Blue Ribbon Chicken, NYC

Fueled by a mere handful of pistachios for breakfast, I needed nourishment. I'd been craving chicken for a few days and scoured reviews for joints offering fried goodness reminiscent of that served Down South. Every establishment's good commentary had an evil twin. By mid-afternoon I discovered Blue Ribbon Chicken. The eatery won by default. Brothers Bruce and Eric Bromberg run it and other themed spots around the city. Although I've visited none of the others, I figured they'd more than likely deliver an appetizing meal.

I decided to go a la carte and chose a Mighty Wing, instead of a regular one, and onion rings. While I waited, I asked a manager if they made the ice cream. He affirmed that they did and asked what flavor I thought looked interesting. I also noticed another manager visiting guests' tables. One employee's sole job consisted of cleaning the dining room. Kudos for staff attentiveness!

Almost embarrassingly so, I dove in seconds after my order arrived. The wing lacked that buttermilk dipped, heavily-floured coating I expected based on meals of fried chicken past. Between their signature spice mix and frying techniques, the owners did manage to create a crispy, light and flavorful crust. I ate every bit of skin I could pry off the bone.

As I did so, I thought of how the preparation seemed simultaneously simple and elevated. The rings had the sort of crust I expected the chicken to have. They reminded me of those served in most Savannah seafood restaurants.

I dipped portions of my Mighty Wing and onion rings in the honey mustard and bbq sauces although the chicken and rings tasted fine on their own. Freshly prepared, both condiments had a thin consistency but packed a surprisingly flavorful punch.

Dessert, complimentary banana salted caramel ice cream, topped off the meal. I'm not a huge banana fan but wanted to try it because I enjoy homemade caramel. As I scraped up every bit possible, I conjured up memories of every scoop I'd ever encountered. I must say this dessert edged out my previous favorite, High Road Craft Ice Cream's carrot variety.

I realized after reviewing Blue Ribbon's website that the manager who delivered the treat was one of the owners. With food, service, and an atmosphere that are all on point Blue Ribbon Chicken is bound to become a favorite.

Miles for Military

Served our country or want to support someone who did? Quicken Loans' Miles for Military grants free airfare for those chosen at the end of an easy application process.
Visit: http://www.quickenloans.com/homefront/?qls=$qls

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Waffle & Wolf, Brooklyn

What a wonderful way to enjoy a waffle! Baked in bacon bits, creamy avocado yogurt, and cheddar sprinkled atop tomatoes and cool arugula. Yum. Besides the #12 and other savory options, this tiny eatery whips up sweet creations and fresh squeezed juice combinations.

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Veteran's Day

SeeSaveSavor.com salutes our armed forces, past and present. Please pass on these Veteran’s Day deals (some start before or run past the holiday):

• Krispy Kreme: free doughnut and small coffee
• Starbucks: free brewed coffee or tea
• Ruby Tuesday: free appetizer
• Carrabba’s: free appetizer 
• California Pizza Kitchen: free entrée
• Texas Roadhouse: free entrée and soft drink/tea
• Denny's: free Grand Slam
• LongHorn Steakhouse: free Texas Tonion and soft drink
• Red Lobster: free appetizer
• Steak 'n Shake: free Breakfast Skillet and coffee

The restaurants below offered deals last year and might offer similar perks again:

• Applebee’s: free Signature entrée 
• Pappadeaux: free appetizer with entrée purchase 
• Einstein Bros Bagels: free bagel and shmear 
• Outback Steakhouse: free Bloomin' Onion and soft drink 
• Boston Market: free whole chicken with family meal purchase

Times Square, NYC

Need proof you're not in Kansas anymore? Stop by Times Square. A quintessential landmark bustling with activity, there's surely something in walking distance to satisfy everyone in your party's adventurous spirit.

The abundance of architecture and advertising are enough to captivate. I gravitate toward people and character watching over all else. Don't linger too long though. Shops in Times Square, aka Tourist Central, tend to charge a bit more. Venture into other boroughs or other areas of Manhattan to discover their offerings.

Salmon Sliders

All things purple catch my eye. So did a gigantic $2.00 bunch of carrots at the Mccarren Park Greenmarket. I bought them to add to Shrimp Fried Rice, but before making that dish I ate some as garnish on a salmon slider. The taste of raw, purple carrots reminds me of red cabbage.

I added bits of the leafy tops as a lettuce substitute. These sliders are cool and filling enough without feeling heavy. They provide a quick and easy no-cook dish, perfect after a day of running errands.

For this recipe the quantities are up to you. I used only Trader Joe's products, except for the veggies. Smoked salmon and pane italiano, cut into four squares. Any Italian bread bursting with olive oil will do. Dress it with tartar sauce. Enjoy!

Free iTunes Festival Videos

Technically the show does go on. Let iTunes transport you to London for  full-length concert videos from Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, Mary J. Blidge and more.

 
This offer does not require that you own an Apple product. Sign up for a free account to view shows:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/?cid=OAS-US-DOMAINS-itunes.com

Grand Appetito, Little Italy NYC

The Feast of San Gennaro ends tomorrow. Don't fret though, Little Italy's plethora of gastronomical goodness will still be available. After navigating the crowds and assortment of vendors, I found a near perfect cheesesteak on the festival's route. 

Grand Appetito, an unassuming pizza joint on Grand Street, also sells sandwiches. I opted for onions and provolone only so I could truly compare the cheesesteak to its competition. Peering past the glass partition at the grill, I realized that a combination of cooking technique and quality beef would result in a product that rivaled any of sold at the smoky, crowded street booths.

In addition to an excellent entree, I received engaging service from Alex and his crew and a momentary escape from the rowdiness and blazing sun outside. 

McDonald's Coffee Giveaway

Ronald McDonald, I don't eat your food but thanks for the free coffee. Valid during breakfast hours until Sept. 29th at participating locations. Small size only:

http://news.mcdonalds.com/US/news-stories/McDonald-s-USA-Perks-Up-The-Nation-With-Free-Coffe

Slope's Barbeque, Atlanta

I needed to pig out. It was nearly 6:00 and I'd skipped lunch. My first choice, a pizza place had closed permanently. Seeing that sign on the door made my stomach grumble even more. Then, I remembered Slope's wasn't too far away plus I had a Scoutmob deal.

This joint is unassuming and welcoming. White and red checked plastic clothes drape each table. Autographed photos of celebrities cover paneling near the drink station, but the staff treats even everyday folks like stars.

Hush puppies listed as a special piqued my curiosity because the establishment doesn't sell seafood. A girl at the counter, the owner's daughter I assume, answered my questions like a pro. I ordered an assortment of items: ribs, green lima beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and those hush puppies. The baked macaroni and cheese was unimpressive: short on cheese and less flavorful than what most home cooks could conjure up.

Luckily Slope's claim to fame lies in barbeque, which is what they do best. Slightly sweet sauce covered my ribs but, frankly, I think the abundance of sauce masked some of their inherent flavor. Clearly, talented cooks handle the smoker and the meat in it with care. The beans and puppies deserve honorable mentions, as does the coleslaw.

I heard the staff talking to other customers who entered as I ate. What impressed me as much as the bbq was the level of interaction and familiarity the staff had with patrons. I suspect that most customers return as much for the genuine customer service as for the food.

Walmart Savings Catcher

Contrary to popular belief, Walmart doesn't always have the best prices. Recently though, they introduced a tool that puts savings savvy customers at ease.

Savings Catcher tracks items purchased at Walmart and will credit the price difference in the form of a gift card. No more worrying about another major retailer offering a better deal the day after you buy an item.

Simple to use online or through the app, Savings Catcher will save you time and money. Visit the site for details: https://savingscatcher.walmart.com/

McCarren Park Greenmarket, Brooklyn

I'm having coupon withdrawal. Most of the stores I encounter in NYC are actually tiny markets, not the mega grocery stores abundant in Atlanta. The larger grocers sell items for much more, it seems, than the smaller businesses. These inflated prices cancel out the benefit of using a discount. Trader Joe's has become my stumping ground. Even so, its produce isn't always the freshest. Thank goodness for NYC's network of Greenmarkets.

The McCarren Park location sells fruits and vegetables that make grocery store selections look like ugly ducklings. And, as expected, this farmer's market boasts a wider variety of produce, which usually costs less. Booths also offer honey and related products, maple syrup, cheese, ice cream and milk, herb seedlings, eggs and meat.

I bought purple carrots, cucumbers, potatoes and chocolate milk for $5.50. But I skipped green beans and a basil plant, buying both at Trader Joe's for a savings of over 50%. I snacked on the carrots then shredded them to garnish Salmon Sliders (even using the leaves) and I added some to Shrimp Fried Rice. I boiled the potatoes too long but still paired them with Coconut Curry. Despite the soft texture caused by overcooking, they possessed a buttery appearance and depth of flavor.

A word of warning if even the smallest dog ignites fear in you. Many visitors stroll over from the dog park section with their pets in tow. Though tinier than Union Square's market, McCarren offers plenty of choice without the massive Manhattan crowds.

Bed Bath and Beyond Gift Card Offer

If you're a Bed Bath and Beyond groupie, take advantage of this stock up deal. Buy $40 worth of select Proctor and Gamble products (details in store) and score a $10 BBB gift card. Remember that this retailer's coupons never expire, so be sure to sign up for the mailing list. This offer though, ends 8/31.

UBER, NYC

If a trip to New York is in your near future, use this discount code for $30 off on a Uber ride. The car service claims it's now cheaper than a taxi: NYCUBERX.