Atlanta Downtown Restaurant Week- July 24-30

The annual Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week is slated for July 24-30, where diners can enjoy a three-course dinner for $26. For more info on the event and a list of participating restaurants, go to http://www.atlantadowntown.com/HavingFun_RestaurantWeek.asp.

Being a downtown workerbee, I definitely want to take advantage of this event. But, as nothing is jumping out at me as to where to go, I could use a little help. There is a part of me that wants to experience B.E.D., given the theme and all. But is that really where an out-of-shape, married 38-year-old really needs to be? Besides, I heard the food was iffy. I am also disheartened that most places fall into one of the following three categories: A) a chain I have eaten at way too often (McCormick's & Schmicks), B) overpriced hotel restaurants (too many to mention), or C) are places I would never spend $26 in to being with (Mick's). Please tell me there is a gem in this list that I am glossing over.

Why can't there be Buckhead Restaurant Week with Nava, Chops, Pricci, NY Prime, Blue Pointe and Hal's. How about Midtown Restaurant Week with Oceanaire, the Globe, One Midtown Kitchen, Mid City Cuisine and Table 1280? Or "Not Quite Midtown" Restaurant Week with Bacchanalia, Two Urban Licks, Rathbun's, and MF Sushi. Someone really needs to get on that one.