Forget pumpkins and falling leaves! In the Valley, we foodies celebrate the arrival of autumn with the Fall Arizona Restaurant Week, a special time when restaurants from all over the state serve seasonal menus as a special price. This year is the 10th anniversary of the event hosted by The Arizona Restaurant Association, and to celebrate, the organization will be giving diners a chance to win big with an online contest featuring 10 experiential prizes. (And if you’re a foodie or a travel buff, trust me, you’ll want to enter to win!)
This year’s Restaurant Week begins September 15th and runs through the 24th, with nearly 200 participating restaurants showcasing three-course prix-fixe meals for just $33 or $44 per person. (This means an upscale dinner for two could cost you as little as $66…Unheard of!) Is there a restaurant in the area you’ve been dying to try? It’s probably participating! Diners can expect to try dishes from The Dhaba, SumoMaya, Marcellino Ristorante, Sonata’s, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Artizen, Match, Nobuo at Teeter House, Café ZuZu, The Keg, El Panzon y Frida, Christopher’s & Crush Lounge, The Capital Grille (Phoenix & Scottsdale) and Arrowhead Grill and others.
(While the Arizona Restaurant Association is Phoenix-based, you’re sure to find an option near you, with more than 15 cities participating.)
Sure, these restaurants were chosen because they serve fabulous food, but also because they spare no expense to give diners an extraordinary culinary experience. One of Arizona Restaurant Week’s goals is to position Arizona as a top culinary travel destination. With more than 8,500 dining opportunities in the state, it is clear Arizona takes food seriously!
For locals, this is our chance to taste new cuisine, with international fare, Southwestern dishes, soothing comfort foods, and five-star dining options all joining in the fun! And if you’re like me and plan to hit up as many participating restaurants as possible, know that you don’t have to go with the pre-fixe option; you are welcome to sample items a la carte as well.
Tickets to Restaurant Week aren’t required, but because the restaurants fill up quickly, you’ll want to make reservations in advance.
If you can’t make this event, you’ll get two more chances: Arizona Restaurant Association also hosts a spring version of the even in May and a breakfast version in July. Sponsors include Young’s Market Company, Sanderson Lincoln, Sanderson Ford, Open Table, the Arizona Office of Tourism, and American Express.
Get updates on the event and browse menus here. (And here’s a helpful tip for decoding the menus: The letter “B” means that the restaurant will include a beverage within the price point listed. A “G” indicates that there are Gluten-Free options on the Arizona Restaurant Week Menu. A “V” indicates vegetarian options are available. A “C” means that the price is per couple.)
Don't miss out this great opportunity to visit your favorite restaurants or try a new one at an affordable price and with great menu offerings.
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