Photo: Barcelona Restaurant & Bar

Ok, so after the holidays, maybe going out to dinner is not your first thought. But, getting out of the house and trying out a new place does sound pretty good. And, getting a deal on your meal makes it totally worthwhile to brave the elements.

Check out the 40 restaurants that are a part of Restaurant Week Columbus, Jan. 18-23.

Some of my favorites are Figlio Wood Fired Pizza , Cameron’s American Bistro , Barcelona , Mezzo and the Upper Arlington Hyde Park location, the original in Columbus.

Each restaurant is offering a fixed-price, three-course meal for between $15-$35 per person. Most give you the choice among two or three selections each for an appetizer, main course and dessert. For example, at Figlio you can have Peasant Salad, Beef Tenderloin Medallions and Chocolate Silk Pie for only $20 per person.

Pick a place you’ve never been and make your reservation now. Some restaurants will fill up. For a list of participating restaurants, visit RestaurantWeekColumbus.com . The event is presented by (614) Magazine .

Where will you be dining?

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?