bargains to be found

This may be the time of economic uncertainty and even financial crisis, but it is also a time for wonderful travel bargains. And I must confess that having seen lots of dollars vanish from my retirement portfolio before my eyes, I am inclined to go ahead and do the things I want to do. (caveat...not on credit that I have to extend...) We need to support the businesses we treasure and those we want to survive.

So, the theory is, you must spend money to save it! For example, I have found a round trip non stop fare from JFK to Rome on Alitalia in May for....drum roll..... $375 including tax and insurance! How is this possible? Through www.farecompare.com and then on to www.vayama.com . I will even get Delta miles toward the next free trip...

What else? next week I am heading to Paris...and staying at Le Meurice for under $400! This is usually more than $1000, way beyond my budget....but I have decided that a $400 splurge is in order...especially since I only have 2 nights. (The other two are in Holland for the tulips.)

Getting into the best restaurants? Not a problem. Whether in New York or Paris or Chicago, a phone call...often even on the day I want to go...generally does it. What amazes me is that when I arrive, the restaurants are still full. Business is booming.

Last week in Chicago's Topolobompo, always a *** and among the top half dozen restaurants in town, a group of five had a wonderful meal with service to match. The restuarant and its sister Frontera Grill were packed. However, the waiter was very willing to let us do different things...two different tasting menus, one person not doing a tasting menu.

If you remember my earlier post about the dying art of delighting your customer...you will know that I was very pleased to see this flexibility. The waiter, Oliver Camacho, was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about both the food and the wine that it was a pleasure to hear him.

The week before at The Modern in New York, the restuarant was less full, but no less wonderful in food prep and service. Captain Louis Smeby made sure I was well taken care of and had just the right amount of formal and friendly. One extra that I really appreciate is the willingness to box up the special candies and cookies at meal's end...I can't possibly eat them after the meal...but I will surely want them later!

Here's to making the most of the recession...and helping our favorites in the process!