the town goes off without a hitch. Choose restaurants based on food quality and not based on celebrity sightings. Restaurants concerned about food are more likely to seat you promptly than trendy spots would. When calling for a reservation, do so in the early afternoon when the hostess station is not overwhelmed with customers. If you have been a good customer in the past, it doesnt hurt to mention that. Use a service like OpenTable. Youll have a restaurant confirmation to show the hostess. Tip the maitre d or hostess on your way out from dining if you plan to return again. If there is a wait, stand by the hostess station to reduce your risk of being lost in the crowd.

Many people go online to research restaurants or make reservations to dine out. With their phones boasting apps that can zero in on toprated restaurants and other nearby establishments, individuals very often turn to their trusty tablets or smartphones to make decisions on where to eat. According to AISMedia, 89 percent of consumers say they have researched a restaurant online before dining there. Those most likely to use the Internet to check out menus and other information about food establishments are people ages 25 to 45. And of those consumers who have researched a restaurant online, 33 percent view other consumers reviews online prior to dining. Researching restaurants isnt all people are doing online. Theyre also making reservations. Services like OpenTable (www.opentable-

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Get deals on dining out

14 - Going Out - February 28, 2013

When the weather turns warm, it can be a boon to the restaurant business, or it can be a disadvantage depending on how restaurant owners approach the situation. Patrons dining out can make the most of summer dining by employing strategies to eat on the cheap every time. Although some restaurants have no problem keeping customers coming back for more, the sheer volume of restaurants in most cities and towns can make competition feisty throughout the year. However, during the summer, when many individuals spend their time at home, on vacation and on weekend getaways, restaurants may have to work even harder to attract business. As a result, diners can expect new specials and incentives to get them in the door. When selecting a restaurant, there are certain things that can help you cut some of the fat off the final bill. Avoid the hot spots. Look for less trendy, though established, restaurants and neighborhoods to save money. At trendy establishments, you could find long wait times for tables and inflated prices to cover the cost of decor and specialty ingredients. With a long waiting list wrapping outside of the door, chances are this restaurant is not going to cater to customers looking for a bargain. Cost-conscious diners should also avoid trendy neighborhoods. Many people find the lure is too powerful to ignore in warm weather. In turn, restaurants that overlook the water or are located along the beach may be more populated and pricey than others just a short distance away. Theres a

Welcome To Delicious

430 East Verona Ave. 845-2010 www.culvers.com

good chance that if you do a little exploring you can find a comparable restaurant nearby that may offer a better deal. Dine out during the week. Leave the end of the week and weekends for cooking meals at home. When you want to eat out, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday may be the best days for finding a coupon or special discount deal. Thats because restaurants know patrons tend to dine out later in the week. To drum up business on slower days, restaurants may offer special menus or steep discounts. This is an advantage if the entire family is dining out. Order appetizers only. The warmer weather tends to mute hunger pangs, and smaller portions can leave you feeling full. If you want to try a higher-priced restaurant, consider only ordering appetizers and salads, which will certainly cut down the cost of the bill. Clip coupons. At-home coupon mailers and special dining-around-town supplements are often included in the newspaper or mailed directly to your home. Browse through and take advantage of the coupons within. Discounts might be as high as 30 percent off your bill. Choose from BYOB restaurants. Many restaurants keep overhead costs down by choosing to make their establishments BYOB, or bring your own bottle. The meal may be slightly lower in price than other restaurants, and you will save money on the final tab by bringing your own wine or beverage. Dining out inexpensively is something anyone can do during the often competitive summer season.

February 28, 2013 - Going Out

We know youre busy.

Save time ~ shop close to home!
From big weekend breakfasts

to brown bag lunches

family dinners and everything in between

We have a wide selection to choose from. Stop in!

Your locally-owned grocer for over 100 years
210 S. Main Street VERONA (608) 845-6478

1290 U.S. Hwy. 18/151 MT HOREB (608) 437-3081

Includes soup & salad bar, Freshly baked bread, choIce oF potato or Vegetable

Nightly SpecialS

goldeN plump BroaSted chickeN every Night

moNday aNd tueSday

cheF specIal oF the day

WedNeSday all you care to eat buFFet

Chicken, Ribs, Shrimp, Salad Bar, Soup, Homemade Cookies

thurSday
swIss steak

WeekeNd prime riB ~ Friday, Saturday, SuNday

12 oz. petite ~ 14 oz. QueeN ~ 16 oz. kiNg ~ 24 oz. Super
deep FrIed cod baked cod FrIday combo (1/4 Broasted Chicken & 1 Piece of Fried or Baked Cod) lake perch baby back rIbs ~ 1/2 rack & Full rack

Friday

Saturday

SuNday swIss steak broasted chIcken WeekeNd BreakFaSt childreNS meNu Full Bar chickeN to go

6010 Highway 51, McFarland, Wisconsin 608-838-5888 ~ mapletreesupperclub.com

Remember the Maple Tree for your private party & meeting needs! Many family style or entrees choices available.

Banquet Facilities