by Ted Onulak

Created on: October 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 09, 2011

No matter how accomplished you are in the kitchen or how much you may love to cook, everyone needs a break from cooking once in a while.

The cook wants a break from preparing the food and washing up and the family may want something that they don't usually get at home. But a trip to even a mid-priced or family restaurant can really add up if you decide to take the whole gang out to dinner.

Here are a few tips for savvy restaurant goers to save a little money and have a satisfying dining experience.

*Find restaurants that serve meals 'family style'. This term refers to when large platters of food are served for all to share. This can be quite economical, especially if there are several children in your group.

Chinese restaurants are a great example of this kind of dining. If you are going out with a party of 5, order 3 main dishes, which all parties can agree on, rather than each choosing their own dish. Most Chinese restaurants will usually refill your rice at no charge as well as the traditional hot tea. Younger children rarely clean their plates, and a smaller portion will usually satisfy most of them.

There are also many Italian restaurants, notably Carmine's in the New York Theater District, where one entre can serve a family of four. Add a side of spaghetti and you have a delicious, satisfying meal

Other restaurants that serve family style are BBQ and Indian eateries. Even in those restaurants where dishes are served ala Carte, main dishes can easily be shared; this can be quite a savings for your wallet, as well as, your waistline.

*Ask your server a lot of questions. No one likes the surprise of finding out that there are no free drink refills or that a dinner special costs twice as much as other menu items. Ask them what their best sellers and best values are and if the kids can split entrees or salads. A good server can guide you toward some excellent tips for saving a few dollars.

Don't be afraid of asking for substitutions if you don't like some component of the dish. This may not save you money but there is no sense in paying for something you really don't want to eat. Most places will be happy to accommodate you, especially if you are doing a low-carbohydrate diet or have other food restrictions.

*Try to stay away from the little extras. Though it's nice to have a salad with your dinner, they are high mark up items and may add $6 to $8 per meal. Your server may substitute a green salad for a vegetable if you like. Once again, it doesn't

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