DineLA, Eat Well week offer great limited-time restaurant deals in January

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) -- As the new year unfolds, many try to count steps and calories and watch their dollars. Yet January offers a few ways to celebrate food that might get folks out of the kitchen.

"I want people to experience Melisse as it is," said Josiah Citrin, chef and owner of Melisse.

Citrin's Melisse is one of 12 restaurants in an exclusive series for this year's DineLA. His caramelized cod with chestnut emulsion is part of a five course meal at a reduced price.

"It actually ends up being a 45 percent discount," explained Citrin.

In all, 300 restaurants will serve special lunches and dinners for DineLA restaurant week.

And this year, charitable donations will be made.

"You go to Open Table through DineLA and make a reservation. If you show up to the restaurant, they are going to donate to the Midnight Mission for you having done that," said Larry Adamson, CEO of The Midnight Mission.

Adamson said a dollar might not sound like much, but it adds up.

"That provides a very balanced meal for all of those who are suffering here in our community," said Adamson.

Eat Well week is Santa Monica's slogan to get diners to the table. 2016 is the year of the artichoke with 15 Santa Monica restaurants featuring their favorite artichoke recipes.

"We make ceviche, but instead of fish we use artichokes," said chef and owner of eLOVate, Roberto Martin.

While ELOVate goes vegan with artichoke ceviche, Rawvolution on Main Street goes an elaborate artichoke and sweet potato puff with cranberry chutney.

Greece comes to the west side with Inotheke's Greek lamb and artichoke stew, while Locanda Del Lago dishes a bit of Italy with artichoke burrata risotto.

Melisse's Ken Takayama pours a beautiful artichoke soup, and if you want fries with that, Chef Makani from Pono Burger provides an Hawaiian Alikoka dip free when you order her spuds.

Eat Well week is going on now until the 17th, DineLa runs the 18th to the end of the month.