Like most people, I am relishing my school-free Monday, thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King. But other than celebrating the birth of a great American hero and the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, I am also super excited about today’s kickoff of dineLA’s restaurant week.
dineLA is a 12-day dining event in which locals and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of specially priced prix fixe two- and three-course lunch and dinner menus from some of LA’s best restaurants. Lunch ranges from $15 – $25, while dinner ranges from $25 – $45. Sounds pricey at first, but when you pay $57 for an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet at Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chao in Beverly Hills, $45 is an amazing deal. In fact, it’s only a mere $25 if you can make it for their lunch buffet — that’s if you can sneak away long enough from your lunchtime break and stuff your face.
Most of the restaurants featured are in West LA, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Century City, Hollywood, Brentwood, Marina del Rey and Santa Monica, but for all you Malibu locals who are wondering if any restaurants are featured in dineLA’s event — yes, Duke’s is offering a 3-course lunch for only $20, and a 3-course dinner for only $35. Quite a steal, huh? I know.
And some of you are also probably wondering if Malibu’s newest arrival — Mr Chow’s — is featured in this this event. And disappointingly, no. (Trust me, I understand the disappointment you guys are feeling right now.) But if it’s of any consolation, Mr. Chow’s Beverly Hills is offering a 3-course lunch for $25 and dinner for $45.
And if you’re willing to venture a little further out of Malibu, you’ll find great deals at certain Santa Monica restaurants. A personal favorite is BOA Steakhouse Santa Monica, which is offering a three-course lunch for $25 and dinner for $45 as well. If by now you’re asking, “Is this real life?” The answer is YES!
But I understand — we college kids are on a budget. If you are looking for something good but less pricey in Santa Monica, try Monsoon Cafe or The Mistfit Restaurant + Bar for only $15 at lunch or $25 at dinner.
Just a quick tip before you excitedly jump into your car and hop to one of these restaurants — make a reservation! dineLA week gets pretty crazily packed with foodies like me, so make sure to call up the restaurant to make a reservation before actually going. Most restaurants take reservations, so I highly suggest you make one before going — it’ll save you a ton of time. Have fun & good luck!
