PROVIDENCE RESTAURANT WEEKS: WINTER 2014

Starting today, January 5, running through Saturday, January 18, it's your civic duty to dine out.  Forget the fact that you have done nothing but eat for weeks. Get a Fitbit and walk giant loops from Blackstone Blvd to Hope to Wickenden and back again to the boulevard, or walk from the top of Wickenden to the top of Federal Hill and back (this is a fun route if you wind your way via Olga'a, shops on Westminster, over to the convention center and up Atwells Avenue - carry a backpack for purchases). Or do your atoning on a treadmill.

But stay in shape so you can enjoy good offerings guilt-free. Restaurants all over Providence (with the notable exception of the west of 95 clique), near Providence, and all the way to Matunuck are participating. The general deal: $14.95 for a three-course lunch, $29.95 for a three-course dinner. True, some restaurants offer slim pickings (menu-wise and in some cases, literally) but others are out to seduce you. And if you've ever had the urge to go to one of the famous steak houses (e.g. Capital Grille or Ruth's Chris) now's the time.

Here's one you shouldn't miss: Matunuck Oyster Bar (629 Succotash Road, Matunuck  401-783-4202 http://www.rhodyoysters.com/). Matunuck Oyster Bar is open all day, every day from 11:30 a.m. The restaurant week menu is comprehensive and the place is fun. Crowded too (that's an understatement), so choose your time.

The list of participating restaurants is good - take a look (http://www.goprovidence.com/RW/)

Osias Beert: Still Life with Oysters