Is it that time of year again? Time to forge through your restaurant rut and try something new? Orange County Restaurant Week is back, so give your taste buds a jolt and journey off the beaten menu to find some new favorites. This year’s event will be held February 27 through March 5, but this weekend you can start early by heading to the District, which will host OC Restaurant Week’s kick-off. Consider it an amuse bouche to the rest of the week.

During the celebration (which starts at 4:00 p.m.), the District Promenade, which spans the area between AMC Tustin 14 and Borders Books & Music, will come to life with live music on two stages, appetizer sampling from various District restaurants and complimentary cocktails. And to get in the real party mood, participating restaurants at the District at Tustin Legacy will be serving up their Restaurant Week menus a day early. Bands set to take the stage that night include Big Bad Wolf, Corey Adams Rabble Family, Paul Layton and more. Restaurants at the District include the Winery, Bluewater Grill, RA Sushi and more.

They say early birds get perks, so reserve your spot today and enjoy restaurant week before anyone else.

RSVPs are required for this event. To reserve your invitation, visit orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/Launch_RSVP.html.

The District at Tustin Legacy is located at the northwest corner of Jamboree Rd. and Barranca Pkwy., in Tustin. For more information, visit their official web site at www.thedistricttl.com.

For a complete list of participants, menus, pricing and reservations, for Orange County Restaurant week, visit www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/Participating_Restaurant.html.

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