tech.tarts

Although fervent users of this service would never dream of showing up at a restaurant without first checking OpenTable, many people aren’t even aware it exists. OpenTable is an online reservation system that links restaurants to its website where diners can log on to find and request a table at a specific time, as well as make special requests of the host(ess).  It also allows you to notify the other guests in your party by automatically delivering an email message to them with the restaurant name, the time of your reservation and links to directions and maps.

Here is how to use it:

1. Go to www.opentable.com and choose your city.  Then follow the steps from left to right to narrow your search by location, cuisine and other criteria, enter the date, time and number of people in your party. Then click the “Find a Table” button.

2. The first time you use the service you’ll need to enter all your information (name, tel, email) to make the reservation. Follow the steps to create an account so next time you go to OpenTable it will remember you. After entering your deets, click “Complete Reservation.”

3. A search results page will bring up all restaurants with seating available in alphabetical order, but you can sort these columns by price range, or use the check boxes on the left side of the page to narrow and sort by location, cuisine, time, etc.

4. A great feature is that you can drill deeper into each restaurant and view useful information such as menus, reviews, website, pricing, photos, dress code, payment options, parking and tons of helpful details.

5. Once you find a restaurant that suits you, click “make reservation” and it will walk you through the process of sending it to your pals. You’ll also get an email confirmation in your inbox lickety-split.

5. When you show up to the restaurant, make sure you give the host(ess) the name of the person who made the reservation so they are credited “Dining Points” for it. Earning Dining Points translates into real cash. 2,000 points=$20, 5,000 points=$50 and so on…they’ll actually send you a check to use at any OpenTable restaurant.  Who doesn’t love free money?

Other great features of OpenTable:

– If you have no idea where or what you want to eat, do a broad search and a larger list will show up that might spark an idea or hit a craving.

– You can cancel or modify your existing reservation anytime, but it won’t let you make more than one resi at a time, so no double-booking yourself all over town. Note, if you do need to cancel, you need to do so at least 15 minutes prior to your reservation or you won’t be able to log on to cancel and will have to (gasp) pick up the phone to call the restaurant.

– There’s an OpenTable app for iPod/iPhones so you can make your resi on the go.

OpenTable can be found in most major and even smaller metropolitan areas….so next time you are heading out the door for brunch, lunch or dinner, log on first to www.opentable.com to make a reservation.

Bon apetite! tt.t