Usually the deal sites are quiet on the weekends, so this Groupon is a nice surprise:  For $12 you get $25 worth of gourmet pizza and/or other food at Monterey Place in Geneva..

Ok, checked out the menu; it’s actually quite reasonable and they have gluten-free pizzas.  That, my friends, would be worth the price of the vouchers alone (or for anyone wishing to give a meaningful gift).

Deets:   Expires in 1 year; Limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per table. Limit 1 per visit. Valid only for dine-in and catering. Valid toward alcohol. Must purchase 1 food item. Tax and gratuity not included. Not valid with other offers.

Amlings used to be a whole big-ass complex on North Avenue in unincorporated Melrose Park when I was growing up.  But in 1899 when the company started, that was in the middle of nowhere – where Jesus dropped his sandals, if you will.  Lots and lots of greenhouses; rather like visiting your own local conservatory.

Well, times change, land is too valuable to “waste” on plants, so it’s sold and first they put up a Cub, then an Ultra – obviously going downhill.  But that’s like saying the Brickyard shopping mall looked better as the open garbage dump it is built on (Mt. Trashmore).

Today’s Groupon is for spend $25 get a $50 voucher for fresh flowers at any of Amling’s four locations:  St. Charles, Wheaton, Elmhurst and Arlington Heights.  You know, the usual…

Deets:  Expires Sep 14, 2011; limit 2 per person, may buy 3 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per order. Limit 1 per visit. In-store only. No cash back. Not valid with other offers.

Today’s right sidebar deal is for Lalos:   $40 voucher for $20, a little higher than these deals usually are.  Two locations participating:  Schaumburg and Oak Park.  I’ve eaten at the Schaumburg one (not Oak Park, where I always seem to be visiting – so figure) and can say that you will always find good food with no surprises.   Which works for me.  I like to eat my food, not stare at the artistic creation presented on my plate (with the little drizzles of sauce all around – pah).  And I want enough food – dammit – for lots of leftovers.

Deets:  Expires in 1 year; limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per table, 2 per table of 5 or more. Dine-in only. Valid only at listed locations. No cash back. Tax and gratuity not included. Not valid with other offers.

Madagascar Live! is one of today’s daily Groupons. For $25 (up to $49.30 value) you get tickets to a performance on any of the following dates and times:

Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 17 at 7 p.m.
Friday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 19 at 11 a.m.
Saturday, March 19 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 19 at 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 20 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 20 at 5 p.m.

Deets: Limit 6 tickets; valid only for date and time purchased. Not valid for exchange or resale. Tax included.

hey, wasn’t that woman in gray on People of Walmart?  fewer clothes, obviously…

This Groupon is turning into the Where’s Waldo of the DVD world:  Last week it was in Delaware, now it’s moved to Philadelphia: Get 5 Blockbuster Express rentals for $2! Since it’s online, doesn’t matter where it hides – I’ll find it!  This deal is for those Blockbuster Express kiosks.  Around here I’ve found them outside Speedway gas stations and inside Dominicks.  What’s nice is that you can locate which kiosk has the movie you want and, once you’ve set up an account, you can reserve it online.

Deets:  valid through May 1, 2013; limit 1 per person, may buy more as gifts. Valid only at any Blockbuster Express kiosks and for online reservation for pickup at kiosks. May use over multiple visits. Not valid on Blu-ray or Hot List titles. Groupon value reduces by $3 after 5/1/2013, except where prohibited by law.

And on the Groupon page right sidebar, we have the public radio WBEZ deal::  either a one year basic membership for individuals for $25 or the upscale $60 Membercard level that gives you discounts at over 400 businesses.

Years ago I was a faithful subscriber to WBEZ… they then dropped the programs I really liked.  did not renew… now they are going Groupon… As Bullwinkle would say:  “Sometimes I don’t know my own strength!”

Deets:  expires Jun 30, 2011; limit 1 per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Valid only for option purchased. Must activate membership by 6/30/11, membership expires 1 year from activation date. New members only.

Great, more bakery stuff.  Used my last Groupon yesterday to Red Hen Bakery in Oak Park (sit here eating my scone).  Roll me away, boys.  Today’s main deal Groupon is for a $20 voucher for $10 to Il Giardino Del Dolce.  This voucher may be used at either the St. Charles or Chicago location (across the street from Elmwood Park).

Deets:   Expires in 1 year; limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts; limit 1 per visit; must use in 1 visit, no cash back; tax and gratuity not included; not valid with other offers.

.

Here’s some news from the freaky-deaky front.  Today’s Groupon is for the Blue Ginger Sushi Lounge in Woodridge.  Nothing odd about that except that PITA just asked to go there for her upcoming birthday.  I had purchased a restaurant.com certificate long ago (remember they don’t expire), so I was fine with her choice, but then realized the $50 certificate has a $100 minimum.  Well, THE BOY hates anything even remotely fish-related and $100 is an awful high threshold  (unless you’re taking home two week’s worth of leftovers) … so now my choice is:  $15 for $30 worth of sushi and other Asian fare during dinner or $7 for $15 worth of sushi and other Asian fare during lunch for the Groupon deal or spending the additional $50 towards the $100 restaurant.com deal.  Decisions, decisions…

Deets:  Expires Sep 8, 2011; limit 2 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. Limit 1 per table. Limit 1 per visit. Dine-in only. Not valid on Mother’s Day.

Here’s a sweet deal for a crummy weather week-end:  5 Blockbuster Express rentals for $2! The deal is on the Delaware site (don’t be alarmed), but it’s nationwide, so why not?

Deets: Valid through May 1, 2013; Limit 1/person, may buy more as gifts. Valid only at Blockbuster Express kiosks and for online reservation for pickup at kiosks. Not valid on Blu-ray or Hot List titles. Groupon value reduces by $3 after 5/1/2013, except where prohibited by law.

Danger Will Robinson territory up ahead folks.  For $7 you get $15 worth of fudge brownies at Moveable Feast in Geneva.  Seems like enough brownies would prevent you from moving, but what do I know?

Deets:   Expires Sep 5, 2011; limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts; limit 1 per visit. Must call ahead to place order. In-store and carryout only. Tax not included. Not valid with other offers.