NYC Restaurant Week 2010

It’s that time of year again. No, it’s not the dreaded Hallmark Superficial Love Day yet (don’t remind me)…it’s New York City Winter Restaurant Week!

From now through Feb 7, you can dine at lunch or dinner on three-course, prix-fixe meals for $24.07 and $35. Eighteen years in the making, this twice-a-year event just seems to get bigger and better as time goes on.

Last year, the winter “week” ended up stretching on and on and on…perhaps as a recession buster? Diners have to eat, businesses have to make money. Either way, I’m happy to snatch up a rezzie at one of the 260 participating restaurants this year. Be sure to call early or pick your tables online or feel the wrath of the Friday night wait list.

Attending various Restaurant Week deals, like the one in Philly this past week, has long been one of my favorite tricks. If you book early and spend a bit of time browsing the participants, you can get a chance to visit expensive, fabulously plush eateries for a relatively affordable price.

This year they’re switching it up with the addition of the Restaurant Week Truck, where you can get your fix of gourmet grub on the go. For a unique lunch break, try soups from from 24 participating restaurants, like Black Duck and 21 Club. The menu changes daily so try your luck or check it out online here. The best news: $1 of your $6 purchase will be donated to a Haiti Relief Fund to aid disaster-relief efforts.

I’m sorry I missed out on the crab, corn and chorizo chowder from Delmonico’s Steakhouse, served Monday. Today’s picks? A roasted winter squash and carrot bisque from ’21′ Club and lobster bisque from Chez Josephine. My mouth is already watering.

You can catch the truck at these three stops or follow movements on Twitter at @nycgo.

Jan 25–29: Broadway (bet. 50th and 51st Sts.)

Feb 1–3: Fifth Ave. (bet. 18th and 19th Sts.)

Feb 4–5: Greenwich St. (bet. Warren and Murray Sts.)

So you want some tips?

Scour the listings, find something you like. Take a look at the food they’re offering and see what catches your eye. Don’t be afraid to be bold! Then took at the price range and aim for something that has $$$ or $$ listed next to it – if you’re paying a $35 price fixe menu, go for the places that usually charge big bucks!

Once you narrow it down to three or four places, call up and see if there’s a table! I recommend going for a long and leisurely lunch to take advantage of the cheaper menu – usually it’s the same food, just a bit smaller portions.

I’ve had really great experiences at Jean-Georges restaurants (Perry Street, Mercer Kitchen and Matsugen in particular), where you can get the Restaurant Week prices year-round. This weekend I’ve got my eye on The Harrison or Black Duck, two “new American” joints I’ve always wanted to check out.

Good luck and happy eating!