Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

The Hoo family (from left) Damion, holding baby Gabrielle, his wife Karen, Clinton, his wife Grace and Katry enjoying a scrumptious meal at Velisa's restaurant (now closed for refurbishment) during Kingston Restaurant Week on November 17, 2006. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Restaurant week in Jamaica presents a unique opportunity for persons to enjoy the offerings of Kingston's elite restaurants for just a fraction of the regular price.

Three-course dinners are available from as low as between $1,100 and $2,500. This is a time when persons can enjoy fancy meals they normally would not be able to afford on a regular budget.

Restaurant Week is not unique to Jamaica, New York and London both have designated restaurant weeks.

In New York, restaurant week began in the 1980s as a lunch-only promotional event. Now, it is held twice a year for two weeks. There is a winter restaurant week, this year it was held from January 22 to 26 and January 29 to February 2. The summer restaurant week was from July 16-20 and July 23-27.

What makes it different from The Gleaner-sponsored Kingston Restaurant week is that both lunch and dinner are offered at the discounted prices. New Yorkers normally go out in style to enjoy Manhattan's finest meals.

London Restaurant Week began in 1999. Dubbed the 'most delicious week of the year', offerings include a two-course lunch for £15, while a three-course dinner is for £25. This year, it was held from March 9-17.