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Top 5 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Denver Restaurant Week 2012

Denver Restaurant Week
Dates: February 25 – March 9, 2012
Price: $52.80/couple; $26.40/single
See a list of participating restaurants: www.denver.org/denverrestaurant

The Denver food scene is booming as one of the city's fastest growing industries, and world-renowned chefs have set up shop in this wondrous food lover's paradise. During the weeks between Feb. 25, 2012, and March 9, 2012, Denver foodies will celebrate just how far the city's culinary scene has come with the dining extravaganza that is Denver Restaurant Week.

This two-week celebration is designed to allow diners to check out the best and most delicious food the city has to offer. With menus created especially for Restaurant Week, hundreds of restaurants give curious and hungry diners the opportunity to try variations of some of their most popular dishes. The best part about Restaurant Week is the price: for only $26.40 per person or $52.80 per couple, foodies can dine at restaurants they may not otherwise be able to afford.

Denver Restaurant Week has become one of the most anticipated culinary events in the city. But with this anticipation also comes questions of how to prepare to visit every spot on a must-try list, and how to get the most bang for the buck. Read on for our guide to navigating Denver Restaurant Week.

Research

Every eater has individual tastes, so make sure to look through all of the restaurants and the corresponding menus to gather details about what the establishment is like. This is the best way to ensure you'll be dining at a place that truly fits what you are looking for in a culinary experience.

Related: Top healthy restaurants in Denver.

Don't be afraid to try new things

New restaurants are popping up in Denver regularly, and many serve innovative takes on foods that eaters already know and love. This week is about celebration and culinary innovation, so trying something new might result in the discovery of your new favorite dish, cocktail or restaurant.

Related: Top Brazilian restaurants in Denver.

Get the most bang for your buck

When selecting restaurants to visit, make sure you look closely at the venue's Restaurant Week menu and see what is offered with the special pricing, and then compare this to the regular menu. You may find the regular menu is a better fit for you, or that there are better deals at other restaurants.

Related: Top celebrity restaurants in Denver.

Plan ahead

restaurantweek
(credit: Thinkstock)

The crowds during Denver Restaurant Week can get very large and its not unusual to find every place on the list packed or fully booked. Knowing where you want to go ahead of time is key, especially if you have your sights (and your stomach) set on dining in more than a few participating restaurants. It's also helpful to know what days of the week work best for your schedule; weekdays will be slightly less crowded than weekends and may offer different dining times. No matter when you choose to indulge, be absolutely sure to make reservations a few days in advance to ensure you won't be left out in the cold. Large crowds can pop up on any given night.

Related: Top Italian Food In Denver

Take advantage of transportation options

Parking in many of the best restaurant neighborhoods can sometimes be limited or expensive, so those who have the option to use the light rail or bus, or use a taxi, may want to do so. Attendees of Denver Restaurant Week all have one thing in common: the spirit of celebration. Since that spirit oftentimes goes hand-in-hand with of drinking, always consider the safety of yourself and others. If you plan on enjoying your meal with a few delightful drinks, using public transportation--or a cab--is the best and most sensible way to ensure your great night out ends safely at home.


Zack Christofferson, a self proclaimed beer geek from Denver Colorado, enjoys tasting and discussing Colorado's wide selection of wonderful beers. His work can be found here.


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