As we start the New Year, reflecting on the past 12 months and thinking about the next 12, most of us have that familiar feeling. We enjoyed the holidays — eating, drinking and being merry with family, friends and colleagues. Sure, it was fun — why shouldn’t it be? It is the holiday season, after all. But inevitability we feel a sense of guilt about our gluttony; and as the calendar turns, we vow to cut back on our embellishments and resolve to start the year eating better, drinking less and losing a few of those added pounds.

I have a different perspective. If one starts with the premise that all things are best enjoyed in moderation, then that should apply to the holidays as well as the New Year. In other words, just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean you need to cut back. Continue to enjoy your favorite meals, desserts and beverages!

I make this recommendation because we are approaching one of the more enjoyable times of the year: Restaurant Week. Here in Philadelphia, over 120 restaurants offer some of their best entrées at a prix-fixe price, significantly lower than their normal price. It is a fantastic way to sample the restaurant’s cuisine and not dig deep into the pocket. One of my favorites here in Philadelphia is Bistro La Minette.

It is a cozy French bistro that offers classic French cuisine in a relaxed, informal setting. Some of my favorite dishes are, for starters, the delicious Escargots à la Bourguignonne – nine Burgundy snails, garlic herb butter, croutons — or the Oeuf du Pecheur — Fisherman’s-style poached egg, toast, mussels and tarragon cream. For the main course I’ve enjoyed all of their dishes, but two of my favorites are the Lapin Roti à la Moutarde — mustard-braised rabbit, house-made taglietelle, rabbit jus — and the Truite Meuniere — Miller-style trout, haricots verts, fingerling potatoes, toasted almonds, lemon brown butter. Naturally, all the desserts are heavenly. While nothing can compare to being in France, Bistro La Minette reminds you of your last time in Paris, enjoying authentic and delicious fare and wine. It’s definitely worth checking out during Restaurant Week.

As you may know, Restaurant Week is not just happening here in Philadelphia. It is also taking place in the coming weeks in major cities throughout the U.S. – New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and many more. Other locations such as Miami take place in the summer. Again, it is a great opportunity to sample some of the best cuisine and wine in your city’s restaurants at a fraction of the normal price. Check your local listings and be sure to book it through Open Table to earn additional points.

So as we start the New Year, here is a different type of resolution: Don’t cut back. Take the opposite approach and enjoy yourself with delicious meals, fine drinks and good company. I guarantee you will start the year off with a smile.

— Steven Bright, account executive