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By now, the formula should be familiar: 3 courses, $25, a slew of restaurants, one week in duration. The first annual Clayton Restaurant Week is therefore similar to 5-year old Downtown Restaurant Week (held every August) and St. Louis Originals Restaurant Week (the first one held at member restaurants just over a month ago). Such events are normally held during slow weeks...and January 25-31 certainly qualifies.
Seventeen Clayton restaurants are participating in the inaugural event. I would make reservations now, as the more popular restaurants--and those with the most appealing menus--tend to book up quickly.
Speaking of which, I perused all seventeen menus and was surprised at the--how do I say this kindly?-- range. For me, the best value is Ruth's Chris Steak House, where a 12 oz. Strip Steak with a side dish is one of the offerings (which on a normal day has to fetch at least $25). The most interesting menu: It's about a 6-way tie, with a slight edge going to Oceano (and just because I've tasted--and enjoyed--most of those items).
Check out the menus here, make some reservations, and expect a very sincere "thank you" from restaurateurs who'll be hoping they'll see you more often. -- George Mahe
