...Taco Bell throws in their support. The faux-Mex chain wants striking writers to "inject fun and fresh bits of wisdom" into the Border Sauce packets with the chance of winning a year supply of Taco Bell, surprisingly only $260 worth. Good idea or cheap stunt? Pros: The writers can write and maybe win a few free tacos, which they'll need if this strike goes on much longer. Taco Bell gets some clever verbage for their sauce packets, which aren't biodegradable---the words of brilliant out-of-work Hollywood writers will live on much longer than they would on the Internet. Con: Eating a year's supply of Taco Bell. Submit "saucy proverbs" here, deadline Feb. 24
· More restaurant offers for WGA card holders [~ELA~]

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It's not quite the YouTube quips, quibbles and rants the strikers are coming up with, but it's slightly more clever than the traditional press release we've been getting on the subject. Citizen Smith jumps into the WGA Strike pool to gain business/show support with a 15% discount. Bonus points for allowing the card-holders to take a guest, perhaps that assistant who's no longer making even minimum wage. Two taken away because it's trying just a bit too hard. [1600 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood]

More about the WGA strike and its effect on the restaurant business in LA, plus more deals, here. Got something to share? Business down or up? More over-qualified applicants for that one barista job than usual? Do let us know.

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Whether publicity stunts or sincere helping hands, restaurants and bars all over town are starting to offer deals for WGA card holders. If the writers are on strike, they aren't spending money; and if no one's making money, no one's spending it on food. Unless it's cheap.

Barney's Beanery, Manmadepants, Flickr

BARNEY'S BEANERY: The original West Hollywood location offers a free bowl of chili and a free glass of draft beer to any WGA card holders "who want to take a break from the picket lines." The offer is good any day, any time until the strike ends. Chili and beer: Just try walking a straight circle after that. [8447 Santa Monica Blvd, 323.654.2287]

RED PEARL KITCHEN: The Goodell's are offering 25% off entire check to any card-carrying writer for the rest of the year. You know, to get you through the holidays. New chef, good will: They're really trying to get off the Deathwatch, aren't they? [6703 Melrose Ave, 323.525.1415]

What about those affected that aren't WGA members? Not the producer fat-cat types, but the assistants and other low-totem pole types who don't make as much as the writers to begin with? Do they get to take advantage of these deals? Just asking.

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According to the LAT, cafes and coffeehouses usually filled with screenWriters are starting to feel the strike pinch. But we hear bars have been packed to the rafters. From an Eater operative out on the town this week: "I was at Village Idiot on Wednesday and it was PACKED FULL OF STRIKING Writers. Yes, Village idiot is always packed, but this was much more than I've ever seen it. I think everyone around me was talking strike. So while the restaurants are hurting, I think many of the bars will be benefiting. Just my two cents." Very good assessment if you ask us. Another tipster told us that a lot of restaurants are seeing fewer holiday parties on the books, which is a huge chunk of change to lose.
· Writers Strike: La Cachette Offers Free Valet [~ELA~]
· How Will the Writers Strike Affect Restaurants? [~ELA~]