Time to eat (out)!

Illustration by Craig & Karl for NYC Restaurant Week

Be still my food-loving heart... NYC Restaurant Week has arrived! It's that time of year when prices drop and Manhattan foodies venture to places new and long lusted after in search of the tastiest prix fixe meal. From July 16 through August 10 some of the city's tastiest restaurants are serving up 3 course lunches ($24.07) and dinners ($35) for our tummy's enjoyment which means it's the perfect time to try somewhere new, get a great deal at your favorite spot or enjoy eats normally out of your budget (also, how often do you go out to a 3-course lunch?! DO IT!) As I consider myself a food fiend and restaurant lover (with a specialty in NYC dining) here are a few tips for making the most of Restaurant Week 2012.

* Tip #1: Be sure to check the menu in advance! Many restaurant week participants put together a very limited selection for their prix fixe menu and it's not worth the $ (even if it is a great deal) if they aren't serving up options you'll enjoy. Most menus are available online (HERE) so do your research in advance.

* Tip #2: Make sure to plan your culinary adventures wisely. Restaurant week menus are not available on Saturdays, are only available at some locations on Sundays and a few locations participate for lunch only (I'm lookin at you Il Mulino) so know before you go!!

* Tip #3: Reservations are key. Many people (eghm..!) wait all year for a chance to indulge in high end eats for cheap (A Voce; Blue Water Grill; Fig and Olive; The Hurricane Club; Lure Fishbar; Mercer Kitchen; Spice Market; Tao; and Tribeca Grill are all Meri tested and Meri approved in case you were wondering) so plan way in advance or risk getting closed out of prime dining hours (NYC'ers take their meals very seriously:)

Happy eating my friends! (PS- restaurant recommendations welcome in the comments section!)