Many of the mini-reviews have been from people who don't usually comment.

And, this is a very good thing! More people commenting means more regulars soon!

One of my friends whom I used to do RW week with skipped out this year. He doesn't like the crowds, doesn't feel it is that good of a deal (although he would have enjoyed the Oceanaire, and it was a deal). He's very serious about food, moreso than I am.

His wife and I still went out, though.

We have an anniversary to celebrate and I am trying to figure out where we can go for a really nice leisurely meal and not feel we are getting pushed out the door to make room for another table. RW just makes it that much harder.

I think more and more of us that dine out on a regular basis are skipping it. We just can't stand the crowds and the jockeying for a reservation just not worth it plus I never want what is offered on the RW menu and always go for the regular menu anyway. To us it is just a PITA!

The comments on avoiding Restaurant Week crowds reminds me of what Yogi Berra once said about a New York eatery: "I used to like that place a lot. But it's gotten so crowded, nobody goes there any more."

I'm really not a big fan of crowds, either (okay, I hate them), but I found the hustle and bustle at the Helmand rather refreshing. For a while now, restaurants have seemed pretty slow & quiet, which is nice in some regards, but a bit disconcerting in others. I think It's always great to see a restaurant you love at full capacity, especially nowadays. It was also an interesting mix of people, dress, ages, styles, etc., a different sort of crowd than the ones we've bee around recently. We weren't rushed at all, and we went right to our table, even though it was full.

Funny thing is, I had forgotten it was restaurant week when we went there! Had I remembered, I probably still would have gone. We have been going out to eat less lately, and when we do it's been to cheaper places, so it was a treat to go to the Helmand. Plus, there were about four other women there who appeared at least as pregnant as my wife, which was nice for her, as she's been feeling a bit self-conscious lately.

Oh, and my brother ambushed us by paying for the whole thing at the end which, while not expected or necessary, was very cool.

This year was our first experience with RW. We had three birthdays to celebrate and went to The Capital Grille. We wouldn't have otherwise been able to afford it. Our dinners were outstanding, service was impeccable and we had a great time! Even with drinks it cost us 1/2 of what we would have paid full price. We will definately take advantage of RW next time.

In past years I'd be the one doing all the research and calling for reservations, but this year I just wasn't much into it.

I attended this RW at Louisiana and b bistro at the request of friends. Otherwise I think I would have skipped out.

I think a lot of RW week can be frustrating because you have to look through 100+ places and weed out which ones have good looking menus and which ones are actually giving you some sort of deal. If you look at the normal menu and you'd have to feast to spend $30 bucks, well is it even worth it?

What about a place that has a great looking menu, but the RW menu is 'pollock, rice pilaf, and bell pepper confetti'?

Generally I use RW as an excuse to find a new place I havent tried.. and while yes personally I do enjoy doing the research I'm sure I won't forever.

Yeah RW can be just damn frustrating and honestly I only go if I reallly want to try a place but felt to broke to do so before.

I usually don't bother with RW, since $60 or less is about what we pay when we go out to eat anyway. My wife and I don't usually get appetizers or desserts. Sometimes one or the other, but usually just entrees and drinks. I'm sure there are some deals and outright bargains, but I don't feel the need to do all that research just to spend the same amount as always.