Seattle Restaurant Week Returns

Maybe you have moved to a new neighborhood and are wondering where to grab a bite, or maybe you are in a bit of a food rut and are looking for your next favorite spot. The answer you have been searching for might come this weekend as the spring edition of Seattle Restaurant week begins.   What exactly is Seattle Resturaunt Week?   "It's basically a celebration and support of the greater Seattle area's culinary community. From restaurants to pop ups, to food trucks, really a way for people to explore the diversity and craft that's throughout the region. It works as a dining promotion for two weeks. Restaurants offer curated menus for a bunch of different meals at a bunch of different prices. People can use our directory and map to go out and find menus that look really appealing to them and explore new neighborhoods and support our local economy over good food."   That's Mariah DeLeo, program director for Good Food Economy, and she says the two week celebration is a great way to support your local eatery.   "Even the most celebrated and lauded restaurants are often running with a bunch of challenges. Sometimes we may take them for granted, restaurants face a lot of challenges and they are still in need of a lot of support."    It's also an opportunity for new businesses to break out onto the scene   "(Good Food Economy) is a economic deveolpment non profit and we like to help small businesses come into their own and thrive. Pop Ups are often the first step for a lot of restaurants. Most will become brick and motor, others won't. But this is their way to test out their cuisine, find an audience and a good way to get their feet wet in the culinary world. "   Finding a participating restaurant has been made easy, thanks to the Seattle Restaurant Week website, there you will find places to try, menus, hours and a helpful map showing you what neighborhoods to check out   "All menus are up, we have over 200 participating locations on SRweek.org. You can go there and search by price points, so you can really find the price point for you and really explore the menus."      It's not just dinner either, there are brunch, lunch and small plate options. Even some drink flights and charcuterie boards. One thing DeLeo says is a must? Plan ahead. Make sure you check the hours of places and reservations are always recommended.     Seattle Restaurant Week begins this Sunday and you can get the details at SRWeek.org   Paul Holden KIRO News Radio   Paul Holden Segments Producer  | Seattle's Morning News pholden@bonneville.com | 720-260-0835