On Tuesday afternoon, Suffolk officials announced great news for both “foodies” and the city’s restaurants: The city’s premier culinary celebration, “Restaurant Week,” will return this year, March 21-28.

Restaurant Week is a great opportunity for Suffolk’s residents and visitors, alike, to get a taste of some great food at exceptional prices. For $20 or $30, participants can enjoy a three-course meal from a prix fixe menu. Lunch menus will be available at half the cost.

Some of the city’s finest restaurants plan to participate this year, making Restaurant Week a great chance to try out that eatery that always seemed just a bit too expensive at regular prices.

Considering the current economic climate, many folks in Suffolk are understandably wary about spending money on the seeming extravagance of dinner out. That reticence, if unchecked, eventually will have some obvious negative effects on the restaurant industry.

Clearly, Suffolk’s restaurants are unlikely to be in the next round of bailed-out industries waiting on the steps of the U.S. Capitol with hands outstretched. For them, the only way out of the recession — in the time-honored tradition of capitalism — will be to save expenses and increase revenues.

Restaurant Week is unlikely to singlehandedly save Suffolk’s eateries from the savages of the nation’s recession. But it’s a good start, and we wish participants much success — not to mention lip-smacking delight for their customers.