[Talk Host]

Our dinner club ate at the Cattle Baron Saturday night. Most of us took advantage of the $9.99 coupon which was find. And, while looking over the regular menu, I almost choked.
There was a whole page of steak and lamb entrees that were $50. There was a (I believe porter house) that was $72. These were not for two people, they were for one people.

There were lots of other entrees that were in the $15 to $25 range, but the other high prices really surprised me. Are people actually buying those high priced items? I honestly cannot remember being in a restaurant anywhere, not even Ruth's Chris Steak House where the prices were that high.

I realise that nobody is forcing anybody to buy those higher priced items, but it seems odd that they would be so high in a restaurant that doesn't seem to be all that busy and has to have a $9.99 special to get people in the door.

[Donna]

With those prices, I'm suprised they are still in business!

[Rokinronda]

Those items are on KB's menu also. I did notice a couple with a coupon for dinner (lifestyle tour?) that were directed to those menu items and did order steak w/double lobster tails ($72? + + for each tail). I don't think anyone pays those ridiculous prices, but with a free dinner coupon, why not?

[samhass]

I think ronda just answered the question. I used to get the 300.00 per oz caviar at Paradise Island....comped of course. I wouldn't order that if I had to pay out of pocket.

[mrgumwood]

those expensive prices are meant for the lifestyle visitors who are entitled to anything on the menu. they walk away with a good feeling after being comped for a $100 dinner. i had the veal chop and lobster tail which was approx $72 and certainly not worth it. the price in good restaurants in nyc would be a half for a much better veal chop.

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by mrgumwood

those expensive prices are meant for the lifestyle visitors who are entitled to anything on the menu. they walk away with a good feeling after being comped for a $100 dinner. i had the veal chop and lobster tail which was approx $72 and certainly not worth it. the price in good restaurants in nyc would be a half for a much better veal chop.

Isn't that kind of targeted price an insult to somebody. I can't figure out if its insulting to residents or sales prospects.

[JohnM]

Originally Posted by mrgumwood

those expensive prices are meant for the lifestyle visitors

That was our conclusion as well and not just at Cattle baron but at most/all Villages restaurants on the Lifestyle Preview. Most of the items on the menu were "normal" prices. Often our server, who automatically received 15% of the value of the meals, pointed out these "specials"...we viewed it as a marketing ploy, but, hey, it was free...

John

[Rokinronda]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

Isn't that kind of targeted price an insult to somebody. I can't figure out if its insulting to residents or sales prospects.

BOTH!

[colleenj]

I think those prices are for the lifestyle preview people. When I came down in May, the waiter tried to talk me into the $72 steak (I wasn't paying and he would get an 18% gratuity so he wanted me to have the most expensive thing). I thanked him but said that ordering a 24 oz. steak that I could not possibly eat was a major waste of good food. I ordered a smaller steak that I could eat and he still still got a decent tip. NO, I cannot imagine paying that amount of money for ANY entree if I had to pay out of pocket- the $9.99 coupon is more my style!

[Just Susan]

As a lifestyle preview ploy, the compt'd menu does make the prospective buyer feel like they got a deal. It can make them feel pampered and pursued as a buyer, all good marketing strategy.

It can also be bad for restaurant business in TV. As a lifestyle participant, you are not really offered the regular menu. Wait staff emphasize the lifestyle menu. The prospective buyer may come away feeling special, but they can also be also thinking that they probably won't be going back to that/those restaurant(s) very often for ordinary food at ridiculous prices...could this be why they need $9.99 Specials?

[Floridagal]

I also believe that the new prices shown are for lifestyle previews. These people feel they are getting a real bargain with the free comps. The $9.99 dinner was great and I think they are doing this in the summer to keep the business going.

Had friends come down for the lifestyle preview, went to Cattle Baron and ate for $300 and the waitress made a nice tip. They kept ordering the lobster cause they were getting it free with the comp.

I know we wouldn't be going back with the prices, unless we have a coupon.

[Cassie325]

If I saw those prices, even if it was comped the first time, I would never go back. I wouldn't think that they had decent prices (as most places do) and would go elsewhere. there are many new restaurants opening and they are national chains...so most people already know the cost is reasonable.

[Rokinronda]

I believe if they want preview guests to be impressed, a great, varied, expansive, and fairly priced menu should be presented. We actually laughed when we saw these new items on the menu. We have witnessed others doing the same, looking shocked and dismayed, shaking their heads at the shame of it!!! What a joke! WHO manages this place and makes these decisions??!! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to plan a great menu!!!

[pm10]

We also ate at KB's on our lifestyle preview. Our waitress of course steered us toward the really high priced meals. But we chose smaller steaks - and weren't at all impressed with the food. We said we certainly wouldn't rush back to KB's for the food. (the evening was a blast, with the music and people watching, though)

[Rokinronda]

I had chicken parmesian and thought it was quite good and fair at $13.95!!!