FUNFEST FOR FRUGAL FOODIES

IN BROOKLYN, YOUR TABLE IS WAITING! BP MARKOWITZ LAUNCHES NINTH ANNUAL "DINE IN BROOKLYN" RESTAURANT WEEK

200 restaurants cooking up tasty eats for frugal foodies from March 19 - March 29

On Tuesday, March 13, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz was joined by two dozen Brooklyn eateries at a kickoff and "tasting" at Brooklyn Borough Hall to officially announce the ninth annual "Dine in Brooklyn" event (March 19 - March 29) featuring approximately 200 of the borough's best restaurants dishing out three-course dinner menus for just $25, three-course lunches for $20.12 and even some "two for the price of one" brunches, lunches and dinners at participating restaurants. For a complete list, visit www.visitbrooklyn.org .

"Brooklyn is a national and international culinary destination for food lovers everywhere, and Dine in Brooklyn not only gives patrons an opportunity to experience all the best Brooklyn has to offer at affordable prices, but the participating restaurants benefit from increased economic activity and the chance to attract new customers," said BP Markowitz. "For a ninth straight year, Dine in Brooklyn is serving up delicious three-course meals, with approximately 200 restaurants offering everything from good old-fashioned comfort food and locally-sourced artisanal menus to cutting edge culinary creations, Glatt kosher and ethnic eats from every corner of the globe. Foodies, the wait is over--in Brooklyn, your table is waiting!"

Select establishments will be serving up "two-fer" brunch and lunch menus again this year--just $20.12 covers brunch and lunch for two--as well as two-for-$25 dinner menus. Offerings vary by restaurant, so patrons must call establishments in advance to verify their Dine in Brooklyn menus and reservation policies. Beverages, tax or gratuity are not included, and BP Markowitz reminds everyone to cancel any reservations they can't keep and to be generous and properly tip their wait staff.

Dine in Brooklyn is an initiative of the Brooklyn Borough President's Office and Best of Brooklyn, Inc. Generous sponsors include American Express, TD Bank, Time Out New York, Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn Restaurant Association, New York State Restaurant Association, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Great Kosher Restaurants Magazine.

Participating in the tasting and kickoff were:

Bay Ridge

• Greenhouse Café

Bensonhurst

• Jamie-Lynn's Kitchen

Brooklyn Heights

• Baluchi's

Carroll Gardens

• Jolie Cantina
• Marco Polo Ristorante
• Palo Cortado

Cobble Hill

• Bocca Lupo
• Strong Place

Crown Heights

• Basil Pizza & Wine Bar

Downtown Brooklyn

• Junior's

DUMBO

• Water Street Restaurant & Lounge

Park Slope

• Benchmark
• Chip Shop
• Fort Reno
• Melt
• Okeanos
• Palo Santo

Prospect Heights

• Ortine

Williamsburg

• Cadaques
• Cantina Royal
• D.O.C. Wine Bar
• Loreley Restaurant & Biegarten
• Miranda
• PT Restaurant

For more information on Dine in Brooklyn, visit www.visitbrooklyn.org or call 718-802-3846.

 In photo (left to right): Elan Kornblum, president & publisher, Great Kosher Restaurant Magazine; Ralph Bumbaca, regional vice-president, TD Bank; Andrew Rigie, executive vice-president, New York City, at New York State Restaurant Association; Rick Russo, acting president, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Carol Engelman, vice-president, American Express; BP Markowitz