MilesBuzz! - idine 20 miles/$

I'm not sure if others were aware of this but I recently noticed a restaurant in Cambridge, MA giving twenty miles per $ spent. Is this new? I've seen most at 10 and some lower than 10, but 20? Needless to say I will be eating here soon.

It is a brand new option. There appear to be very few places anywhere offering it [yet], so good luck to you with it!

I just noticed that the delta idine site says "With SkyMiles Dining you can earn up to 10 miles for every dollar that you spend". Any other instances or could this be a dreaded typo?

[This message has been edited by chobby100 (edited 04-18-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Points Scrounger:
It is a brand new option. There appear to be very few places anywhere offering it [yet], so good luck to you with it!</font>In Orange County CA there are three restaurants offering 20 miles. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

We have one here in San Antonio. I keep meaning to go. It's a terrific offer!

$.05/ mile. And dinner. Not bad at all. There's got to be one in NYC...

paradocs,

What restaurant in SA?

fp

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by notsosmart:
$.05/ mile. And dinner. Not bad at all. There's got to be one in NYC...</font>

There's quote a few in the listings, one per page (out of 20) or so.

Whoa, that is pretty good. I would assume that the restaurants listed as "40% off" on the www.idine.com (http://www.idine.com) website are the 20/$ restaurants, though I could not find that stated anywhere on the site.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">I would assume that the restaurants listed as "40% off" on the www.idine.com (http://www.idine.com) website are the 20/$ restaurants, though I could not find that stated anywhere on the site. </font>

It seems like a reasonable assumption... is anyone here subscribed to Idine's email alerts? Are they any good? Worth giving my name out and gettting an additional 5 spams/day?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by notsosmart:
$.05/ mile. And dinner. Not bad at all. </font>

If the place is halfway decent I think this is a great deal! Let me know if you find (and like) a place in The Village/West Village.

Combined with multiple visits per month, this would be an amazing deal. Now if the food was only edible.....

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JonNYC:
If the place is halfway decent I think this is a great deal! Let me know if you find (and like) a place in The Village/West Village.</font>

It may not be the village, (and I live in the East Village) but it's close. Fraunces Tavern in the financial district.

Did dinner here a few weeks ago, got the 20 miles/per & had a pretty good dinner.

[This message has been edited by Ksimp (edited 04-18-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Ksimp (edited 04-18-2003).]

There is a bar on Essex (137 Essex) that's doing it right now. They also have "Asian fusion" hour d'ourves. Whatever. I can get five dumplings for a buck, or 3 spring rolls for a buck, or "pig intestines in fancy sauce" downstairs. Fusion. Who needs it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

An iDine listing for 20 miles/dollar that may be of interest:

Glass
American
NY, New York City
West Side 14-44th Streets
287 10th Ave [near 27th St.]
New York, NY 10001
(212) 904-1580


Glass. A simple name for a fine and simple eatery. Located adjacent to Chelsea Park in mid-town Manhattan, Glass offers American cuisine, including freshly made sandwiches, soups, pasta and meat dishes, plus salads, seafood and vegetarian fare. Coffees, teas, and fresh desserts are specialties of the house. Clear as Glass: fresh foods, plus a warm and inviting ambiance in a charming location. Casual.


Credit Cards: American Express - Discover - MasterCard - Visa

Dining Guidelines for This Restaurant: Benefit awarded up to the maximum spending of $600 per month,
one visit per month . (Emphasis mine)


I have never dined there.


[This message has been edited by Points Scrounger (edited 04-18-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by notsosmart:
There is a bar on Essex (137 Essex) that's doing it right now. They also have "Asian fusion" hour d'ourves. Whatever. I can get five dumplings for a buck, or 3 spring rolls for a buck, or "pig intestines in fancy sauce" downstairs. Fusion. Who needs it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

I've driven by that place, I think. Looked kinda' interesting-- have you tried it by any chance? I gotta' check it out (and any, decent, place that gives the 20-miles-per-$.) Great deal if the food is decent-- and, of course, the booze all comes from the same bottle! Thanks!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JonNYC:
If the place is halfway decent I think this is a great deal! Let me know if you find (and like) a place in The Village/West Village.</font>

Are you proposing a Flyertalk Dinner at such a place? A great idea!

Where and when?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by logicpurveyor:
In Orange County CA there are three restaurants offering 20 miles. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

What are they?!


[This message has been edited by lisamcgu (edited 04-18-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by writetorich:
Are you proposing a Flyertalk Dinner at such a place? A great idea!

Where and when?</font>

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif
We could fight with each-other over who gets to pay the check-- it will almost seem like we actually like one another (even though we both just want the bonus miles!) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Fed Planner: The restaurant in SAT is N"awlin's Creole Kitchen. It's at 2351 E. Commerce downtown. Maybe on the River Walk? The only reason I haven't gone to check it out is that we tend to go downtown only when we have time to kill.

Everyone else: I am signed up for the email notifications. I only get one or two a week. Now whether they sell the names to other businesses I don't know.

BTW: did you guys know that Idine's CS is now open til way late? Something like 11PM EST. Their agents are really great.

Be sure to make sure the restaurant exists. We tried going to the 20 mile / $ place in Palo Alto, CA and not only was it not there, it appeared that it hadn't been for some time.

The "All Asia Cafe" in Cambridge is right by my hotel. I will be giving it a try.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JonNYC:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif
We could fight with each-other over who gets to pay the check-- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

A bunch of flyertalkers sitting down getting 20 miles per dollar when the check is brought over to the table.

Count me in if something is planned.

I've been at Dinners where everyone gave their own credit card! Eleven pieces of plastic for ONE check!

Now that may fly ( pun intended) at Catman's
expensive places, Butt ry pulling that at a moderate to inexpensive I Dine establishment.

That All Asia place is supposed to be pretty gross, just a warning.

I live a few blocks away from the MIT hotel.

Actually since I was targeted for the NW double partner miles promo I can use my NW Visa and get 42 miles to the dollar! Unfortunately the partner double up is capped at 5,000 miles during the program, but for now not a bad deal.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by quinella66:
Actually since I was targeted for the NW double partner miles promo I can use my NW Visa and get 42 miles to the dollar! Unfortunately the partner double up is capped at 5,000 miles during the program, but for now not a bad deal.</font>

My 3x promo is capped at 7,500 bonus miles; I treated the family to a $128 dinner last week at a 20/$ place. Idine already sent me the email that they'd awarded me 2,560 miles. I expect Northwest to poast an additional 5,210 to the account as well. Combined with my trip there the end of last month that netted $4100 total miles, I've completed the triple promo in two trips to the same restaurant. :-)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by entropy:
That All Asia place is supposed to be pretty gross, just a warning.

I live a few blocks away from the MIT hotel.</font>
Uh oh, maybe I should stick with the hotel restaurant.

Ent, what are some good resturants near Hotel@MIT? idine or no idine...

I live very close to Hotel @MIT also. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I would recommend Royal India (which is right across the street from All Asia). It has very good Indian food and happens to be on Idine too. And their $5.95 lunch buffet can't be beat.

I just noticed that one restaurant that had been listed as 20 miles is now coming up with 10. I wonder how long any of these restaurants will offer 20, if you have to check moments before you dine out to be sure...just what the deal is. Has any one else noticed this. It was Bar Celona Tapas in Chicago that changed.

------------------
Ms.DtG

The field Irish Pub in North Beach is the 20 mile option for San Francisco.

The nice thing about this is that if you go in for a few quiet glasses of Guiness and put your credit card over the bar each time you "bend the elbow" you'll be adding about 80 miles to your account.

My experience with these places is that they do not differentiate between food and drink charges.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by lisamcgu:
What are they?!


[This message has been edited by lisamcgu (edited 04-18-2003).]</font>

Crabby Kenny's 200 Main St Ste 101 A (actually around the corner from Main St) Huntington Beach CA (714) 969-6551 Ate there Friday - funky place, full bar, decent seafood, burger, and steaks.

Momo's Mexican 211 Main St Huntington Beach (714) 960-5282 Not open for lunch - call for hours of operation Haven't checked it out yet

Josh Slocum's Steak / Seafood 2601 W Pacific Coast Hwy Newport Beach (949) 642-5935 Not open for lunch - call for hours of operation Haven't checked it out yet

Crabby Kenny's might be good for a FlyerTalk lunch - anyone interested?

Hello everyone. This is my first post... Tyler Dikman recommended this site to me (youngest Centurian cardholder).

I have a couple things to say. First, I love iDine and visit several Bay Area iDine restaurants religiously. However, I think if you eat out quite a bit, you should upgrade to iDine prime. It only costs $50/yr, and instead of getting an average of 10 miles/dollar, you get a 20% discount. I value my miles at a penny a mile, so I would rather get 20 cents back for every dollar I spend than 10 miles. As previously mentioned, there are also restaurants that give you a 40% discount (or 20 miles for every dollar). I save about $100 a month thanks to iDine.

Second, in response to:
"Be sure to make sure the restaurant exists. We tried going to the 20 mile / $ place in Palo Alto, CA and not only was it not there, it appeared that it hadn't been for some time"

When I saw a 40% iDine discount at a sushi restaurant in Palo Alto, I ran their immediantely (I'm a big sushi fan). I was very disappointed to find out that the restaurant was replaced by the Edge nightclub and restuarant. I said "what the hell, gotta eat somewhere" and decided to try out the Edge restaurant. I spent about $40 including tax and tip on a killer filet mignon topped with portabella mushrooms, a fried banana desert, and a couple of excellent sake-based martinis. In all, it was a very pleasant experience and well worth the $40. I was shocked to find out that a few days later, iDine awarded me a $16 credit to my credit card. It turns out that the Edge is under the same ownership (and merchant account) as the old sushi place that was there, and you can still nab a sweet 40% discount (or 20 miles to the dollar) at the Edge nightclub.

Sorry for the long post. If I find any other good 40% discount restaurants in the Bay, I'll let everyone know. There are at least 10, but I've only tried the Edge restaurant in Palo Alto.

-Josh

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by magnumriver:
If I find any other good 40% discount restaurants in the Bay, I'll let everyone know. There are at least 10, but I've only tried the Edge restaurant in Palo Alto.
</font>

We tried the 20 miles per dollar Mexican place in Antioch, CA the other night. Very casual and quite tasty, but I didn't feel so well afterwards. I guess that means it must've been authentic Mexican food. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

btw, Welcome to FlyerTalk!

Welcome Josh.

I was a member of the get cash back group for a very long time, but to be honest with you getting money every month or so just gets spent. Never have any clue where, but if I get a $50 or $60 idine check, it gets deposited and ends up paying the telephone bill or something. Nothing wrong with that, the bill needs paying, but there's no reward.

I switched to getting miles. Miles are used for traveling, and for me almost always for personal use. When I turn in miles to get a club membership, or a business seat, I know some of it (though a small portion) is from those diners and restaurants I accumulated miles at. It just feels better knowing they aren't for the telephone bill, or to feed the cats, or whatever.

I'm sure many here do it for the same reason, or have both accounts, whatever, but for me, it's more of a reward getting miles instead of cash, and when three of my favorite places in my home area drop out all at the same time, I'm not out a membership fee with way fewer places to eat.

I'm with you, Cordelli! There is no thrill in getting a few dollars back. There is quite a thrill in getting free first class tickets OTOH!

[This message has been edited by paradocs (edited 04-20-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by paradocs:
I'm with you, Cordelli! There is no thrill in getting a few dollars back. There is quite a thrill in getting free first class tickets OTOH!

[This message has been edited by paradocs (edited 04-20-2003).]</font>


On Delta?????????????

(Couldn't resist)

Under the Diners Club thread it looks like their replacement dining program is going to be IDine with the 20% back. If that is the case, for anyone who is signed up for the $49 a year IDine, then the DC card is $49 cheaper since it comes free with the card. I have to say that once I become lifetime Platinum with AA it will be a tough choice. Will probably do 3 small cost restaurants for the 500 bonus, and any large checks do the 20%. It suppose to be coming this summer.

------------------
Ms.DtG

Does the NY contingent have any interest in getting together?

Time to meet people, exchange ideas, mend fences if need be..

Any "20/pers" in Dallas? Is it possible to search the iDine site by "reward" amount?

------------------
AA EXP, 1MM, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Ksimp:
Does the NY contingent have any interest in getting together?

Time to meet people, exchange ideas, mend fences if need be..</font>

If I come, I'm bringing a fence (or a section of one, anyway.) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Jills:
Any "20/pers" in Dallas? Is it possible to search the iDine site by "reward" amount?

</font>
Not anything good.

Indian Food-Kalachandji's
Pool Hall-CJ's Billiard Palace
Putt Putt-City Golf & Caddy Shack
Bar-Bronco Bowl

Double miles have appeared on a local restaurant from breakfast. 480 for a $24 meal. The only problem is that there is another breakfast spot we frquent more often where we get 10 miles, and breakfast for 3 was about half the price. So as much as I like those double miles...I think I may stick with the restaurant that's cheaper and I like better, and it's more convenient!

------------------
Ms.DtG

Well http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif!!! Just checked the area I'll be visiting this weekend April 25-26, none of my fav restaurants are giving points but if I can get to one on Thursday the 24th I can earn 20 points per $$.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JonNYC:
If I come, I'm bringing a fence (or a section of one, anyway.) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

Why not plan to come with a good attitude?
No fences are needed. Live it at home.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by writetorich:
Why not plan to come with a good attitude?
No fences are needed. Live it at home.</font>

Little joke? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JonNYC:
If the place is halfway decent I think this is a great deal! Let me know if you find (and like) a place in The Village/West Village.</font>

Bongo
Seafood
NY, New York City
West Side 14-44th Streets
299 10th Ave
New York, NY 10001
(212) 947-3654
From idine:
"Seafood is the specialty at Bongo. Six variety of oysters are served daily, along with shrimp and clams. And why not have a fabulous martini from their martini menu, or choose champagne to go with their caviar selection. A quiet ambiance and an off-the-beaten path place for conversation."


Never tried it, it's in Chelsea(27th st?), but maybe it's OK.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by paradocs:
Fed Planner: The restaurant in SAT is N"awlin's Creole Kitchen. It's at 2351 E. Commerce downtown. Maybe on the River Walk? </font>

Fed planner and anyone else interested in this restaurant: It is way east of downtown, I didn't realize that until I looked on a map. I would think twice about going late at night.

just a note to all you Houstonians...

BOMBAY BRASSERIE in the galleria is really good for double dipping per se..

You can use your Entertainment Card there (you buy one entree, get the second FREE)

AND they never stamp your card so you can go back as much as you want!!

AND they participate in idine.... I love eating there.. Probably one of the better indian restaurants in houston...

and no, i do not own the restaurant

Any $20 Idine restaurants in Houston?

I'll keep that in mind about Bombay Brasserie.

For a true Double Dipping dining experience, visit a restaurant that participates in both idine AND the Entertainment book.

hockeystl

I have discovered (by accident) that when you check the idine.com website, it states that you earn "XX miles, ONCE PER MONTH up to $600". However, if you create a dining profile and log onto your account, the SAME restaurant will tell you that you earn "XX miles ON UNLIMITED VISITS PER MONTH up to $600"! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

This was confirmed by a call to the customer service number. They said it is something new (in the last few weeks), so people will check the website. They also said that they will no longer send out directories.

According to the new book, you need to do a profile in order to get repeat usuage miles. I don't know how it impacts double miles. I was very surprised to see this.
Ms.DtG

[This message has been edited by dgordon (edited 04-29-2003).]

Here are some 20 miles/$ and most with unlimited visits in the West Hollywood, CA area - some of these are quite decent:

Cyrano
West Hollywood, Sunset Plaza, N of Beverly
8840 Beverly Blvd
West Hollywood
(310) 271-4193
Earn 20 miles/$, All Day, Everyday
Dining rewards available on unlimited dining visits to this restaurant each month.

Gate, The
West Hollywood, Sunset Plaza, N of Beverly
643 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles
(310) 289-8808
Earn 20 miles/$, All Day, Everyday
Dining rewards available on unlimited dining visits to this restaurant each month.

Key Club
9039 W. Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood
(310) 451-7111
Earn 20 miles/$, All Day, Everyday
Dining rewards available on your first visit to this restaurant each month.

Sky Sushi
West Hollywood, Sunset Plaza, N of Beverly
7901 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles
(323) 650-1916
Earn 20 miles/$, All Day, Everyday
Dining rewards available on unlimited dining visits to this restaurant each month.

Sunset Fever
West Hollywood, Sunset Plaza, N of Beverly
9161 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood
(310) 274-9428
Earn 20 miles/$, All Day, Everyday
Dining rewards available on unlimited dining visits to this restaurant each month.

Tempest Supper Club
West Hollywood, Sunset Plaza, N of Beverly
7323 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood
(323) 850-5115
Earn 20 miles/$, All Day, Everyday
Dining rewards available on unlimited dining visits to this restaurant each month.

Tommy Tang's
West Hollywood, Sunset Plaza, N of Beverly
7313 Melrose Av
Los Angeles
(323) 937-5733
Earn 20 miles/$, All Day, Everyday
Dining rewards available on unlimited dining visits to this restaurant each month.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kalman911:
just a note to all you Houstonians...

BOMBAY BRASSERIE in the galleria is really good for double dipping per se..
</font>

I love Indian food and I've found Bombay Brasserie to be a huge disappointment. The best Indian food in Houston is at India's (Richmond & Chimney Rock) and Shiva's (Times & Kelvin in the village). My girlfriend and I have tried everywhere and nobody can beat them. We've also taken many friends there and they're always just as satisfied.

Shiva offers 10 miles/$ though iDine, but India's does not participate. The Entertainment Book contains buy one get one free at India's and both restaurants offer 20% discounts through Gusto Rewards, which you can get if you subscribe to the Houston Chronicle (http://webadv.chron.com/ads/ads_g/gustocard/index.html). Gusto Rewards + iDine at Shiva's is a worthwhile double dip.

P.S. No Houston restaurants currently offer more than 10 miles/$.

------------------
Author of MileTracker (miletracker.com (http://www.miletracker.com)).

[This message has been edited by jimbob (edited 04-27-2003).]

I did a quick search on SF Bay
Area - not much:

Field Of San Francisco
SF - North Beach & Fisherman's Wharf
524 Union St
San Francisco
(415) 433-7676

Glass Kat
SF - South of Market
520 4th St
San Francisco
(415) 957-9318

Limelight Restaurant
Peninsula
228 Castro St
Mountainview
(650) 903-4830

Siam Square
SF - Russian Hill, Marina, Pacific Heights
2414 Lombard St
San Francisco
(415) 775-396

Storyville
SF - Sunset, Richmond
1751 Fulton St
San Francisco
(415) 441-1751

Mas Sake Free Style Sushi
Peninsula
260 S California Ave
Palo Alto
(650) 321-1556

La Plaza Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
East Bay, Contra Costa County
2370 Buchannon Rd
Antioch
(925) 754-6556

For those doing the cash back, do you get a credit on your account, or do you get a check in the mail?

------------------
Ms.DtG

20 Miles Per Places:

Dallas:
Kalchandji's--If you like Indian vegetarian, then this is a great place. I beg to differ from the previous poster. Probably the only downside is that it is too cheap to rack up serious miles.

Boston:
Amici's in the North End. I saw this today and will try out tomm. If it is good I will file a report here.

[This message has been edited by Bosox (edited 04-30-2003).]

Anyone know any good restaurant belong to Idine in Downtown DC, Atlanta GA, and Arlington VA area. Going to visit those area in June and July.

Thanks
Lee

Yes, you can earn 10 miles/dollar. Some restaurants have a cap though. I've gotten 10/per a number of times.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by chobby100:
I just noticed that the delta idine site says "With SkyMiles Dining you can earn up to 10 miles for every dollar that you spend". Any other instances or could this be a dreaded typo?

[This message has been edited by chobby100 (edited 04-18-2003).]</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by noracle:
Anyone know any good restaurant belong to Idine in Downtown DC, Atlanta GA, and Arlington VA area. Going to visit those area in June and July.</font>
I ate at six idine places in DC just recently. They were good to excellent. All were 10 miles/$. You can look these up on the idine website:

Thai Tanic Restaurant (downtown) -- this place was fantastic. Subtle and complex spicing.

Aroma Indian Restaurant (downtown) -- had a great lunch buffet for about $10 plus drinks plus tax.

Chadwick's (Georgetown) -- a wood-paneled neighborhood bar and grill; good food and very friendly service.

Bistro Med (Georgetown) -- a Mediterranean (Turkish) place that has a good lunch buffet also about $10.

Thai Kitchen (downtown) -- food not as good as Thai Tanic, but generous portions and friendly service.

Art Gallery Grille (downtown) -- a casual place with sidewalk seating. Food was good but not outstanding. The people-watching was great.

ALWAYS double-check the listings to make sure a place is still in the idine program, and what days of the week they award points. Restaurants come and go frequently and some of them don't award points on weekends.


Kathy

Kathy,

Thank you so much for the information. It really help when you in the new place.

Lee

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by markpedal:
Yes, you can earn 10 miles/dollar. Some restaurants have a cap though. I've gotten 10/per a number of times.

</font>

markpedal, Welcome to FT!!! I think you misunderstood me. Many, if not most of us here, are pretty familiar with idine and the standard 10 miles/1$ (and other smaller amounts of miles/1$). But the purpose of my post was to hopefully inform others of the 20 miles/1$, but to be cautious as the DL idine site still only has the max at 10 miles/1$.

I hope that helps.

cheers,

Chobby100

For you Chicago Northsiders...

Bolat African Cusine at 3346 N Clark - Clark & Roscoe. 20mi/$

I ate there last night, got carryout. The food was really good, my first time trying goat!

You can also use your Entertainment card in iDine restaurants - 2-for-1 dinners and miles too!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PokerHammy:
You can also use your Entertainment card in iDine restaurants - 2-for-1 dinners and miles too! </font>

I found a few restaurants that fit this possibility on my upcoming trip to Kona; has anyone eaten at Michaelangelo's?

Jace-thanks for you post. Am planning on going there tomorrow after a play with my daughter for mother's day. We love Ethiopian food, also several in Wrigleyville. Unfortunately oue favorite left the program (Addis Ababa). It killed me to spend $80 there last month and not get miles. Have you been to the other two? They are only 10 miles per $1 at this time!

------------------
Ms.DtG

Unfortunately Bolat is closed on Sundays - even though it shows open at the IDine Web. So we ate at Mama Desta's instead - only 10 miles but the food was good (Ethiopian).
Now open on Sundays - and the food was great!

------------------
Ms.DtG

[This message has been edited by dgordon (edited 07-05-2003).]

I'm quite happy after setting up my online iDine profile. As mentioned before, there are increase earning opportunities. Also, it makes it easier to view listings and add/delete cards. I now am getting e-mails to confirm that my miles have posted after visits to participating restaurants.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dgordon:
... I have to say that once I become lifetime Platinum with AA it will be a tough choice. Will probably do 3 small cost restaurants for the 500 bonus, and any large checks do the 20%. It suppose to be coming this summer.

</font>

dgordon,

What I like to do in order not to lose my 20% discount yet still earn my 500 bonus miles each month is ask the waiter to put a small amount of the bill, say $10 or $20 dollars on my IDine mileage award card and the rest on my IDine card that yields me the 20% savings. It's kind of like having your cake and eating it too. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SeeYa:
Bongo
Seafood
NY, New York City
West Side 14-44th Streets
299 10th Ave
New York, NY 10001
(212) 947-3654
From idine:
"Seafood is the specialty at Bongo. Six variety of oysters are served daily, along with shrimp and clams. And why not have a fabulous martini from their martini menu, or choose champagne to go with their caviar selection. A quiet ambiance and an off-the-beaten path place for conversation."


Never tried it, it's in Chelsea(27th st?), but maybe it's OK.</font>


Went here the other night. The setting was more like a bar/lounge than a restaurant but the food was great. Recommend the oyster shooters and the lobster roll.

My total bills aren't that much usually. Since not every place takes Diner's Club, it might be an easy division - use DC where they take it and get 20% and use AMEX or Visa/MC where they don't.

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Ms.DtG

How would one find on the website whether a restaurant offers 10 points/$1 or 20 ?

Well, all this discussion finally prompted me to sign up. Also noticed that a place I'm often at for lunch has signed on (the first one I go to with regularity to be a part of this).

I can't see geting a lot of miles under my patterns, but this looks useful for topping up "orphan" miles in 2 or 3 of my accounts to levels that could get something like a Hawaii interisland award.

(BTW I used to use orphan miles for mag subscriptions, but with sites like Bestdealmagazines offering $3 and $4 subscriptions, that's gone a bit by the board).

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by yevlesh2:
How would one find on the website whether a restaurant offers 10 points/$1 or 20 ?</font>

Just log onto aa.idine.com (join and create an online profile if you haven't already done so) and do a search of the area you want. You will then see the kind of miles offered (like the example below):

Alex
6703 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles
(323) 933-5233

European

Earn 5 miles/$, All Day

Bamboo House
4852 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles
(323) 668-2437

Thai

Earn 10 miles/$, All Day, Everyday

Dining rewards available on your first visit to this restaurant each month.

Banquette
400 S Main St #202
Los Angeles
(213) 626-2196

Californian

Earn 20 miles/$, All Day, Everyday

Dining rewards available on unlimited dining visits to this restaurant each month.

[This message has been edited by sk3 (edited 05-30-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by logicpurveyor:
Crabby Kenny's might be good for a FlyerTalk lunch - anyone interested? </font>

I would. I eat lunch at the pier most weekdays. Walk by CK's on the way to parking garage (validated, of course).

~BK

chobby100
what's the place in Cambridge, MA that earned you the 20/per?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gifMM

MM,
It's the ALL ASIA CAFE on Mass Ave. Notice on page 1 of this thread that entropy said it is supposed to be "gross".
Me and Ms. Chobby100 went there on a Friday night and there was some sort of open night comedy thing going on with maybe 5 people there. It looks a bit like a run down bar, not an asian restaurant. The menu was not the same as the one online. I can easily believe that the food is gross. We didn't stay to eat.

thx. Some places are bad. Hence, the idine bar hop meathod, which I tend to use for things like promos or fast needed miles.

The NWA FFF promo will consist of several Irish bars in a single area in the city, for example. Prob finish it off in one day with me wife.
thanks! (but 20 miles per is still good, even if you have to endure! ha ha ha)

I get the emails from iDine and they aren't that intrusive. Maybe once a quarter they send a list of some of the restaurants in your area and they send a confirming email every time you dine at an iDine location with the number of points earned. Let's you know you're getting the points.

marathonman, I think i may have endured the food if I wasn't with Ms. chobby100 and we hadn't been asked for audience participation at comedy open mic night. It was painful.

I hear you on the bar thing. As you probably know, you sometimes don't get idine credit when you only get drinks. i think this happend to me at barcode on Boylston a while ago. But, I have gotten credit for only drinks, most recently at redline in Harvard Sq. Speaking of that, I'm mad b/c I just checked and found out that Aqua and the Black Rhino (both at 10x) are both now on idine and I was both places last night and used cash. (btw - I could never see myself ordering food at aqua and didn't even know they had food).

In my little corner of the world (the West San Fernando Valley), I found one restaurant offering 20 miles per dollar:

Cavaliere Ristorante
Italian (Red Lion Inn)
CA, Los Angeles
San Fernando Valley West of 405
20200 Sherman Way
Canoga Park, CA 91306
(818) 676-0885

There are also quite a few restaurants now that allow unlimited visits. On the downside, there are now many restaurants only offering 5 miles per dollar, which is not much of an incentive.

Does anyone know if this promotion 20 miles is still valid. I've logged on the idine and all it says is 20& savings.

If you are on the North side of Atlanta there is a 20 miles/$ offer at this Mexican Buffet in Marietta. I live only a mile or two away, but have never been there. I intend to become a regular now though! :-)


Los Comales Mexican Buffet
Marietta, Woodstock, Kennesaw, Canton
1215 Powers Ferry
Marietta
(770) 618-0828

https://aa.idine.com/site/member/login.jhtml?clientId=DAAA

Make sure you are logging into the aa.idine site and not the general site. You will then be able to search for restaurants that show 20 miles per $1.

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Ms.DtG

I just noticed that Park Cafe in MSP gives 20 miles per dollar. For those of you working downtown, this would be a easy way to pick up a bunch of easy miles at lunch and some FFF3 activities.

bump

The places that give you 20 miles/$ are usually the places that really need the business.

That said, it might tell you something about the quality of the restaurant if they offer 20 miles/$.

Here in Cleveland we do have a few 20/$1 restaurants & we also have alot of 5/$1 ones also. So I cut out the 5's & we frequent the 20's with 2 credit cards, one for me to get miles & one for my husband SM acct to gain them.

I have posted the following on a thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/009086.html) that was just closed, but I thought I would repeat myself here... This might make life easier for those of us who are especially seeking out the 20 miles/$ restaurants.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
I know that this topic has been discussed, but, here is a relatively simple way to see which restaurants offer 20 miles/dollar in your area:
Select the city/neighborhood you are interested in, and run the search.

Next, you will see three tabs at the top of the list of restaurants: Restaurant, Cuisine, Dining Rewards. Click on "Dining Rewards," which will sort the list by reward, listing the 20 mile/$ restaurants at the very top.

Here is another hint: Let's say that you want to search for all restaurants in New York City that offer 20 miles/$ without having to search each neighborhood. In the URL, look for the string that says "neighborhoodCode=xxxx", and replace whatever neighborhood code, represented by the x's above, with a + sign, or neighborhoodCode=+ but make sure to leave the ampersand "&" after it. Then hit enter, and all restaurants in NYC will appear. Then sort by rewards. Now you have all NYC 20 mile/$ places.

Hope this helps and answers all the "are there any 20 mile/$ restaurants in MY nighborhood?!?!" questions.

</font>

[This message has been edited by ec336 (edited 08-04-2003).]

For those in Chicago I highly recommend a chinese restaurant called Friendship on Milwaukee Avenu north of Diversey. I have used my DC card here which gives 40% off. The food is great. Try the walnut shrimp and the sesame beef. Took my out of town relatives here - our $95 dinner costs $57 - which included 4 appetizers, 4 entrees, 1 order friend rice - deliciious. So if you were doing miles you would get 1900 miles for the $95.

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Ms.DtG