
No, I'm not skimping on my Recession Specials listings. Friday and Saturday nights are generally special-free. But if you're a New Yorker, it shouldn't really matter. Friday and Saturday nights? Yawn. So passe.
If you have your heart set on finding a deal tonight, try what many claim is the best in town: The $35 three course prix fixe in Jean Georges' Nougatine Room, offered Sunday through Friday nights. Romantic, sumptuous and capable of, for a good 90 minutes, obliterating the reality that you are broke as all get out. 1 Central Park West (in the Trump International Hotel and Tower at 60th St.). 212-695-1258; www.jean-georges.com
Now. Let's get down to Sunday business. Below are your Sunday evening Recession Specials. But do check out Wined and Dined's list of "Boozy Brunch" spots about the city, if you choose to blow your wad before mid-afternoon.
1) Not exactly dirt cheap, but Dovetail's $38 Sunday Suppa is the talk of the town. View the menu here. 103 W. 77th St. (between Columbus & Amsterdam). 212-362-3800; www.dovetailnyc.com
2) A fantastic deal, David Burke's Fishtail is offering a $20.07 three course dinner on Sunday night's (yeah, you heard me!). Note that this deal will go up to $29.00 after Labor Day. 135 E. 62nd (between Park & Lex). 212-754-1300; www.fishtaildb.com
3) This one is no joke either: Paradou is giving you a three course meal...for the price of the entree! 8 Little West 12th Street. 212-463-8345; www.paradounyc.com
4) If you'd like something more laid back try Paris Commune's 8 oz burger, fries, green salad and unlimited beer for a scant $16.95. 99 Bank Street (corner of Greenwich Street). 212-929-0509; www.pariscommune.net/home.htm
5) Another low-key is The Smith's $14.00 Burger and Beer special (burger pictured above). If I were you, I'd also split the $8.00 Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheddar Melt with your guest. Pure bliss. 55 Third Ave. (between 10th and 11th St.). 212-420-9800; www.thesmithnyc.com
6) Finally, if you're craving Italian, Vento will hit the spot with your choice of pizza or pasta and a glass of house wine for only $12.95. 675 Hudson (at 14th Street). 212-699-2400; www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/vento/index.php