When everyone heads to the beaches, their homes away from home when Congress is away, thats when the native's and those who can't afford a week on the beach come out to play.

Humidity aside, August is one of my favorite times of year - bosses let you leave early, happy hours are aplenty, and then there's Restaurant week.

This August, Restaurant week falls August 24th through 30th where at a number of restaurants you can get lunch for $20.09 or dinner for $35.09. Meals come with three courses, and do not cover drinks.This year, since I recently had a chance to visit the prestigious Charlie Palmer Steak House for lunch (on the house with the new job!), I'm planning on catching dinner there with Fiance. I've tried out Teatro Goldoni on K Street, Tuscana West where I went last Restaurant Week with my fellow DC Guide Elizabeth, and my book club tried out Zaytina in Penn Quarter for lunch last summer - two of my gal pals raved of the Blueberry martini. Definitely a place worth checking out.

Directly preceding Restaurant Week though? In it's inaugural year.... Beer week. I don't know what Beer Week is per se, but I am certainly curious to find out. Not to mention, check it out with the full list of participants here. I'm curious to try out some of the places on H Street NE, a new up and coming neighborhood (in case you weren't aware) including the recent addition H Street Country Club. I've heard rave reviews of Sticky Rice and Granville Moore's (with former Next Food Network Star contestant Teddy Folkman as it's chef it's gotta be delish!) and Pizzeria Paradiso (in Dupont and Georgetown) is always a great place to check out.

Some of the events during beer week are a little pricey (I probably won't be spending $75 for a five course meal from Granville Moores - however I'm sure it'll be incredible!) but the free ones (Friday night at RFD? Yes please! I'll be there!!) I bet are definitely worth it! Needless to say the next two weeks will be filled with good booze, and even better food.

Where are you hitting up for Beer Week and/or Restaurant Week? Any favorite spots??