Originally a lunch-only promotional event in 1992, NYC restaurant week offered diners an opportunity to experience the finer restaurants at significant discounts. Since the early 90s, it has expanded into a twice a year event, and the word “week” is now merely a loose suggestion. Some restaurants still have their Summer2009 Restaurant Week menu.

Having dined at restaurant week a few times in the past few years, I’m completely unimpressed by the concept. The quality of the food is disappointing. Reservations are also incredibly hard to get. I often joke with my friends that NYC Restaurant week is “when the head chef takes a vacation, the sous chef plays head chef, the waiter plays sous chef, the busboy plays waiter.”

Then there are the name droppers. Every time after the restaurant week ends, I have friends who would drop names nonstop during conversations. Names of all the famous restaurants that she visited during the discount period. However, can you really say you’ve experienced Jean George’s? I think not. Michelin didn’t grant stars on the budget menu.

Now I MUST clarify that I’m not suggesting that dining should be reserved for the wealthy or elite. What I am trying to point out is that there are so many ways to enjoy food in New York at any budget! As a true foodie, the culinary arts are meant to be enjoyed and experienced in its most authentic form.  Why don’t you….

• Skip the $70 bottle of wine and the two $15 cocktails?
• Park roadside or at a meter and not the $40 valet.
• Try having lunch at these fine establishments?
• Research online on what to order, get the most out of your money.
• Cook some delicious meals during the week, reward yourself with a nice dinner on weekends. Cooking saves so much money! Those $25 tabs at Friday’s and Danny’s really add up.

Restaurant weeks are teasers to whet your appetite to come back for the real deal. In my opinion, you will know when you’ve had the perfect dining experience when you find yourself talking about the meal on your way home from the restaurant.