The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

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The tough economy has diners looking for ways to cut costs, and restaurateurs looking for ways to keep customer coming, especially on slower nights of the week.

Today only, the Dakota is offering its own version of a Black Friday special: if you buy a $100 gift certificate, instead of giving you one $20 bonus card, you'll get two. Check their website for details, or call 612-332-JAZZ.

Meritage in Saint Paul is offering a Sunday night Recession Special: three courses for $20. Russell and Desta Klein – he’s the chef, she’s the manager – take the night off and give their sous-chef a chance to shine.

At the Grand Café, owner Mary Hunter reports that, starting in January, chef Jon Radle will introduce Simple Suppers – “an early dinner option featuring a hearty entree and house salad" for $15, or $20,  paired with a glass of wine. The Grand just launched their winter menu, with dishes such as roasted free-range chicken with sunchoke and potato puree ($19), bone-in pork chop smoked in-house with herbs de provence ($19), duck confit with creamed collard greens ($22), and braised short ribs with Moroccan spices and Israeli couscous ($21).

I haven’t been to any of the Signature Cafe's-course $28 tasting dinners yet, but the menu from last Monday’s dinner sounds like a great deal: beef tenderloin crostini, roasted tomato coulis on mixed greens, pan- seared wild scallops with sautéed spinach greens and sweet and sour udon noodles, and a silk dark chocolate bar for dessert. I did stop by with some friends for dinner, and had their very tasty duck leg confit, (see photo) served on crisp potato roesti with sautéed greens.The Signature is hosting a tasting of Rhone-style wines from around the world on from 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday, December 7 - samplings of six different wines, plus appetizers for $25. Reservations are required - call 612-378-0237.

Morton's is also offering a 30th Anniversary menu, good tomorrow through December 29, for $49.50 per person that they describe as "value-driven for the holidays. For $49.95 per person you get a filet mignon, choice of broiled scallops, shrimp Alexander or jumbo crab cake, potato or vegetable, and  hot chocolate cake or Key lime pie for dessert.