Winter Restaurant Week begins Jan. 26

How to go

What: Winter Restaurant Week

Where: More than 50 local restaurants participating. Please see www.dineoutdayton.com for the latest information, as menus and participating locations are subject to change.

When: Jan. 26-Feb. 2

Cost: $20.14, $25.14 and $30.14

More info: (937) 461-MVRA or www.dineoutdayton.com

The Miami Valley Restaurant Association’s “Restaurant Week” has continued to grow in popularity both with local restaurants and patrons since it’s 2005 inception.

Last year 9,453 meals were sold and this year Amy Zahora, executive director of the MVRA, expects a similar amount of business and interest from local diners.

New this year to the 55 restaurants that will be participating are Agnes All Natural Grill, Serendipity Bistro, and Wheat Penny.

Zahora feels Restaurant Week works because of the combination of value to customers, giving back to the community and introducing a new customer base to local eateries.

Restaurant Week will be held Jan. 26-Feb. 2 offering foodies three-course meals for $20.14, $25.14 or $30.14 with $1 being donated to a local charity. Oaktree Corner, Dayton Foodbank, Paw Patrol and MVRA Scholarship Foundation are all designated beneficiaries this year.

“It’s a great way to try a restaurant that you may not have before because of price or (you’re) not sure of the menu,” said Zahora. “Restaurants are really excited about restaurant week because it gives them the opportunity to introduce their restaurant to new guests and turn them into future customers.”

Zahora’s tips to planning out your Winter Restaurant Week

• Look at the menus online at http://dineoutdayton.com

• Call in advance to make reservations

• If you are looking for reservations during peak dining times choose an off peak day like Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. If you prefer dining on peak days be open to dining early or late.

• Don’t forget to ask your server for the “keyword” to text to win get certificates. MVRA is giving away four prize packs of $250 gift certificates, Diners should ask their server for the keyword to text to 90210 to enter to win. Winners will be notified via text by Feb. 11.

Restaurant Week Menu Highlights

Here are just a few highlights from this year’s Restaurant Week menus.

Coco’s Bistro — Winter Salad

Crazy Mango’s Korean Tacos (winner of Best Damn Taste the Taste of Miami Valley 2013 which this writer helped judge last year)

The Dock — Stuffed Mushrooms

El Meson — Brazilian Feijoada

Jay’s — Pan Seared Trout with a Almond Cream Wilted Spinach and Butternut Squash

Salar — White Bean Vegan Scallops

Serendipity — Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

Wheat Penny — Liz’s Lasagna

Restaurants participating in Winter 2014 Restaurant Week

Please note: There are often last-minute changes and additions to menus and to the list of participating restaurants. For the latest updates, visit dineoutdayton.com or call the restaurant to confirm and make your reservation.