"free" news and stories

If it's not hot enough outside for you, T.G.I. Friday's wants you to take a trip to the Caribbean -- or, eat like you're there, anyway. A couple weeks ago, Friday's introduced their Caribbean-inspired summer menu with fourteen new appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, combo plates, drinks and desserts.

In a statement, Friday's president John Neitzel said that these dishes would "send your taste buds on a tropical vacation...all summer long." After taking a look at the menu -- including Caribbean Rockin' Reggae Ribs, a Tropical Splash Salad and an Island Breeze Sundae -- we realize he's likely not kidding: nearly every item (cocktails and dessert aside) is glazed in a Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum sauce. (Vacation, indeed.)

In order to get this party started, Friday's is now offering a $10 gift card to customers who order two entrees from the Caribbean menu (meaning everything except for the side or lunch salad, appetizer and dessert options), which can then be redeemed at a future visit. (Our recommendation? Cash in on one or more of those Caribbean Cocktails, abounding in -- you guessed it -- rum.)

McCafe Mocha. Photo: sameold2008/flickr

Ask anyone from New England if she remembers Friendly's and she will probably instantly recount an obsession with their Conehead Sundaes (pictured) or gigantic, thick Fribbles (what Yankees call frappes, or milkshakes).

The Barbie-pink color scheme and 80s cursive script invoke many a memory for folks from the region, so we suspect they'll be in line when the chain gives away free one-scoop cones and dishes on Saturday June 6 (between noon and 5 p.m., the prime sugar-crash zone). It's the second freebie-scooping year in a row and one exec reports, "We want to give away as much ice cream as possible."

Done and done. See you in line, buddy.

[Via Nation's Restaurant News]

Tired of not being in the know?

Everyone knows that every night, somewhere, people are drinking for free. Various bars have promotions from liquor companies, nights when they want to pack the house, and special events that result in totally free drinks, and often free food, as well!

Whether you're visiting or a resident, visit My Open Bar for free drinks in:

• New York City
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Chicago
• Honolulu
• Miami

My Open Bar lets you know what time, what's free, and where it is. All you have to do is show up! They even have mobile and RSS feeds.

Special thanks to my friend Brandon A. for the tip.

Source

Dagoba's Rosemary Mint bar was one of Marisa's standout picks for our Fancy Food Show Favorites, and I've since become slavishly devoted to their Seeds bar. It's 68% cacao, studded throughout with pumpkin, hemp and sunflower seeds, and now I've got even greater impetus to dig it, because the company is giving away free seeds via their website Seed the Day.

"Whether it's a pot on the windowsill, a patch in the backyard or a big community effort, everyone can garden. We'll get you ready for spring and help keep your garden blooming by sending you the very herbs and flowers found in our chocolate bars. Everyone who signs up will get at least one packet of lavender, mint, rosemary, pumpkin or sunflower seeds."

So far as I can tell, there's not a single hitch or string -- just free seeds and an extra excuse to think of chocolate. The site also notes that should your planting group be planning a late night planting romp, they just might send along some delicious provisions. And - if you live in Boston, Chicago or San Francisco, you can come on out and nab a handful for yourself. Dates are listed here.


Seed the Day