Kickoff for Summer Restaurant Week

Get an early taste of Summer Restaurant Week on July 25 when several restaurants face off during a "First Course—Appetizer Challenge." The audience will be able to sample and vote on their favorite dish.

I went last year, and it was a lot of fun. It's a great reminder to make early reservations for restaurant week, which runs July 27-Aug. 5. Check out participating restaurants (more than 85) and menus here.

At the kickoff event, celebrity judges—Reagan Warfield of MIX 106.5, Sheldon Duttes of WBAL-TV, and Jen Marsh of City Paper—will also weigh in on the food, picking their favorite as well as the restaurant with the "Best Use of Locally Sourced Ingredients."

The event will be held from noon-2 p.m. on the lower level of the Light Street Pavilion at Harborplace. It's sponsored by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Visit Baltimore, and Harborplace & The Gallery.

During restaurant week, diners will be offered three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus for $30.12 or $20.12 per person, not including liquor, tax, or gratuity. Select restaurants will also offer a two-course lunch menu for $15.12, not including liquor, tax, or gratuity. 

Don't forget to make reservations!