The Deal on Tips

 

Restaurant Week in Chicago runs February 20-27, and while this offers fantastic deals for diners, I can not stress the importance of not skimping on the tip. This also counts for the coupons that restaurants hand out during the “slow season” or discounts from fun sites like Restaurant.com and others.

As former server in the industry, I can attest to the fact that a pre fixe menu or any type of deal for customers means a lower tip percentage with more work involved. I encourage you to always take advantage of these amazing deals in the city, especially in a down economy, but make sure you recognize what service you are getting. These deals can often include additional food or drinks for you which can keep your server even more on their toes.

In these instances I recommend you base your tip on what the meal should have cost, not what the final bill says. Your server will still put in the full effort for your discounted meal. Obviously bad service is a different scenario, but if service was up to par then there is no reason to short your server on a tip.

If you are leery of presenting a coupon or mentioning a deal let me put you at ease. Most servers are thrilled to see a larger crowd, so they will not think any differently of you if you use a coupon. Make sure to let them know as soon as possible that you are planning to use it. Telling your server at the beginning of the meal that you plan to use a coupon may save quite a bit of hassle later on when it’s time for the bill.

No matter what your personal beliefs on tipping are percentage-wise, understand that even if you are offered a discount that does not mean servers are earning any different wages. I strongly believe tipping is a part of Karma, so make sure you are putting good vibes out there!

DJ Colette, DJ Heather - February 28th- Metro SmartbarTwo Great Women,One Great Night.

In a previous post,I blogged about Metro-Smartbar as a great venue for watching local based DJs and bands in an environment that is not pretentious and easy on your budget. This time around, there will be two great DJs spinning at Metro Smartbar on February 28th-Dj Colette and Dj Heather,who are also part of OM records.

DJ Colette's hit "Feeling Hypnotized" has been featured in Motorola Commercials and has landed her on the "Devil Wears Prada" soundtrack. DJ Heather is also a local based DJ who will be joining DJ Colette for a night of great House music. I can't get enough of
these two. Their soulful tracks and smooth beats will keep you dancing
all night long. These women will also be participating at the Winter
Music Conference to take place in March, a huge event that takes place
in Miami that attracts DJs from all over the world including great DJs such as Tiesto and Fat Boy Slim just to name a few. It's a huge honor to participate in this event.

Tickets for Dj Colette and Dj
Heather are $10 dollars before midnight and $15
after-for these two it is so worth it and practically a steal if you
ask me. This is what I love about Metro Smartbar. Metro Smartbar
is a place where local based musicians return and do great live shows at an
unbeatable cost. It is not pretentious at all and no specific dress
code necessary.

I am going to do my best to go to this show, hopefully my calendar will be clear enough that I will be able to make it. I went to see DJ Kaskade, another great local based DJ
last February at Metro Smartbar and I had a great time. If you are in
the area or happening to be traveling in Chicago that weekend, stop on
over, should be a good time. Also,this is a great way to 1)support Chicago based artists and 2) support women in music,especially in the house music scene,which can be pretty competitive since it mainly consists of men.

Metro Smartbar is located at 3730 N. Clark St (two blocks North of Wrigley Field).
Show starts at 10PM.

Save the Date: March 25Gals' Guide Spring Break

March 25

Downtown Chicago

Gals' Guide Style

Hint: No drama. No attitude. No pretensions.

A Night With Boca Means Cool Stuff for YOU!$5,000 For Your Healthy Living Goal

Happy Hump Day Chicas,

( This cool kit can be yours, scroll down for how!)

I didn't even bother to blow dry my hair this morning. I let it go au natural and you know what - I'm digging it.  I'm used to my new job, routine, schedule and as a result, have a terrific perk for you.

One of the clients our team works with is Boca Burger. Last week, I attended a fantastic spa night hosted by Boca and my co-workers. Bucktown's Spa Soak hosted us for a night of manis, pedis, massages, a hearty spread of Boca burgers and healthy sides.  If you haven't guessed it, the entire evening was about relaxing, while evaporating the stresses of the day away.

I had my chance to meet other local Chicago bloggers, discover new toppings for my Boca burger and get more details on a cool contest that is open to all of you. Do you want to quit smoking?  Do you think this whole economic crisis is driving you batty? Do you want to balance your daily routine better? This is just the contest for you!  Exact copy about the promotion:

"Take the BOCA Balanced Living Challenge for a chance to win what you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

You have until Friday, February 27th to write a 250 words or less entry about why YOU deserve the $5,000. Enter here.

In the meantime, one of YOU can win this handy dandy relaxing kit pictured above. The kit includes a yoga mat, relaxing CD, daily planner and eco-friendly bag that folds up into your purse (great for those weekend market trips).  Tell me about your favorite way to relax in the comments below and I'll pick a random person to win the kit. It's that simple.  I'll be taking comments through Sunday night.

In the meantime, thanks to Spa Soak for hosting us and thanks to the Boca team for inviting us to come along and enjoy the night of relaxing!

Longing for those Christian Louboutins? Check out IOffer.com!

We at one point or another are guilty of this-we stroll along Michigan Avenue or Oak Street and stare at the windows and hope that one day,we just might afford that Balenciaga bag. Or those Christian Louboutins that we so often see on celebrities in People's magazine. Or,we got those Dolce and Gabbana shades that we are trying to sell off at a decent price. Or maybe we are trying to sell off those Prada shoes.

Thanks to my friend Lena for letting me know about this site-check out www.ioffer.com for some slashing prices of high-end designer duds. Here is where you can also buy,sell,or trade high-end items and get the most for your money. You can actually converse with the sellers and ask them questions regarding the items that they are trying to sell. You can give them a price you are willing to pay and the sellers can decide whether or not they want to go with your offer.

Happy shopping!