It may only be the middle of March, but the wheels behind Vallarta Lifestyles' Restaurant Week have been turning for several weeks. Now in its seventh annual edition, Restaurant Week has become a staple dining event during the month of May (May 15 - 31) with many of Puerto Vallarta's finest restaurants offering spectacular three-course menus (with three options each) discounted by up to 50%. Restaurants participate at two fixed prices, $189 or $299 pesos (no beverages or tips included.

While final participants are still enlisting, here are a few things you can expect this year:

More restaurants than last year.

Despite the challenging economic times and the adverse safety issues that have placed Mexico in the limelight in recent months, an increased number of restaurants are participating this year, thus welcoming locals and visitors to explore eateries they may not have experienced before, or return to a few favorite ones, at lower prices than usual.

More restaurants at the lower fixed price.

Almost 50% of participating restaurants will do so at the lower fixed price, an increase when compared to previous years, allowing even more people to enjoy the annual event.

More new restaurants than ever before.

While many established restaurants are participating once again in this year's Restaurant Week, we were pleasantly surprised at the number of new restaurants that are placing their trust in the event, and offering foodies even more interesting choices to consider.

The final list of Restaurant Week participants and their prices will be announced in next week's newsletter. Final menus will be made available to the public by mid April. For more information, please visit our website, or email restaurantweek@mexmags.com