Weekend Guide: Friday Freebie

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but we've got a free dinner for three lucky readers

Weekend Guide, Schmeakend Guide. We’re bringing you a Week Guide, as in Arizona Restaurant Week. Yes, this annual foodie fest returns September 18-26 with smoking food and drink specials at more than 130 of the Valley’s finest restaurants. In short, each participating restaurant offers gourmet three-course meals at a red-hot price of $19, $29 or $39 per person.

But why pay even that discounted rate when when we’re giving away $50 gift certificates to three lucky Scoop Factory readers. (Details below.) So who’s participating this year, and what are our highlights? We’re so glad you asked. Savor top-notch chops at J&G Steakhouse (killer views), BLT Steak (best ice in town, seriously) or Remington’s (sneaky good, pictured above). Go international at Zinc Bistro (France), The Mission (Latin America) or Iruña (Spain). Or experience longtime Phx fav, Tarbell’s, just for the ‘halibut.’ However, to really get maximum bang for your buck, you might want to check out Coup Des Tartes and Atlas Bistro; two chef-driven, food-forward charmers that both happen to be BYOB.

OK, who wants to win some free food at the restaurant of your choice? Simple click over to the Arizona Restaurant Week’s Facebook page and tell us which CHEF was on “Sonoran Living” on September 1 promoting the event. Then either post the answer to our Facebook wall, or Tweet the answer to us. Good luck, and bon appetit.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com. Follow updates on Facebook: ‘Arizona Restaurant Week’ and Twitter at @azrestaurantwk and join the conversation with #ARW2010.