Jaunted

Like most of it's peers, the Michelin-starred Upper West Side eatery recently introduced a recession-friendly prix fixe menu, in this case $30.81 for two courses—you've got to go without either apps or dessert, but it's still a good deal for a twofer like salmon belly tartare and hangar steak, or scallop ravioli and a bourbon vanilla ice cream float. For an additional $8.10, you get all three courses.

So, sweet deal, yes, but here's the part that really caught our eye--81 is introducing the menu by offering it to the first 150 customers, completely free! The first 150 guests to reserve seats by email (free@81nyc.com) for tonight’s dinner eat gratis. We're guessing those reserves already flew pretty quickly, but we still like this idea--let's make it a trend, restaurateurs!

· 81 [Official Site]
· No Free Lunch, But Dinner's Free [81]
· Recession Restaurants coverage [Jaunted]

Photo: [81]