I haven't done Baltimore's Restaurant Week, but I think the approach to all restaurant weeks is the same. I go for:
- places with some range to the prix fixe menu. One dessert option is not enough.
- places that would normally be way too expensive. Why spend $30 for dinner at a place that would cost about that much on a normal night?
- anything that's not a steakhouse -- every time I've gone to one, the portions have been really small.
- anything new/adventurous. If it's bad, at least I didn't spend more than $30.

My husband and I already have our reservations for Restaurant Week. We definitely check out the prix fixe menus. Half the fun of Restaurant Week is looking at all the menus and making our decision. We tend to shy away from places who's only offerings are the usual steak, chicken or salmon. That being said, there can be menu substitutions once you actually get to the restaurant as we found out at Corks last August. Restaurant Week motivates us to make the long drive downtown for dinner as we are in Harford Co.

Is the picture of Linwood's?

Flemings?

A Happy, Healthy New Year to the Large family! Your blog has certainly increased my education and enjoyment of the local restaurant scene.

I think one of the best deals I had during last restaurant week was lunch at Capital Grille downtown (but they don't offer the special on weekends). Food was excellent and the three courses would have cost me way more than the $20 it was for restaurant week!

First of all, I want to wish you a happy and healthy New Year. This blog has been a wonderful addition to the Sun. It brings me to the website many more times in a day than I thought imaginable. We can tell how much fun you have been having because you too have become addicted to keeping the site up to date. So, thanks again for a great experience.

Now to Restaurant Week. I meant to post this earlier but since we were up to welcome in the New Year, decided to do it now. I did not participate in the last Restaurant Week and had been looking forward to the winter event. After looking at some of the menus I am not sure that it would be such a great experience. How much salmon and talapia can you eat and is it truly representative of the establishment?

I actually find many of the lunch offerings more appealing than the dinner menus. All of that said, I will try at least a couple of the places to which I have not previously gone. But, I think that some of the establishments are missing the boat on this one.

I'd like to chime in with Regina in expressing my good wishes to you, Elizabeth, and all the regulars on this site. It's been addictive, but great fun!

I also agree with Regina that the selections for restaurant week this year are pretty disappointing so far. Do you think more restaurants will sign up?

My guess is yes, but it's just a guess.

Last summer we went by the theme - restaurants close to home. We ate at Petit Louis, Brasserie Tatin, Taste, & Alonso's - Taste being the only one we had eaten at previously. I've been back to Petit Louis several times since then and back to Brasserie Tatin twice.

Since there are still several in our area - Vin, Gertrude's (did anyone else get their kraut event email - I wasn't sure whether to be intrigued or just scared), and the University Club of Towson so far, we might just stay with that this time and then branch out again in August, but that's still up in the air. We've eaten at Gertrude's twice and enjoyed it both times.

We always look at the menus first and go back and forth on which ones we want to try. The current menus haven't gotten us excited yet, but I noted that there are a few more places participating since I last checked a few days ago. That week includes my birthday and anniversary, so I really want these to be super special.

I think the restaurant in your photograph is Vin with the propective from the bar. Were you at the bar and what were you drinking?

Restaurant week is a great excuse to try new restaurants, to dine with friends and to eat meals at an exceptional price.

I had a great lunch at Capital Grille so I must concur with the earlier comment.

I hope you and your family are feeling better. To everyone may 2008 bring you many great meals shared with the people you love.

Can't be Vin - Elizabeth noted the picture was taken in 2001 and Vin just opened in 2006.

You're good.

I love Restaurant Week. Others might have more self-control than my husband, our friends and I do, but we've learned to count on spending about twice what we'd originally anticipate.

We order off the prix fixe menu, but are inevitably drawn to just one or two more appetizers or a different dessert we have to try. Next thing we know, we've polished off half the main menu - and are presented with the bill to back it up.

It's always worth it, though...

I guessed Flemings as well.

Fleming's it is.

My only advice is that there are some restaurants and menus in particular that tend to be more popular than others - lunch at Capital Grille is a good example. Dinner at Black Olive is another. In my experience, early reservations (even for lunch) are a good bet.

It has been a consistent hit! Now the culinary extravaganza that is Baltimore Restaurant Week is entering its third summer season from July 26th- August 3rd. Enjoy a variety of three-course dinners, in just about any cuisine that strikes your fancy, for only $30.08. Or try three-course lunches at select restaurants for just $20.08. And new this summer, many restaurants will also offer special culinary experiences, such as wine pairings, cooking classes, tasting menus and more. Plus, select Baltimore City garages are offering special $3-7 parking. Visit www.baltimore.org for a list of participating restaurants.