ref=”https://thinktasty1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/rwb2010.jpg”>There are times when being a member of the media has its perks.  Today I attended the kickoff and tasting for Restaurant Week Boston, held at Pairings. However, I view an event such as this not just as a time to sample some really good food but also as a time that I get to use my public platform to share valuable information with my audience.

Restaurant Week Boston has two important aspects.  1.  Diners are able to sample multi-course meals at great restaurants for fabulous prices.  2.  Through dining, a worthy charity receives financial support.

Dining

Two hundred twenty-eight restaurants in the Greater Boston area are participating in this event.  From Sunday, March 14 through Friday, March 19th, and Sunday, March 21st through Friday, March 26th, diners can enjoy fabulous prix fixes menus.  For those in a rush, there is a two-course lunch available for $15.10.  If you have more time, there is a three-course lunch for $20.10.  If you’re seeking a night out, try the three-course dinner for $33.10.

Of course, with prices such as these, there are several things to consider.  First, you should make reservations.  Many people opt to try new restaurants during this time period, and restaurants become booked.  Second, some restaurants offer these prix fixes menus for a longer period of time, such as for more than the two weeks or adding Saturdays to the schedule.  Third, not all restaurants serve lunch.  To insure that you are able to dine at the restaurant of interest for the meal you desire, you should visit their website and make a reservation.  Now!

In addition to enjoying a fabulous dining experience, Restaurant Week Boston has more perks.  Want to turn dinner into a surprise weekend in Boston for your loved one?  There are discounted hotel packages available for those partaking in Restaurant Week.  Another new addition to this dining celebration is the partnership with ArtsBoston.  Discounted tickets are available for a wide variety of theatre, concert, and performance tickets.  You can learn more about both of these option at the Restaurant Week website.

Helping Others

While dining at one of the two hundred twenty-eight restaurants during these two weeks, you can help St. Francis House, which serves more than eight hundred poor and homeless men and women each day.  Pay for your meal with your American Express card, and AmEx will donate $0.25 per transaction, up to $5,000.  You also can donate, by bidding on restaurant gift certificates at the Restaurant Week Auction website.  Bidding starts on Sunday, March 14th, so bid early and often!

Return to Think Tasty this Friday to learn more about the three fabulous dishes that were served at the kickoff.  All were delicious and would be worth making a reservation to enjoy.