If you’re heading to a nice restaurant for any special occasion, chances are, you may order some wine. But if you do, use some common sense. Here are some tips for ordering wine that will save you money. Don’t be intimidated by the wine list. Some of them are as thick as a decent dictionary and you probably aren’t familiar with most of the wines on the list, anyway, unless you’re a real connoisseur. Set a price point. Tell your wait-person what that might be, and then let him or her suggest something in that price range. Compromise with your dining partner so you don’t have to order two bottles. He likes a hearty red; she likes a fruity white. Again, ask the wait staff to suggest something that might please both palates. A lot of times, it depends on what you order for your entrées. Never order the “house wine” because you don’t know what else to order. Many restaurants by the cheapest stuff they can get away with and charge premium prices. Don’t order by the glass. Everyone knows that you can pay as much for a modest glass of wine in a restaurant as you pay for the whole bottle in a discount liquor store. If you order a bottle and don’t finish it, ask if you can take it home. If you do take it home, be sure it is tightly stoppered and either drink it or use it in cooking within a week or so. A hearty red makes for a wonderful chicken cacciatore and a great white provides the kick you need for a lovely mushroom risotto. Find lots more ideas for cooking with wine at many online recipe sites.
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