twenty bucks more fun

Yesterday, I received an email: "Congratulations, you completed all qualifying transactions on your Card... Thank you for dining out three or more times during NYC Restaurant Week, now enjoy your $20 statement credit..." I can't even tell you how happy it made me. I'm obviously easily thrilled.

This past Restaurant Week (Winter 2012), American Express partnered with the city to offer a twenty dollar incentive to diners. It's true, I didn't have to participate; I could have very easily avoided dining out at the limited number of participating restaurants (like this one and this one), but I like free money as much as anyone... and it's tough to resist a three-course dinner for $35, sometimes with a signature cocktail included, at eateries that are otherwise out of my budget.

On Friday, February 10th, the very last day and meal of Restaurant Week, my roommate and I met a friend for a celebratory dinner at Maya. This modern Mexican cuisine & tequila bar is accurately self-described as "carefully crafted, yet bold flavored." To start, Catherine had a margarita, I had a glass of Syrah, Walter had a beer. Then, we ordered another round (margarita for me) and feasted:

[Entradas: Guacamole, Ensalada de Papaya, Empañada de Camarón]

[Entradas: Tostadas de Atún]

[Platos Fuertes: Crepas de Huitlacoche]

[Entrada as Puerto Fuerte: Tacos de Entraña]

[Postres: Churros (above), Chocoflan (below)]

Yes, it was quite the meal. And even though we didn't all abide by the Restaurant Week guidelines, it was still delicious and not at all astronomically expensive. Every now and again, splurges (both financially and nutritionally) are worth it. Especially when you walk away a month later with a whole twenty bucks ;).