Restaurants participating in the 19-year-old event offer diners 3-course lunch meals at $24.07 (really, there’s nothing we could do about the $0.07?) and dinner at $35. American Express is sponsoring the event, so if you register and use your Amex 3 times at participating restaurants, you’ll get a $15 statement credit. {American Express Network}

It’s a great value at places like Le Cirque, where the normal Chef’s Tasting Menu runs $110 per person. To show that they’re really in the spirit, they’ve even decided to extend Restaurant Week pricing through September 3rd.{Le Cirque}

If you want to create your own World Cup of food, there are 30 different cuisines represented in the participating restaurants. Unfortunately, there aren’t any African restaurants to sample. Two Spanish restaurants, however, are participating: La Fonda Del Sol in Midtown and Bar Artisnal in Tribeca. Unfortunately for Paul the Octopus’s multi-tentacled relatives, squid is on the menu at Bar Artisnal, and we just didn’t have the heart to check the seafood menus, but we’re pretty sure octopus and squid made the list at a few places if you’re a bitter Holland or Germany supporter. {Restaurant Week @NYCgo}

It all begins January 25th and runs until February 7th and offers you, the humble diner, three-course prix-fixe lunches for $24.07 and (at some restaurants) dinner for $35.

Do you want the inside scoop on how to get the best out of your NYC Restaurant Week Dining Experience? Well, rule #1 is to book early. And, while most reservations open on January 12th, those that follow NYCgo.com on Twitter (@nycgo) will get exclusive reservations on the 11th. Trust us, that day will definitely make the difference.

After that, make sure you check the menus of potential restaurants before you book. And just ask around! The  guys and gals at Jaunted will be checking out pork-specialist The Breslin, About.com recommends the Scandinavian cuisine at Aquavit – but all in all it’s best to do your research and then choose for yourself.

Happy Eating!

Read the Full Story {NYCgo.com}