Here's some cheap dining tips to chew over these holidays

It's holiday time, which for many is about sharing, caring, and food. Food usually plays a major part in the festive convivialities and social engagements, so our thoughts once again turn to ways to entertain family and friends with frugality and fun.
While entertaining at home is likely to offer the best-value meal, never let it be said that those living off the smell of an oily rag don't eat out. Oily raggers deserve a night out wining and dining from time to time, but in true frugal form they will be looking to do it at the cheapest possible price.
That does not mean you have to resort to lurking and lingering, ready to swoop on leftovers at the local fast food joint. Here are some more civilised suggestions.
Next time you go to a restaurant for dinner, pass on the drinks order and ask for water instead. It's free.
Keep an eye out for kids-eat-free deals or two for one deals. Take along a buddy, split the cost and you both save.
Have an entree instead of a main and share a dessert - just ask for two spoons - or skip the dessert and make dessert at home.
Some restaurants offer early-bird menus for diners, or have a late lunch, as the lunch menu is usually cheaper.
Share a plate. Most restaurants will allow two people to share a plate for no additional cost.
Seniors should ask if the establishment offers a senior citizen discount.
Check out any dining discount coupons. The coupons usually appear in local newspapers, in your mail box and even on the internet and are likely to appear more often when trading is a little slow. Read the fine print, as often they have conditions attached, like dining on certain days or times.
Check out the ethnic restaurants operating from low-profile malls that only the locals know about. They run it off the smell of an oily rag and pass the savings on to their customers.
Sporting clubs and RSAs usually have big, good-value meals.
If you are going out for a group dinner, ask for a fixed price at the time of making the booking. Think of it like a bulk discount.
Ask if the menu comes with chips and salad/vegetables before ordering side dishes.
Ask about the banquet meal and work out if it is cheaper than ordering individual dishes.
Dining out doesn't need to involve going to a commercial establishment. A reader from Hawera writes, "My brother and his wife, along with other couples, eat out at each others' houses once a month. They each have a course to prepare and take along.
Dining out is a great way to get out of the house and give the chief cooks a day off - and don't they deserve it!
Frank and Muriel Newman are the authors of Living Off the Smell of an Oily Rag in NZ. Readers can submit their oily rag tips online at www.oilyrag.co.nz