We’re starting a new feature in Cuisine this week. On page C3, you’ll find two items new to the section. The first is a column by Jill Cataldo, The Coupon Queen. She tells you different ways to make the best use of your food coupons.

This week she shows you how to take advantage of some items you might not buy to get the items you do want for less. It’s an interesting concept and one I’ll take a closer look at in my own shopping.

Also on page C3 will be a new coupon section called Recession Busters. Two  restaurants taking advantage of the new coupon section are Mamma Mia and Quiznos.

As you know, I’ve already tried the Mamma Mia special. Any time you can get 2-for-1 dinner entrees is a pretty good deal.

Catching up

Last week I was out of the office, so thank you to the folks who let me know that Ray’s Food Place in Bandon has buffalo at the meat counter all year.

Also thank you to Kimberly, who e-mailed: “I was pleasantly surpised yesterday when I found I a great new restaurant. I had heard about Ariela's Eastside Burger from your articles. So I tried it and Wow!  Great food and not too spendy.  The menu is A LOT more than just burgers.  I reccomend that every one give them a try! Thanks!”

Eating out

It’s been a whirlwind the past couple weeks, but Autumn and I did manage a few trips out to eat, including a stop to visit the nice folks out at the A&W Root Beer in Myrtle Point.

We also ate at The Broiler in Coquille and at Unger’s Bay in Winchester Bay.

The Broiler is quickly becoming one of our favorites when we’re heading south, or east of Coos Bay. The old wood floors and the quaint building are all part of the charm.

It doesn’t hurt that they also put together a mean burger. Autumn had the bacon cheeseburger and I tried the guacamole burger this time. With the pile of fries that comes with these burgers, it is hard to leave hungry.

Unger’s Bay is one of our favorites along the coast for fish and chips. The fact that it is on a boat in the marina at Winchester Bay helps. Not only is there a water view, the water laps at the side of the boat while you are dining.

While they have a more extensive menu, we usually don’t get past the cod fish and chips and a beer. If you haven’t tried their fish and chips, I’d recommend it. It ranks right up there with the Bandon Fish Market and the Adobe Resort in Yachats as my favorites so far along the coast — as you can tell, I prefer my fish and chips with a view of the water.

We didn’t get to Benetti’s yet to use that coupon that was in the Best of the South Coast edition a few weeks back, but we’re still planning on it.

Also there’s a new restaurant, the Howling Coyote Cafe, which opened up directly across the highway from The Mill Hotel-Casino, that we’re looking forward to trying.