Groupon @ Diva $15 for $35

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Today's Davis Square deal Diva Indian Bistro, $15 for $35. They started specifying it's not for the lunch buffet (the first time they offered things it was, and I suspect it got used a lot for 4 people to come in and gnaw off). There is no mention of whether it is good for the Diva Lounge, which previous deals have specified as a No, but my guess is they'll say Diva Bistro != Diva Lounge. It is also eat in only.

Groupon recently approached me to ask if I'd like to become their 'Local Expert' for the general Cambridge/Somerville/Arlington area (after making sure I could still totally refer people to other sites, I said sure). If there's something in the area that you've always wanted to see put on Groupon, this is a chance; if you have a beloved little place you'd totally love a Groupon for, let me know and unless I really dislike the place*, I'll throw it in. Things through the Local Expert program are fast tracked over the online submission form.

*the only place in Somerville I've actively disliked** was Amelia's, who served scallops that might have actually been artificial ones made out of gelatin, and the Chef argued with me about chicken that was raw in the middle (it was wrapped in prosciutto, he said, so it just picked up the pink colour, I was told. The fact it was pink in the middle and cold to the touch was irrelevant or something).

**I was ok with the food at Pulse, except it took them forever, and my entree was blandblandbland. Apps and my companion's food were tasty. The Chef came out to talk to us, but it felt more like he came to defend his food. Unlike Amelia's, I will go back there.

Comments

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I especially second all the suggestions for the newer businesses that could use some more buzz, and/or that I'm more likely to try out when I've got a discount. Flatbread, Foundry, Istanbul'lu come to mind there. Eat at Jumbo's too even though they're less new.

Also, slightly upper-scale stuff I tend not to try, but might if I had a coupon. Temple Bar, Chez Henri, Russell House Tavern, Upstairs on the square, Henrietta's Table, Rialto, etc. sabur did the YUM card fundraiser, so they are open to discount promotions. The Independent, Precinct, Ronnarong Thai Tapas, Dali, Bergamot.

Punjab in Arlington. Also Midomi. And Gemma in Arlington just opened a new seating area and could use publicity that they're now dine-in as well as takeout/delivery.

JP Lick's - something like $10 for $20 on a cash cow card.

Also, non-restaurant things. Membership at the Brattle Theater, or the ART or Museum of science. Discounts at salons like Judy Jetson, Floyd's, (or maybe the smaller Davis-local ones too, though they might not want to sell enough to be a main deal and could be side-deals?). Porter square vets. Boston sports club. Davis squared, Magpie, even Kickass Cupcakes (I had one recently; they're much better than they used to be).

If they could do a cover charge pass at Oberon like the one they did for Johnny D's, that would be *brilliant*. (They'd need to be clear on what kinds of shows were eligible; ie only general admission and not assigned-seat theater like Cabaret.)