Restaurant Week 2014

That time of year is upon us again. Restaurant Week. The week where budget concious gluttons can experience the joy of eating like the 1%. And what timing! Two weeks after the New Year, when everyone starts to give up on their resolutions to eat better, Restaurant Week comes swooping in to console the masses after their failed attempts. Well played Restaurant Week, well played. All snarky criticism aside, Restaurant Week, this year January 13th-19th, can be a great time to broaden your palate and try new things or it can be a wolf in sheep's clothing. All depends on how you look at it; regardless, read on for our guide to DC's Restaurant Week 2014.

The official Metropolitian Restaurant Week website boasts 3-course meals for 7 days at over 200 local eateries. All this for only $20.14 at lunch (ha! soooo clever) and $35.14 for dinner. Disclaimer: the bargain deals only apply to the food, drinks are typically full price as usual, so don't go too crazy with Jose, Jack, and Jim. Their website is handy, it lists all the establishments participating, PDF versions of menus, and a link to OpenTable, an online reservation site. OpenTable is an especially helpful tool, tables fill up fast during restaurant week, so it's a good idea to scope out the menu a head of time and book a reservation online in advance. Another helpful hint, dinner reservations fill up very quick. Try lunch instead, it tends to be a little slower during the lunch hours. Plus it's a great way to get out of the office for a bit and break up your long, mundane day. Though, if you choose to try lunch, give yourself a little extra time. Even though it isn't as packed as dinner, lunch this week is still busier than some places usually get during the lunch rush, so it may take longer than usual from start to finish. Besides, if you're out trying fun new foods, you don't want to rush yourself through them anyway. 

Some words of advice, from previous experience(s). If a restaurant posts its Restaurant Week menu online, actually look at it! Then compare it to their normal menu. Sometimes you are paying $35 for a 3-course meal of smaller portions, when on their normal menu, the regular size of their main dish is $15 and their dessert is $6, etc. More money, less food. Also, ask about portion sizes. Lots of dishes with big name foods like lobster and filet are smaller portions, when you can still get a good sized plate if you go for the fish or strip steak. Good food, good value. And let's be honest, in today's world, we are all about getting the best value for our buck. A great pair of jeans always fit better when you get them on a good sale. Same concept.

Restaurant Week is a great chance to get out and try the place around the corner you've been meaning to stop by for six months now. Or to let your friends drag you to the hipster joint you never thought you'd like. If you are indecisive about where to tickle your taste buds, check out last year's RAMMY winners. The annual black tie event gives out 16 awards to local restaurants. Check if any of them are participating in restaurant week and you'll get a chance at some actual award winning food. 

If you aren't able to get out for DC's Restaurant Week, or if you can't get enough and have caught the eating bug, Alexandria's Restaurant Week follows hot on the heels of the District's. It begins January 17th and runs through the 26th. They have around 50 local establishments participating and offer a choice. $35 for dinner for two or $35 for a prix-fix menu, depending on the restaurant. Their website also has a list of restaurants, menus are posted daily, and the ever present link to OpenTable.

So get out, explore, and eat all the awesome food DC has to offer!