Irvine, California Launches Restaurant Week Promotion January 14-20, 2011

Irvine CA, November 29-World travelers who are near Irvine, California in January 2011, will be happy to know that nearly a dozen businesses will celebrate Irvine Restaurant Week January 14-20, 2011, says Wendy Haase, Director of Tourism Marketing, Destination Irvine.

"Irvine Restaurant Week is an incredible opportunity to experience some of the best food the destination has to offer at a value you can't get at any other time of the year," Haase noted. "January is also a great time to get hotel deals and experience the diversity of what our destination offers, from outdoor recreation to family-friendly activities."

No passes, tickets or coupons are required to participate in Irvine Restaurant Week. Instead, diners simply visit their favorite participating restaurants during the week of January 14-20 to enjoy special prix fixe lunch or dinner menus or other special offers (varies by restaurant). For more information on participating restaurants, check out www.destinationirvine.com/restaurantweek.

To date, restaurants participating in Irvine Restaurant Week include: 6ix Park Grill (Hyatt Regency), Andrei's Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails, Elements Sushi & Sake Bar at the Irvine Marriott, Il Fornaio, Kimera Restaurant Lounge, The Melting Pot, Meritage Wine Bar and Restaurant, Waterfalls Restaurant (Atrium Hotel) and Zov's Neighborhood Bar & Café.

See here for slide show of Irvine pictures

Irvine Restaurant Week is part of California Restaurant Month, designated by the California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC). More than 20 destinations across California, from the desert and coast to wine country and High Sierra, are hosting restaurant weeks this January.

"California is the top U.S. destination for culinary travel, so with these deals there's never been a better time for foodies to visit California," said Caroline Beteta, CTTC president & CEO. "Since we produce 90 percent of American wine and more than 400 agricultural crops, we attract some of the greatest chefs who enjoy creating with the freshest ingredients - which whets visitors' appetites for more. Enjoying the California foodie lifestyle this January is a New Year's resolution we can all stick to! "

Last year travelers in California spent $21.3 billion on food and beverages, more than for any other spending segment and constituting 26 percent of all visitor spending last year (Source: Dean Runyan Associates), Beteta said. For more information about California Restaurant Month, visit www.visitcalifornia.com/restaurantmonth.

Re travel: San Francisco residents can fly to John Wayne International Airport via SFO International Airport. Deals can be found online at www.kayak.com