Steve Lopez: Is the early bird dinner discount dead? Not on this restaurant critic's watch

For those who enjoy restaurant reviews and stories about food culture, there's a smorgasbord of information to digest. But as the author of Golden State, a column about the blessings and burdens of aging, I've been feeling a duty to address a glaring omission.

That's why, back in January, I set out to become an early bird special restaurant critic. And I began by asking readers to tell me about their favorite deals.

Toby Horn, a Mid-City resident, suggested I try the "Beat the Clock" special at Du-par's in the Original Farmers Market, at 3rd and Fairfax. Enter the restaurant between 4 and 6 p.m., Horn explained, and the price of dinner correlates with the time you walk in.

"Example: You entered at 4:13, so your dinner costs $4.13," Horn said. "Enter at 5:45? Dinner costs $5.45."