Mmm…contest. (Via Shutterstock)

It’s that biannual time again when all of your favorite restaurants are overflowing with so many patrons, it’ll be tough to get a table on Tuesday. The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s winter Restaurant Week begins today, with some 240 establishments serving up prix-fixe lunches and dinners as they seek to clear out all those root vegetables and excess meats that have been taking up space in the refrigeration units.

This year, the participating restaurants, the full list of which can be found on RAMW’s website, are charging $20.13 for lunch and $35.15 for dinner. Not surprisingly, reservations are recommended.

Also, there’s something of a contest sponsored by one of Restaurant Week’s sponsors—the Australian meat and game industry. Meat and Livestock Australia is encouraging participating restaurants to serve dishes featuring lamb raised on the distant continent and asking diners to vote for the best resulting meal.

The winning restaurant will get a free trip to the Outback, as well as the opportunity to cook a free meal for one lucky voting diner and nine companions. So far, the restaurants competing in the lamb-off include 1905, American Tap Room, Bandolero, Belga Café, Café du Parc, Lincoln, Perry’s Restaurant, and Willow Restaurant.