Has there ever been that restaurant that you’re just dying to try, but know it is a bit of a reach (if not completely out of reach) for your budget? I have lots of those “special occasion” restaurants that I want to get out and try – places like The American Restaurant and Morton’s Steakhouse (no longer in KC). Kansas City is a mecca of culinary delights and I find that I’m constantly finding a new place I want to try. For the last couple of years, these “special occasion” restaurants have become an option for an average January Wednesday evening or fun Friday out. The restaurants of Kansas City are teaming up for Restaurant Week, which features the culinary delights of Kansas City and showcases some old-favorites and unique talents in the foodie world of KC.

Here’s how it works:

1. Select a destination of choice from the restaurant list.
2. Click on the OpenTable links to make your online restaurant reservations in advance. If the restaurant does not have the OpenTable reservation option, you will need to let the restaurant know when you arrive that you are dining in for Restaurant Week.
3. Show up during Restaurant Week and enjoy your specially-priced multi-course meal ($30 for dinner or $15 for lunch).

You may want to know what I’ve experienced personally from Restaurant Week. I’m sure you’re thinking $30 for a multi-course meal at The American for dinner is unbelievable. I thought that, but let me assure you, I was not disappointed. The first year, my husband and I enjoyed dinner at The American. We were sat at a table with a view overlooking downtown Kansas City. Our meal began with each selecting an appetizer. I got the steak tartar. Then, you had a choice of soup or salad. For the main course you could have steak, fish or chicken. Complete with a dessert to sweeten the deal. Menus change each year and the menu is posted to the restaurant listing, so you can check it out before you go. Last year, my husband and I went with my sister and her husband to the Capital Grille. You can read about my experience by reading the blog post “The Staff can Make the Difference.”

This year, restaurant week will be January 20-29. I can’t wait! I know I’ll be checking out some place new. What will you try?