Things are heating up in Schenectady kitchens for the city's 12th annual Restaurant Week.
"It gives everybody an idea of just how much diversity there is in the restaurant culture out here," said Josh Mackenburg, owner of RARE Craft Steak and Cocktail House.
For $25, you can get a special three-course prix fixe meal with an appetizer, entree and dessert. Approximately 25 restaurants are participating.
The balsamic glazed, bacon, mack and cheese with white cheddar bechamel sauce is on the menu at RARE Craft Steak and Cocktail House on Union Street. Owner Josh Mackenburg has another restaurant week favorite.
"The steak tasting is one that I'm most proud of, because I want to provide everybody with what might not seem affordable," he said
With so many restaurants participating, there is plenty of cuisine to choose from, from Italian to Thai, traditional pub food and even Mexican at Mexican Radio.
"We have a sweet corn tamale, but we serve it with cilantro pesto," said owner Lori Selden.
Or how about pork enchiladas with plantains or gordita pie? Is your mouth watering yet?
"And we also have another version that's vegan, and vegetarian version of Restaurant Week, which ... most people with special diets don't get to participate in things like Restaurant Week," said Selden
Restaurant Week is sponsored by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement District and the Chamber of Schenectady County. It brings a big economic boost to the city.
"I believe last year it was over $300,000 in economic impact in just that one week for Restaurant Week," said Jim Salengo, executive director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation.
Restaurant Week runs through Sunday. For more information on participating restaurants, log onto www.downtownschenectady.org.