Milford’s getting a new restaurant, and this is news worth tweeting about. The former French Bistro in M-town will soon be taken over by the Rustic Leaf, run by the previous owners of The Seedling Cafe. I received this juicy tip from a colleague who recently spoke with the Rustic Leaf owners for a project. He is under the impression that the Rustic Leaf’s menu will be similar to that of the Seedling’s. Maybe having another organic, vegetarian-friendly cafe in the area will help cut the lunch lines down in Nashua. No word yet on when the Rustic’s slated to open, but I have a feeling it’s going to be as highly anticipated as Five Guys’ opening was. Who else is excited for this new addition to the local food scene?

Need to take a step back? Sal’s Pizza is taking us back in time this Saturday by cutting down the cost of their pies. To celebrate 20 years of business, Sal’s is selling their 19 inch cheese pizzas (that currently cost $9.99) for $5.55, the price of their pies when the eatery first opened. If you’ve ever noshed at Sal’s, you know how large their slices are - one slice is the equivalent to two or three “normal sized” pieces - so $5.55 is one deal this recession needs. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from Saturday’s festivities are donated to United Way. 30 local eateries are offering the discount (including Nashua, Merrimack, and Milford), but only a select few are hosting day-long activities such as face painting and children’s games. Some of those locations include Salem, Derry, Concord, and Chelmsford, Mass. For a full list of participating Sal’s, click here.

Talk about cheap eats: The Pasta Loft in Milford might just have the best deal in town. The popular American-Italian eatery (which has an additional location in Hampstead), has recently introduced their Frugal Fare Menu where you get two entrees for the small price of $20. The items on this frugal menu aren’t low budget, though. The high quality offerings include Surf & Turf, Lobster Stuffed Shells, Citrus Scallop Salad, and Chicken Saltimbocca Florentine. There’s nothing for the vegetarians or vegans, but us omnivores can chow down, without having to sacrifice a week’s worth of pay.

Has your going-out-to-eat-money been negatively affected by this little thing known as a recession? If so, be thankful that Restaurant.com cares. The site has some pretty amazing deals for strapped-for-cash diners, like $25 gift certificates to local restaurants for the mere price of $10. $10 gift certificates are only $4! The site isn’t skimping, either - participating area restaurants are among the most popular, including Florence’s in Merrimack; Elisha’s Restaurant in Milford; and Market Place Diner in Hollis. Now you don’t have any reason not to treat yourself to a meal out.

Has anyone used the Restaurant.com service? Is it just as easy as it sounds?

Nothing gets your body ready for a bathing suit better than a good, old-fashioned donut. During one of my excursions to a hot dog stand for the latest 5 & Dine, I discovered Donut Fresh Express in Milford. Having been a donut slinger at the former Honey Dew Donuts in Nashua for several years, I was intrigued to give this place a try. At first impression the place was, unfortunately, unkempt. Donut Fresh Express, which took over the location of a former Taco Bell, is apparently owned by an Asian family, and out-of-place cultural decor was hung randomly around the Dunkin’ Donuts-like atmosphere. Also, the donuts are allegedly made in-house, but not a single smell of donuts baking was present. Ready to get the same mediocre reaction from their food, I ordered the orange frosted raised donut, as well as the double chocolate cake donut. To my surprise, the donuts were huge (in comparison to Dunkin’s), and the flavors were spot on. The double chocolate was moist and dense, with just the right crunch on the fried outside. The orange frosted had a fresh orange flavor, and the donut itself was light, airy and tasted freshly made. In this case, I advise you not to judge Donut Fresh Express by their cover - the donuts speak for themselves, although a vamped up atmosphere would probably get them more customers.