And so it begins: some local restaurants have started tweaking their menus and price points, and whether or not they say so, you know the failing economy must have something (or everything) to do with it. Over at Sage, chef/owner Anthony Susi has unveiled a new menu concept, what he calls “a more casual and relaxed Italian dining experience.” In addition to antipasti and entrées, an expanded stuzzi (small plates) selection now features inexpensive munchies like pickled eggplant ($4), sliced sopressata ($5), chicken-liver crostini ($6), and marinated mushrooms ($6).
Leave it to the always-whimsical Jake’s Dixie BBQ in Waltham to come up with “Jake’s BBQ Bailout.” From 5 to 9 p.m. every Sunday through Wednesday for the remainder of the month, Jake’s is taking 50 percent off appetizers when ordered with an entrée.
Another wallet-friendly option? Chris Douglass’s Tavolo in Dorchester is now serving two-for-$6 veal-and-beef meatballs.
Color us overwhelmed. Over at Bangkok Café in Roslindale, a Creative Cuisine menu gives diners the opportunity to create their own dishes. Choose from 10 entrées, including chicken, beef, tofu, pork, shrimp, scallop, duck, and vegetarian duck-style tofu; pick one of 10 sauces, such as oyster, spicy basil chili, ginger scallion, and spicy Korean; and add your choice of seven side dishes, including steamed jasmine rice, pan-fried yellow egg noodles, and steamed soba. All that decision-making should help you work up an appetite.
