If you enjoy eating out and discovering new restaurants, a discount dining program could help cut the tab.
Here's a rundown of what's available:- DINING A LA CARD (free 60-day trial, then $49.95 a year; Signature Group, 1-800-833-3463).
You get a 20 percent discount on your total bill (including tax and tip) in 4,200 restaurants in 20 states. It can be used once a month in each restaurant.
You pay with a major credit card; the discount is rebated by check.
- ENTERTAINMENT PUBLICATIONS ($42.95 for an annual Entertainment National Hotel & Dining book; 1-800-445-4137).
Purchasing a book entitles you to one-time, 20 percent discounts at 2,500 restaurants in major U.S. and Canadian cities. Holidays are excluded.
There are Entertainment '96 books ($28 to $48) for restaurants in 130 U.S. cities.
- IN GOOD TASTE ($48 for initial membership and a $25 annual renewal fee; IGT Services, 800-444-8872 or 1-305-534-7900 in Florida.).
You get unrestricted, 25 percent discounts at 2,000 restaurants in 17 states. Pay by credit card; the discount is credited on your monthly bill.
- LE CARD ($80 for annual membership and charge card; Citicorp Diners Club, 800-234-6377).
It provides a 20 percent discount On the first visit to restaurants with no restrictions.
- PREMIER DINING ($49 for membership, $1 for three-month trial; CUC International, 1-800-346-3241).
You have access to 12,000 participating restaurants in 69 metro areas in 25 states.
- TRANSMEDIA SERVICE COMPANY ($50 membership; 1-800-422-5090).
You get access to 5,600 restaurants in 22 states and the United Kingdom, France and Australia.
Their CORE program entitles you to 25 percent off the adjusted bill at any participating establishment.