The public is encouraged to celebrate an array of culinary delights at the fifth annual Dine Around The Comox Valley, which kicks off Feb. 19 and runs until March 16.
Blackfin Pub owner Edd Moyes notes the number of participating restaurants is about the same as last year.
"Which is good, considering it's been a tough year for a lot of the restaurants," said Moyes, a member of the Dine Around steering committee. "I think this is going to be the best year ever. Everybody's putting so much into their three-course dinners. There's going to be some exciting, new and innovative presentations done by all the restaurants."
The Dine Around format offers three price points — $17, $27 or $37 — on a three-course meal. Menus feature local producers.
The promotion lasts nearly four weeks, allowing patrons sufficient time to try several different establishments.
Participating eateries include Delicados, Griffin Pub, Westerly Family Restaurant, Zocalo Cafe, Atlas Cafe, Billy D's Pub and Bistro, Bisque, the Blackfin, Timber Room at Crown Isle, Martine's Bistro, Prime Chophouse and Wine Bar, Red 21 Gaming Tap and Grill, Toscanos, Union Street Grill and Grotto, Avenue Bistro, Locals Restaurant and the Breakwater - Kingfisher Oceanside.
"I think the challenge is out to the restaurants to bring the level of the menu items up," said Moyes, noting how the Valley has become a culinary tourism destination. "I's great for the Valley because it gives opportunity for everybody to try all the restaurants."
Travelodge Courtenay and the Best Western Plus Westerly Hotel are offering stay-in-town packages during the month-long celebration.
www.ComoxValleyDineAround.com
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com