Being a frugal foodie in Philadelphia is hardly a leisurely occupation these days.
Hasty gourmets are already booking many of the city's choice tables for Center City's Restaurant Week, which does not start until Feb. 19.
"We're already pretty much fully booked every night," Michael Vigouroux, general manager of the Lacroix restaurant, said. "We have 100 covers for the first night."
Vigouroux added that his restaurant, ranked fourth-most-popular in Philadelphia by the 2006 Zagat Survey, has been "busier than last year" in terms of pre-Restaurant Week activity.
"I'd make your reservations sooner rather than later," advised College sophomore Jessica Stoller, who reserved her table at the Caribu Cafe during finals week last month.
Others are attempting to replicate the growing success of the Center City event: University City now has its own week-long dining promotion. During University City Dining Days, which begins this Thursday, 20 local eateries, such as the White Dog Cafe and Nan, will offer three-course dinners priced from $20 to $30.
Ben Feilen, assistant manager of Alma de Cuba, said that Restaurant Week reservations are "without a doubt" being made earlier
"I think that many people have learned that the restaurants book up fast," Feilen said. "People who are looking for a good value realize they might have to call a little bit earlier."
Feilen added that the earliest diners were "making reservations during the last Restaurant Week."
Word of mouth may not be the only factor at play.
According to the 2005 Zagat Survey, 46 percent of Philadelphia diners say they dine out more often now than two years prior, and 65 percent say they are spending more doing so.
Restaurant Week may also be gaining popularity as the budding tradition becomes better established. This February marks the sixth run of the semi-annual event and features 99 restaurants, compared to the inaugural Restaurant Week's 45 participants. Restaurants, many of whose meals typically pass the $50 mark, offer a special three-course dinner menu for the set price of $30.
Executive Director of Rittenhouse Row and event organizer Corie Moskow says it has long been a hit.
"Since the very first restaurant week the more popular or newer restaurants have sold out," Moskow said. "Many people go all five days of it."
Moskow contributes Restaurant Week's popularity to Philadelphia's culinary prowess.
"We're historically a great restaurant city since Le Bec Fin opened 35 years ago," Moskow said, adding that "as a whole our reputation and our depth as a great restaurant city is what is driving us."
As the recent boom in downtown population, retail and real estate has created what some are calling a Center City renaissance, special attention has also found its way to the city's restaurant scene. Last September, Bon Appetit magazine celebrated Philly dining when it awarded Stephen Starr -- creator of such Philadelphia hot-spots as Buddakan, Morimoto and Pod -- its "Restaurateur of the Year" award.
For those without reservations who are looking to participate in next month's event, there may be hope yet.
According to Tangerine General Manager Ashley Garcia, "One thing about Restaurant Week is people tend to make reservations everywhere in the beginning, and then I think that they start cancelling them when it gets a little bit closer."
Fine dining for less - Restaurant week begins on Feb. 19. Restaurants offer three-course meals for $30 per person - The sixth installment of the semi-annual even will include 99 restaurants, and many people are already making reservations - University City will hold a similar event starting Thursday that will offer three-course meals for $20 to $30 at popular eateries
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