Diners can enjoy fine food and stay within their budget as San Diego Restaurant Week, the popular semi-annual culinary event, returns Jan. 11 through 16. About 150 restaurants across the county are participating in this year’s event. Each will feature a special three-course menu for $20, $30 or $40, depending on location (tax, beverage and gratuity not included, wine and spirit pairings available at some locations for an additional fee). “While they are getting a three-course meal for just $40 per person, they can expect the exact same quality, preparation style and service they would expect on any other night dining,” said Leslie Araiza-Lorenzo from Nine-Ten restaurant. Araiza-Lorenzo also said Nine-Ten will offer $2 valet parking for the event. The $20 menu is an addition this year and is offered by restaurants such as Mr. Tiki in the Gaslamp Quarter. “Our hope is to inspire guests to walk through our doors and into the South Pacific,” said Christopher Penta, general manager of the island-inspired eatery. Mr. Tiki will feature pan-seared Barramundi, rum-glazed pork tenderloin and wasabi-crusted filet medallions as its main course. Last year, about 250,000 persons participated in restaurant week activities, designed to promote the local dining industry. Many use the opportunity to try new restaurants that normally would be too pricey. From Chula Vista to North County, restaurants of all varieties participate in this event. Sam Kim at Rice, in the W Hotel, said the eatery will host celebrity guest chef Kevin Harry from New York and will showcase a special Restaurant Week menu. Participating La Jolla eateries include Apollonia, A.R. Valentien, Azul, Crab Catcher, the French Gourmet, George’s at the Cove, The Grill, Jai, the Marine Room, Nine-Ten, Oasis Bar & Grill, Roppongi, Roy’s, The Shores, Steakhouse at Azul, Trattoria Acqua and Vigilucci’s Seafood. Many of the nearly 7,200 restaurants in San Diego County are feeling the pinch in the current economy as San Diegans struggle with rising unemployment rates and home foreclosures. Many potential patrons have put their fine dining habits on ice as of late. A special partner of this year’s restaurant week is the Girl Scouts of America, which will promote its trademark cookie sales campaign that begins at the end of January. Several restaurants will feature special dessert recipes integrating Girl Scout cookie favorites like Thin Mints and Samoas. “This year we’re seeing a return to comfort food. We think Girl Scout cookies in an ice cream sundae will make people feel good and satisfy them,” said Michel Malecot, owner of The French Gourmet. Now in its fifth year, San Diego Restaurant Week is sponsored by the California Restaurant Association San Diego Chapter, the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau and San Diego magazine. No special tickets or passes are required. However, reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling the restaurants directly or by visiting www.sandiegorestaurant week.com. The Web site also lists all participating restaurants by price and geographic region. A fall restaurant week is scheduled for Sept. 13 to 18.
