Do It. DineLA.

With so many wonderful dining options here in L.A., what's a foodie-on-a-budget to do? Wait for dineLA to come around again--which thankfully, is right now.

dineLA is L.A.'s restaurant week (actually, more like two weeks), when more than a hundred restaurants all over the city offer some of their best dishes at low fixed rates. The participating restaurants vary from the super fancy to the local neighborhood joint, but either way you're sure to get a good deal: two-course lunches for $16-$28 and three-course dinners for $26-$44.

On paper, it might still sound a little pricey (especially for us striving folk), but it's actually quite a lot of food (I doubt most people are throwing down for three full courses on a regular basis) and it's just a great chance to check out a place/dish that you normally wouldn't/couldn't. And even within the prix fixe menus, you'll get choices, so you can't complain about being restricted from the usual fare.

With so many eateries participating, it'll be hard for you to go wrong. Some of my personal suggestions?: Asia de Cuba (mojitos are delicious--although, N.B., dineLA prices don't include alcohol/drinks), Campanile, Katana, Luna Park (stay tuned tomorrow for a review!), and The Bazaar. Let me know where else is worth visiting in the comments, and happy eating!

dineLA is taking place now until Friday, Jan. 29, and from Jan. 31-Feb. 5.

-- Chau Tu