Prix fixe

If you’ve been thinking it’s time to head downtown for a nice dinner but haven’t quite gotten around to it, or you’re feeling just a little broke after the indulgent holidays, now’s the time to call the baby sitter, book your reservation and take a break from the damp, dreary January routine. Next week (January 12-18) is Dine Downtown Restaurant Week, and it’s a bit of a steal: at any one of 21 participating restaurants, you can get a three-course fixed-price menu for just $30. This year marks the third annual go-round of this event, and the participants include Ella Dining Room and Bar, Spataro, Restaurant 55º, Mason’s and many more. No word yet on what will actually be on everybody’s menus, but it’ll be a lot less work than staying home and cooking for yourself—and at least you know it won’t be too pricey.