Pinch Some Pennies

I've debated actually doing this post. There's a fine line between frugal and cheap and I try to stay on the frugal side without crossing it. I occasionally use coupons, but try to stay far away from the hardcore coupon-clippers; not the ones who occasionally do it to save their family some cash, but the ones who do it as a full time job and get paid 10 cents for each of the 36 packages of chili cheese Fritos they buy. When you talk to those people, you always feel like a chump for actually paying for groceries--even if their freezer is stocked with Western Family fish sticks and Red Barron pizza.

Coupons are a whole different ball game in restaurants. When you use a coupon at the grocery store, the cashier always gives you a look of approval, like you've played your hand well. Restaurants are a different story. They send out tons of coupons in the mail. When you actually try to use one, there is always an awkward moment. The waiter gives you this look like "you've shown your true colors, I should have known when you didn't order a drink."

Recently we went with a big group to Bucca di Beppo. I'm not usually a big fan of restaurant chains, but I think their food is actually pretty good. We had several awkward moments with our waiter, like when we tried to remove the bust of the Pope that was in plexi-glass in the middle of our round table. We were told that it was corporate policy that the Pope cannot be moved. Everyone in the group tried to use a $10 off coupon from the mail. The waiter looked at us with disgust seeming to say "just what I expected from this group." We could only use one per table.

This brings me to the point of my post. Their marguerita pizza was actually really good. I also like their mixed green salad. So, go to Bucca di Beppo and get the small pizza and small salad, which ends up being $21.00 and you can use your $10.00 off coupon. Use it . . . if you can endure the shame.