High-end restaurants are the latest casualty in the recession as people have pulled away from these expensive dining spots. These are the kind of restaurants where you might go as a couple and routinely spend $100 or more during a meal.

Discounting has traditionally been a dirty word among the high-end restaurateurs…but now they're eating humble pie. For example, Ruth's Chris has seen a significant sales decline year over year and is now doing a $39.95 steak and lobster special, according to The Orlando Sentinel.

In another example, Clark and his wife recently went out for her birthday. They happened upon a high-end restaurant running an early week deal where everything on the menu was half-price. The Howards splurged on a wonderful meal at a Clark kind of price -- half-price -- but he did tip on the original amount before discount. Remember to take care of your servers!

Speaking of servers, the number of applicants per job at the mid-priced and high-end restaurants is the highest it's ever been since stats were kept.

If you're interviewing for a server position, you've got to stand out from the crowd. Let the manager know you understand the business and you know about the chain or parent company. You've got to sound like a manager and think like an owner.

If you can afford it, go eat at the restaurant before the interview. Try to find out about the most profitable menu items so you can discuss them in the interview. You've got to sell yourself for the job now. In fact, this is true for so many industries.