Restaurant Week Baton Rouge is Upon Us

Today marks the beginning of the second Restaurant Week Baton Rouge. The event, created by DIG Magazine, allows diners to experience over 40 of the Red Stick's best restaurants at a fraction of the normal cost. From July 15-20 diners can enjoy 3-course meals at fixed prices from $15-$35 per person depending on the menu from each restaurant.

Of course, I think it is also important give everyone a few reminders about Restaurant Week:

1) Be grateful that these restaurants are participating. They don't have to do it, but the idea of all these Baton Rouge restaurants coming together twice a year to support a worthy event is exciting. Thank them for offering a restaurant week menu and encourage non-participating restaurants to join in.

2) Since the menus being offered are at an extreme discount, make sure you help out your favorite restaurants and order a little booze as well. Grab a craft beer you've never had or splurge on a bottle of wine. You can afford it since the food is priced so well!

3) Don't drink and drive. Make sure Restaurant Week is safe for everyone. While I do encourage extra boozing, make sure you have a safe ride home afterwards.

4) Make sure to tip your wait staff appropriately. Enjoying discounted menu prices does not mean you should try to get out of a restaurant as cheap as possible. While these incredible deals are there for the customer, the service staff is also there for you. This is a big week for them with a lot of volume coming through the restaurant. Make sure to pass some of the cost savings from your meal over to your waiter or waitress. They work hard to ensure a successful Restaurant Week!

In its first year with 41 restaurants and 20,000 expected diners, Restaurant Week Baton Rouge is hoping that the success of this week will translate into great revenue for all participating restaurants. This bi-annual event offers more than delicious food and prices. In 2013, $10,000 will have been donated to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank on behalf of the diners, sponsors and participating restaurants. The donations will equal to 35,000 meals for those in need by year's end. Reservations are highly recommended as restaurants are expected to book up quickly. Diners are encouraged to view menus, make reservations and enter to win free dinners at EatBR.com.