Winter Restaurant Weeks in San Francisco and Oakland

By now you all know that in order to entice us to get out of our houses, major cities across the country host Restaurant Weeks in January. (Ok, to be fair, that’s what I think) To ease the burden of the looming bills from the prior month, many local restaurants offer prix-fixe menus with somewhat affordable price tags. It is also to showcase their creations and introduce us to their fine dining.

This is the tail end of Oakland’s week, so hurry, hurry to this city with a vibrant culinary scene. This year Oakland is partnering with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and some participating restaurants are donating a portion of the week proceeds.

A few highlights: The Chop Bar (247 4th st) is offering a three-course dinner with a glass of wine for $30. Clove and Hoof (4001 Broadway) serves its famous cheese steak and fries, with cookie and lemonade for $20. Copper Spoon (4031 Broadway) will give you a three-course dinner menu for $40 with too many yummy options to list! Visitoakland.com/events

San Francisco restaurant week starts January 23rd and runs through the 31st. Plenty of time to get your reservations as all of the participating eateries get quite busy. Nearly 130 eating establishments will be offering prix-fixe menus to showcase their passion for sharing great food with diners.

Way too many to mention all, but you can find delectable bites at familiar places like Il Fornaio – $25 lunch and the view enticing Market Bar – $25 lunch and $40 dinner (a bargain) Or the lovely, somewhat hidden gem of Le Colonial $65 for dinner. Other participants include the old favorite, The Stinking Rose and the newer favorite Twenty-Five Lusk.  Ok, maybe eat out every day/night that week? So much for a healthy start to the year. Find all the locations at sfrestaurantweek.com.