Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week kicks off on Monday, Jan. 17, and lasts through Monday, Jan. 31. Participating in this year’s event are Dorchester’s 224 Boston Street, Ashmont Grill, The Blarney Stone, dbar, Ledge Kitchen & Drinks and Tavolo, and Milton’s 88 Wharf and Abby Park. Each will offer a unique and inspired three-course meal on Sunday through Thursday evenings for just $30.11. While all eight restaurants will still offer their usual menu selections during Restaurant Week, the special menu that each has crafted for this event is a showcase of their culinary creativity and a perfect way to discover what each restaurant is all about.

Ashmont Grill

555 Talbot Ave., Dorchester
617-825-4300
Ashmont Grill offers its diners a taste of traditional American comfort food. Typical dinner items include Fish and Chips ($18) and a childhood favorite, a Pearl Hot Dog with hand-cut fries ($6). A fun, friendly and lively destination, the restaurant is no newcomer to special events. Every Monday at 6:30 p.m., Ashmont Grill hosts a wine club, complete with a four-course meal for just $35. Items from this year’s Restaurant Week menu include Split Pea Soup with smoked ham, Pan Seared Mackerel with poached potatoes and a decadent Banana Upside-Down Cake.

The Blarney Stone

1505 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester
617-436-8223
Legendary as America’s first bar to sell draught Guinness, The Blarney Stone is a must for anyone craving hearty classics such as tangy Buffalo Chicken Tenders ($9) and Chicken Parmesan served over pasta ($14). Their Restaurant Week menu offers soul-warming fare such as Maine Lobster Bisque, Chicken Milanese served with herb roasted potatoes and warm swiss chard and a traditional Italian Tiramisu.

dbar

1236 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester
617-265-4490
dbar dishes out fine cuisine and offers a happening nightlife. At dbar, a French influence works to transform classic American comfort foods into totally unique dishes, pairing familiar favorites with sophisticated ingredients. Items from their standard menu include Brioche French Toast ($7.95), a Melted Leek and Chevre Omelet ($9.95), and Seared Diver’s Scallops ($21). Their Restaurant Week menu features elegant selections including Crispy Duck Confit served with wild mushroom salad, Truffled Mac and Cheese and a Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee.

Ledge Kitchen & Drinks

2261 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester
617-698-2261
Ledge Kitchen & Drinks offers a massive selection of satisfying dishes, including an Irish Breakfast ($12), Ledge Crab Cakes ($16), and a Stuffed Pork Chop ($18). Their Restaurant Week menu mirrors their usual hearty fare: Stuffed Golden Onion Rings, Braised Osso Bucco with crispy polenta, Passion Fruit Crème Brulee and Spicy Hot Chocolate served with homemade cookies.

Tavolo

1918 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester
617-822-1918
Tavolo is a true neighborhood joint; it’s a “comfortable spot where everybody knows your name.” In addition to its relaxed atmosphere, Tavolo offers its diners a selection of refined Italian dishes. Tavolo’s dinner menu features tasty appetizers such as their Spreadables with Tuscan beans, whipped ricotta, roasted garlic and grilled toast ($12), meat-filled Lasagna ($18) and a vegetarian lasagna layered with ricotta, tomatoes and braised greens, all slathered with a creamy béchamel sauce ($16). Their Restaurant Week menu will feature scrumptious Italian fare, including Risotto flavored with Prosecco, foraged mushrooms and pecorino cheese; Roasted Rainbow Trout served with potato salad, capers, anchovies and a radish-dill crème fraiche; and a Ricotta Pound Cake with fresh fruit compote.

88 Wharf

88 Wharf St., Milton
857-598-4826
The menu at 88 Wharf presents a variety of sophisticated cuisine. 88 Wharf is open for brunch, dinner and Social Hour. The latter takes place on weeknights from 5 to 6 p.m. and after 9 p.m. when the kitchen offers elegant bites such as roasted olives and truffled potato chips ($1 to $5) The regular dinner menu stars the 88 Grill selection, a choice of three cuts of all natural, grass-fed beef from Brandt Farms served as the customer likes with a choice of sauces and sides ($18 to $27). Their Restaurant Week menu maintains the same level of European sophistication, with options including Pumpkin Tortelloni with foie-gras truffle butter; Duck Confit Risotto with cranberries, roasted mushrooms, chives and marsala; and a Chocolate-Caramel Brioche Bread Pudding.

Abby Park

550 Adams St., Milton
617-696-8700
Incorporating a selection of fresh, local seafood, produce and dairy into its cuisine, Abby Park is an avid supporter of its community and a proponent of local, natural and organic ingredients. The restaurant offers weekly specials such as $2 Tapas on Tuesdays and $1 Oysters at the bar on Wednesdays. Abby Park serves up an eclectic mix of modern American fare fused with Mediterranean and European flavors, such as the Meze Plate ($11) and Short Ribs of Beef braised in red wine and Guinness ($28). Their Restaurant Week menu includes Crispy Shrimp and Calamari with lemon aioli; Salmon Aqua Pazza seared with spicy tomato caper basil sauce; and a choice of any dessert from their regular menu.

224 Boston Street

224 Boston St., Dorchester
617-265-1217
224 Boston Street serves up contemporary American cuisine prepared with fresh, high quality ingredients. The standard menu features such comforting American classics as Herb Baked Meatloaf served with sour cream and chive potatoes ($15.50) and the Boston Street Cod Cakes with shoestring fries and homemade tartar sauce ($16.50). Their Restaurant Week menu includes select dishes from their regular menu, including Grilled Center-Cut Lamb Loin Chops with Roasted Plum Tomato, Eggplant and Manzanilla Olive Coponata; Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast with an Orange Marmalade Cream Sauce and Goat Cheese Ravioli; and a Death By Chocolate dessert.

Get ready to put a hold on your diet — Restaurant Week is right around the corner!

For two weeks the top restaurants in and around Boston will offer prix-fixe menus ranging from about $15 (lunch) to $30 (dinner).  So how will you choose where to dine? Restaurant Week is your opportunity to hit up some of the most popular, and most expensive, places in the city. Check out Blast’s list of the best of the best and some of the mouth-watering dishes they’ll be offering.

Beacon Hill Bistro:

Nestled in the middle of Charles Street, Beacon Hill Bistro offers so much more than a charming atmosphere. Opt for a window seat and enjoy the view of passers-by while you indulge.

Try the:

- Butternut Squash Velout¨ with graham masala, pomegranate and argan oil

- Lentil and Farro Burger with baby spinach, spiced yogurt and red pepper salad

- Spiced Chocolate Cake with valrhona chocolate mousse, teach poached Asian pears and dulche de leche

25 Charles St., Boston, (617) 723–7575 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (617) 723–7575      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (617) 723–7575      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, beaconhillhotel.com

The Beehive:

Prepare to be amazed by The Beehive’s impressive list of wines and champagnes. Their food has been taken to the next level by Executive Chef Rebecca Newell and their classic jazz club atmosphere hits all the right notes.

Try the:

- Candied Garlic Spareribs

- Irish Lamb Stew

- Butterscotch Pudding with Pretzel Praline

541 Tremont St., Boston, (617) 423-0069, beehiveboston.com

Bina Osteria:

Osteria is Latin for guest, and Bina Osteria certainly takes care of theirs. This modernly decorated restaurant is located in vibrant Downtown Crossing, where you can also indulge in a little shopping before you indulge in a delicious meal.

Try the:

- Tuna Bocconcini Sicilian style (ricotta, red onion, lemon, basil) with a small salad

- Wild Boar Goulash three cheese poletna

- Gelato/Sorbet

581 Washington St., Boston, (617) 956-0888, binaboston.com

Clink:

Once the Charles Street Jail, Clink resides on the lobby level of The Liberty Hotel; the original jail cells now act as the perfect dining setting.

Try the:

- Roasted Beet and Mozzarella Salad with Arugula and White Balsamic

- Port Clyde Monkfish Sandwich with Turmeric, Dill, Cilantro, and New Potato Salad

- Frozen Lemon Souffle with Cake Crumbles and Young Coconut Water

215 Charles St., Boston, (617) 224-4004, clinkrestaurant.com

Dante:

Enjoy the view of the Charles River and Boston’s skyline while you experience Italian cuisine like you’ve never seen before.

Try the:

- Semplice: seasonal greens, cucumber yogurt, red wine vinaigrette

- Merluzzo: baked cod "oreganata,” green bean salad

- Panna Cotta: vanilla, passion fruit, banana caramel

5 Cambridge Parkway, Cambridge, (617) 497-4200, restaurantdante.com

Eastern Standard:

Whether you choose the dining room or the Ann Corio lounge and porch at this upscale Fenway eatery, you’ll enjoy the ideal backdrop for your dining experience.

Try the:

- Spring Dug Parsnip soup: curry cr¨me fraiche

- Crispy Confit Duck Leg with lentils, roasted shallot, braised greens

528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, (617) 532-9100, easternstandardboston.com

Gaslight:

This South End favorite has a romantic feel and swoon-worthy food to accompany it.

Try the:

- Braised Red Onion Tartlette with Thyme Cr¨me Fraiche and Banyuls Syrup

- Smoky Braised Beef Brisket with Ratatouille Stuffed Cabbage Leaves and Sauce Braisage

- Chocolate Ganache Tartlette with Peanut Butter Mousse and Caramel a la Cr¨me

All meals come with a complementary glass of Merlot Chateau Abaye de Sainte-Ferme ’04 Bordeaux or Sauvignon Blend, Reserve St. Martin ’08 Languedoc

560 Harrison Ave., Boston, (617) 422-0224, gaslight560.com

Grafton Street:

At 5,000 square feet, Grafton offers its patrons the cozy atmosphere of an Irish pub as well as the amenities of a full service restaurant.

Try the:

- Fish Tacos: Local Cod, Shaved Cabbage, Fresh Tomato Salsa, Smoked Chili Cream

- Guajillo Statler Chicken

- Mexican Chocolate Sauce, Kiwi Brulee

1230 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, (617) 497-0400, graftonstreetcambridge.com

KO Prime:

This steakhouse is one of the fanciest on Tremont. Don’t leave without first tucking into one of their superior steaks.

Try the:

- Slice of Ice: Iceburg Lettuce, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Lardons (small pieces of thick cut bacon), and Fried Onions

- 10 oz NY Strip, Chantenay Carrots, and Mushroom Ragout

- Espresso Ice Cream, Chocolate Brownie, and Dark Chocolate Sauce

90 Tremont St., Boston, (617) 772-0202, koprimeboston.com

Locke-Ober:

The main dining room and lounge are located on the first floor while the Ober and Camus rooms are on the second. The third floor is home to six private dining rooms; the JFK room is the most sought after.

Try the:

- Fresh Pea and Spinach Soup with Coconut Milk and Curry

- Crusted Broiled Schrod with Crab Butter and Steamed New Potatoes

- Strawberry Pavlova

3 Winter St., Boston, (617) 542-1340, lockeober.com

Mare:

Mare is Boston’s first restaurant to have all organic and/or all-natural ingredients. The majority of the menu consists of seafood from both the U.S. and Italy.

Try the:

- Grilled Octopus Genovese Pesto, Potato Mousse

- Chicken Under the Brick, Gorgonzola Potatoes, and Brussels Sprouts

- Apple Bread Pudding with Apple Caramel Sauce

135 Richmond St., Boston, (617) 723-MARE (6273), marenatural.com

Petit Robert Bistro:

Ever notice that the majority of bistros are rather upscale and expensive? Petit Robert is a true Bistro in both cost and atmosphere.

Try the:

- Shrinp and Lobster Macaronis and Cheese

- Soup du Jour with Shrimps

- Fillet of Sole Bonne Femme

480 Columbus Ave., Boston, (617) 867-0600, petitrobertbistro.com

Pigalle:

If a romantic and elegant ambiance is what you’re looking for then Pigalle is the restaurant for you.

Try the:

- Cream of Turnip Soup, Spiced Almonds, Smokey Paprika Foam, and Turnip Pickles

- Steamed Littleneck Clams, Braised Fennel, Fish Fumet (stock used to add flavor), Pernod and Romesco Crouton

- Classic Vanilla Cr¨me Brulee

75 Charles St., South Boston,  (617) 423-4944, pigalleboston.com

Rialto:

Rialto specializes in Italian cuisine with a New England twist.

Try the:

- Radicchio-Artichoke Salad, Dates, Almonds, and Celery

- Three Cheese Ravioli, Roasted Tomatoes, Green Herb Sauce

- Chocolate Espresso Torta with Strawberries and Cream

1 Bennett St., Cambridge, (617) 661-5050, rialto-restaurant.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House:

When you visit Ruth’s Chris Steak House be sure to visit Curley, their upscale bar named after the late Boston mayor, James Michael Curley.

Try the:

- Crab and Corn Chowder

- Filet with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

- Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

45 School St., Boston, (617) 742-8401, ruthschris.com

Top of the Hub:

Top of the Hub offers a classy and romantic setting with the live jazz music and an unbeatable view.

Try the:

- Crispy Westphalian Ham

- Grilled Colorado 12oz Lamb Chop, Roasted Garlic, Calamata Olives Sauce, Spinach and Goat Cheese Lasagna

- Cherry Napoleon, Kirsch Brandy Anglaise

800 Boylston St., Boston, (617) 536-1775, topofthehub.net

Toro:

Toro boasts authentic Spanish-style tapas right here in Boston. Once you step inside you will feel as if you’re in Spain.

Try the:

- Aceitunas: Marinated Olives in Bay Leaf, Lemon and Spices

- Queso Mahon: Marinated Cow’s Milk Cheese from Menorca

- Uni Bocadillo: Pressed Uni Sandwich with Miso Butter and Pickled Mustard Seeds

1704 Washington St., Boston, (617) 536-4300, toro-restaurant.com

Tratorria Il Panino:

Tratorria Il Panino is a favorite North End spot for it’s cozy outdoor area and tantalizing Italian fare. Be prepared to wait at peak times, especially as locals who know the owners are often allowed to cut.

Try the:

- Caesar Della Casa

- Linguine Puttanesca

- Limoncello Sorbetto

11 Parmenter St., Boston, (617) 720-1336, trattoriailpanino.com

Tremont647:

Tremont647 takes advantage of locally grown ingredients, allowing them to constantly change their menu and keep up with what’s fresh.

Try the:

- Famous Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Ritz Cracker Topping and Chives

- Rock Shrimp Black Truffle Risotto, Roasted Garlic Puree, and Baby Spinach, Fresh Oregano, and Shaved Parmesan (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday ONLY)

- Chocolate Marquise, Cocoa Meringues, Blackberry Merlot Sauce

647 Tremont St., Boston, (617) 266-4600, tremont647.com

Upstairs on the Square:

Are you craving more than your traditional dining out experience? Upstairs on the Square exudes hospitality and cheerfulness to provide you with a dinner party feel.

Try the:

- Maple Sugar Custard, Giant Asparagus, Sauce Gribiche

- Toasted Barely and Mushroom Soup with Green Garlic Toast

- MCD’s Meatloaf Sandwhich on Potato Bread with Sliced Pepper Dressing and Sweet Potato Chips

91 Winthrop St., Cambridge, (617) 864-1933, upstairsonthesquare.com

Parking spaces may be too narrow for my compact car in the free lot, but the food at Rocca was near flawless.

Arriving about 20 minutes early for our 7pm reservation at this Harrison Avenue hot spot in the South End during the outset of Restaurant Week, we headed to the downstairs bar and lounge area, a very chic open room in a semi-circle shape with extremely high ceilings, comfy chairs and sofas and sleek bartenders. We decided to indulge in a pitcher of Pink Lemonade, a very “booze-y” drink special the bartender explained, is refreshing and packs a serious alcohol punch.

After two more friends arrived, we were led upstairs and seated at a long table facing the outside windows in a dimly-lit and very modern dining room. I immediately informed my waiter that I needed to order all three courses for myself right away, be served as soon as the food was ready and have a separate check as I needed to leave by 8pm. He seemed lackluster about all of my extremely needy requests, but did exactly as I asked with a good deal of attentiveness and urgency. I greatly appreciated their flexibility in accommodating my time constraint.

The handmade vegetable gnocchi was my appetizer of choice. The gnocchi were delicious with summer squash, corn, zucchini, peas, caciocavallo cheese and fresh herbs. It was surprisingly light for gnocchi, balanced by the delicate and refreshing vegetables that were cooked perfectly. It was a nice way to start the meal without feeling too weighed down from a heavy cream sauce. Another appetizer offering was the farinata, a chickpea flatbread with caramelized onions, mushrooms and sage. It was crispy, warm and heart-warmingly satisfying. It reminded me of a cross between a tortilla espanola and a frittata. Farinata literally translates to “floured” and the one Rocca served up during my visit was delicious, if not served slightly too hot. Other appetizer choices include sauteed scampi, arugula and mint salad, tomato and fennel salad, and handmade whole wheat cavatelli with clams. The portions for all of the first course dishes were appropriately small yet satisfying.

I’d been feeling low on iron and couldn’t remember the last time I indulged in red meat, so I decided to order the grilled sirloin served with marinated tomatoes, arugula arancini and gorgonzola butter. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfectly cooked steak exactly to my specifications (rare thank you very much). It was perfect, delicious, pink and wonderfully seasoned. The minimal gorgonzola butter enhanced the dish rather than overpowering it. This may have been the best steak I’ve ever had, which is a huge thing to admit as a New Yorker. The arancini also were delicious, crispy on the outside and warm and smooth on the inside. Being a huge fan of arugula (as apparently the chefs at Rocca are since so many dishes included this greenery), I was extremely happy with my meal.

Another entree offering was the burrida, a Ligurian fish stew with fresh herbs, clams, shrimp, squid and white fish, served with pesto crostini. This type of Meditarreanean fare is a great way to try something new and and a little bit different. Roasted chicken with a zucchini, tomato, basil and crescenza cheese torta and sauteed wild mushrooms had a mild yet tantalizing flavor. The chicken was well-cooked and the dish was a great ode to summer eating, as was my prosecco float with raspberry sorbetto. It was the perfect end to a summer meal that was sweet and addictive. And while many aren’t a huge fan of the sweet sparkling champagne prosecco, combined with smooth and authentic raspberry sorbetto (yes I’m a poser and used the Italian word) it was perfect.

With an intricate and extensive cocktail menu, beautiful and interesting decor and atmosphere along with delicious, seasonal foods, Rocca is a great choice for Restaurant Week and beyond.

The libations were plentiful and tasty; the portions generous and abundant with Southwestern flavor; and style and service was nothing short of great.

One of my friends had done a little research on the Masa website which paid off for us. They were having a special promotion where pitchers of Sangria were only $5. The pitchers were served in beautiful, if not small, glass carafes that contained approximately 1.5-2 servings of beautifully rich and flavorful red wine sangria flavored with a hint of cinnamon.

The restaurant was definitely in full force and completely crowded from the moment we stepped in at 6:45 p.m. until we left, full and completely satiated to the extreme at about 9.

As good as the restaurant week menu choices appeared in print, the taste was even better. The first course offering of duck empanadas was amazing. The duck was moist and plentiful and delicious, and the mole sauce was sweet, thick and completely authentic. It was served with a refreshing watercress salad that complemented the empanada in its flaky and sturdy crust and spicy sauce perfectly.

The chipotle spiked clam chowder had a very earthy taste and was served with brioche crackers. The tender romaine salad with crispy red corn tortillas was served beautifully with roasted green chile dressing and smoked cotija cheese. When I first looked over the menu it seemed to be the least impressive choice, but the flavor was incredible. It was delicious and the perfect way to start the meal. I definitely asked for more than one bite from one of my fellow diners, and friends, (as we whined over who hated their boyfriend more that day).

I had been eying each plate as it passed and was excitedly anticipating our entrees. Lucky for us, there were four offerings and four diners with my party, and we each ordered a different item.

My Southwestern style steak frites with chile dusted fries was incredible. I asked for the steak medium rare, with an emphasis on rare, and that is how it arrived. Perfectly pink, deliciously and liberally spiced and overflowing with juice and flavor. The chile lime arugula salad was the perfect recipe to calm the heat. Paired with a Guajillo bourbon sauce, I was in pure heaven. It was one of the best entrees I’ve had of this March 2009 Restaurant Week in Boston, or any other of my past Restaurant Week adventures.

The blackened rare ahi tuna steak with yellow mole was equally pleasing. It was served with Yukon gold potatoes and wild mushrooms. I would’ve preferred the tuna to be less cooked, but that is a personal preference (caused by a bad experience with blackened tuna that was half cooked all the way through and completely unappetizing which resulted in a trip to the emergency room and a Benadryl shot in my behind).

The vegetarian offering, a spicy tres chiles polenta served with marinated mushrooms, arugula and cotija cheese was on the very hot side, which my friend was not warned about. It was hearty and filling, a treat for vegetarians who often find themselves out of luck and out of choices at many restaurants during restaurant week. The chicken was well seasoned and overall spiced well with Adobo and had a refreshing corn avocado salsa.

We forged on toward dessert; the third course offering. We had a sampling of them all, and the molten chocolate cake, despite being delicious, had nothing molten to offer up, at all. Expecting a liquid, creamy and rich center we were slightly disappointed to find the cake solid, through and through. The selection of sorbets: pineapple, strawberry and lemon were divine, refreshing with real fruit taste served in the perfect size, not too much and most definitely not too little.

The flan, however, fell flat. It was a bit too solid, and not being a fan of flan, that did nothing to change my mind about the quivering dessert.

Overall, this was an excellent Restaurant Week choice and a great experience with friends. The lively atmosphere and inventive and delicious food paired perfectly for a great South End dining experience.

This is most definitely not your Chili’s Southwestern experience!

Restaurant Week in Boston is my favorite time of year. With seven prior restaurant week experiences in the books (and being an overall obsessive foodie) I consider myself a reasonable critic of all food. I’m not a picky eater when it comes to ethnicity, spiciness, or texture, but I hold very high standards for quality, freshness and overall experience.

Plaza III Kansas City Steakhouse seems to have found a way to upset all that.

The problem with Plaza III may have been that I went into my lunch date with a friend from college with the highest of expectations. Coworkers and friends had been raving about this restaurant for days telling me how jealous and excited they were for me that I was going there.

I should’ve seen the signs right away. When we first entered this Faneuil Hall upscale locale, the hostess gave a half-hearted “hello” and told us our table need to be cleaned off and it would be a two minute wait. Needless to say, all around were visibly empty and clean tables, and not just one or two, but approximately two dozen.

When we were finally escorted to our table, a nice window seat looking out onto the cobblestone walkways of Faneuil Hall directly facing Abercrombie & Fitch, the hostess did not make any eye contact and walked away after placing the menus on the table in front of my friend and myself. There was one waiter working about five tables around us, and when he finally made his way over he took our drink orders and walked away, even though we were ready to order. Then it took an unnecessarily long to get our drinks (a ginger ale and a water I might add). We finally ordered, excited to eat but mainly because we were very hungry now.

Our salads came after almost 15 minutes and were incredibly unimpressive looking. The Plaza III Garden Salad was on a too-small plate, tossed in boring ranch dressing with a small wedge of tomatoes and sprinkled with bacon and hard-boiled egg. It tasted good but wasn’t anything special.

After a half hour after we got our appetizer salads (which we received after the next table got theirs, and they arrived 10 minutes after us) our entrees finally came. Again, the presentation was worthy of a yawn, the “garlic” mashed potatoes tasted like they came straight from a box without a hint of garlic, and our fillet mignons were completely dull and overcooked at medium well, when we both asked for medium rare.

The asparagus was good — thin and cooked to a crispy and delicious finish. The Bƒ©arnaise sauce however was way too sour and very unappetizing.

If I hadn’t been so hungry and pressed for time I would’ve sent it all back.

Trying to maintain a positive outlook and spirit we ordered dessert. I went for the classic New York style cheesecake with strawberries and my friend ordered the Godiva chocolate mousse. They both ended up being delicious, if not predictable. The strawberry syrup not obviously out of a jar from the supermarket.

Overall I would rate my Plaza III, The Kansas City Steakhouse, Restaurant Week lunch experience as average. The trick might be to go in with low expectations so that I could’ve been happily proven wrong, but I’m still not sure that would’ve happened.