Photo: The Elevator

Dine Originals Week returns!

Mark your calendar to dine out March 8-14, when the 40 locally owned restaurants of Dine Originals Columbus will offer 7 days of original menus .

Aside from being delicious, Dine Originals Week menus are specially priced at $10.10, $20.10 or $30.10. A portion of the proceeds will support the education programs of Local Matters , a Central Ohio nonprofit that works to make local, healthy food accessible to everyone in our community.

Reservations are strongly encouraged, so go on and make one. Or two. Three?

There is no better time to support the local food scene and visit an old favorite or try something new.

A giveaway! Win a $50 Dine Originals Columbus gift certificate

To celebrate Dine Originals Week, we have a $50 gift certificate to give away to one lucky reader. It’s redeemable at any Dine Originals Columbus restaurant.

To enter, comment on this post and list at least one Dine Originals Columbus restaurant that you plan to visit during Dine Originals Week.

You can check out the full roster of Dine Originals Week menus here . If you’re familiar with Columbus restaurants, I think you’ll agree that this is an amazing lineup of some of Central Ohio’s best fare.

You must comment by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26 . After that time, we’ll select one random commenter to win.

UPDATE: The entry period has ended. Congratulations to our winner, Cory (#21)!

Photo: Basi Italia

Having trouble finding the right gift for that hard-to-please person on your list? Does that person live in or travel to Columbus? Does that person enjoy good food?

If you answered yes to the previous questions, then I’ve got an easy solution for you: Dine Originals Columbus gift certificates .

Dine Originals Columbus is a group of locally owned and operated independent restaurants in the Columbus area. Gift certificates are offered at a range of prices and can be redeemed at 38 restaurants - every restaurant of the 38 offers its own unique menu and dining experience. Whenever I’m looking to try a new venue, I go to the Dine Originals website and browse their restaurant list. I know that my selection not only comes from a highly recommended dining directory, but also supports a locally owned business.

I recently tried The Refectory’s Bistro menu, which is offered during select hours and includes three courses at a great value. I was impressed with both the French cuisine and the rustic, yet elegant atmosphere. Previously, I tried Basi Italia and fell in love with the intimate setting and fresh Italian menu options.

I’ve been wowed every time, and I’m sure that the recipient of a Dine Originals Columbus gift certificate will be nothing but satisfied with their gift. Like they say, good taste is never returned.

If you like to eat at local restaurants (the kind you’ll only find here in Columbus), have they got a deal for you.

Next week, from September 7-13, Dine Originals Columbus presents Restaurant Week .  Many of the city’s best locally owned and operated restaurants will offer discounted fixed-price menus - some at $20.09, others at $30.09.

In other words, you’re in for some rather fabulous food at a really great price.

Plus, a portion of Restaurant Week proceeds will be contributed to LifeCare Alliance in support of their Meals on Wheels program.

Forty restaurants are participating, including Alana’s, The Refectory, Barcelona, Basi Italia, Cafe Corner, G. Michael’s, Katzingers, Due Amici, Surly Girl, Figlio, The Elevator . . . the list goes on and you can check it out (along with Restaurant Week menus) here .

Please note that reservations are strongly recommended. Bon appetit!

If you like to eat at well-loved, Columbus-only restaurants or you’re a visitor in town next week, you’re in luck. Columbus Restaurant Week is about to be upon us.

Who’s behind it:

Dine Originals Columbus , a group of over 40 locally owned restaurants.

What the deal is:

From March 9 - 15, Dine Originals member restaurants will offer special fixed-price menus. Price points are $15 and $30, and you can find detailed menu options here .

Diane Warren, president of Dine Originals Columbus and owner of Katzinger’s Delicatessen , says it best:

"Whether you want to try a new restaurant or treat yourself to an old favorite, Restaurant Week is a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to sample the culinary skills of Columbus chefs."

These are great deals at great restaurants, so take note that reservations are strongly encouraged.

Planning to take advantage of Restaurant Week? Let your friends know with an RSVP on Facebook . You can also stay connected with Dine Originals Columbus by joining their mailing list or the Friends of Dine Originals Facebook group .

Which Dine Originals restaurant will you be heading to next week?