By Vanessa Toye

Now that New Years resolutions to lose those extra holiday pounds are firmly in place, the perfect excuse to break them and indulge is just around the corner — Winterlicious.
Beginning January 28 and running until February 8, the fourth annual Winterlicious provides the opportunity to have a tantalizing 3-course meal at some of Toronto’s top restaurants at an affordable price point. With 130 participating restaurants offering prix fixe menus at $15 or $20 for lunch and $25 or $35 for dinner, there is no shortage of options around the city. Well, except maybe for vegans. Reinforcing its trendy status, short ribs feature on many of the upscale menus but simple pastas tend to dominate the vegetarian offerings.
A few of the popular restaurants (read: get comfortable with the re-dial button) taking part again include: Canoe, Centro and Jump. Snagging a table can a bit difficult, but a booked restaurant will often have cancellations. Try calling on the day that you’re looking to land a seat and you may just find yourself dining there by the evening.
Restaurants will begin taking reservations on January 11, but American Express Cardmembers can use Front of the Line to acess the early reservation period starting today, January 9, until the January 10.
If feeding just your palate isn’t enough, check out the series of culinary events involving fashion, jazz, food education, and a bit of gambling to satiate your other vices. Tickets are on sale now and must be obtained by contacting the associated establishment directly.
More tips for a great Winter meal:

• Reputation. A competent chef and fantastic service will make a big difference, do a little research. At their hands the most basic ingredients will transform into tasty morsels and make your meal memorable. All ‘licious events are notoriously known to have a few restaurants willing to nickle and dime you as they push you out the door for the next seating. Tip appropriately! Good service deserves it, so does bad.
• Menu. Sure, the restaurant is important in itself but you have to like the menu before you sit down. Find dishes you’ll likely enjoy and you won’t wonder what went wrong with the food.
• Timing. Lunch will often get you the same meal for a lower price and they’re easier to book!
• Seating. Most restaurants will have an early and late seating time to accommodate all the reservations. Opt for the later seating for unlimited time and a relaxed meal on your part and your servers.
• Indulge. Do you really want to know what the restaurant is like on a normal night? Order an extra appetizer from the regular menu and share with your friends or drop on by and sit at the bar during the rest of the year for a nibble and a drink.