February 3, 2012 – The most delicious week of the year is back, with even more ways to experience the incomparable cuisine of Albuquerque. The third annual Albuquerque Restaurant Week, March 18-25, 2012, introduces the “Let’s Do Lunch” program, giving daytime diners the opportunity to feast on two- or three-course prix-fixe menus as well as dinners.

This year, the statewide culinary celebration kicks off in Santa Fe March 4-11 and continues in Las Cruces (March 11-18), Albuquerque (March 18-25) and Taos (March 25-April 1). In addition to value-priced lunches and dinners, people can take advantage of great lodging packages and expand their epicurean horizons through an extensive selection of cooking classes, wine & spirits tastings and other special events.

“Now diners can take advantage of bargain prices for business lunches, office celebrations or leisurely mid-day get-togethers, as well as special evenings out,” said Michele Ostrove, president of Wings Media Network, which organizes the local Restaurant Weeks. “The lunch option provides the perfect excuse to start the fun early and experience more of the area’s extraordinary culinary diversity in an economical way.”

Also new for 2012, menu pricing will be individually set by restaurants within four tiers: $(under $20 per person), $$ ($21-29 per person), $$$ ($30-39 per person) and $$$$ ($40 and over per person). Visit www.albuquerque.nmrestaurantweek.com to sort by price category, location and cuisine type to compare menus. Reservations are highly recommended for both lunch and dinner to ensure seating.