RESTAURANT ROUNDUP:

Lots of folks are cutting back in this economy, and one of the first things snipped right out of the budget is a night out at the restaurant. But you won’t feel so guilty if you take advantage of some of bargains.

For instance, Fleming’s Steakhouse in Newport Beach is offering a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $35.95. They’ll start you off with either Caesar salad or New England clam chowder. For the entree you can choose between cabernet braised New Zealand lamb shank, spicy-grilled shrimp or filet-mignon vigneron. Dinner comes with a side dish and dessert of cold milk and warm cookies.

Flemings is at 455 Newport Center Drive in Fashion Island, Newport Beach. To reserve a spot, call (949) 720-9633.

Price is constant; enjoy the meal

Speaking of a cheaper night out, don’t forget you can still take advantage of the prix-fixe menus as Orange County Restaurant Week was extended through Saturday. You can grab lunch from $10 to $20 and dinners from $20 to $40. The local restaurants continuing to participate include 118 Degrees in Costa Mesa (lunch only), Bayside in Newport Beach, The Clubhouse in Costa Mesa, First Cabin at the Balboa Bay Resort and Club in Newport Beach, Il Farro Cafe Trattoria in Newport Beach, Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge in Costa Mesa, Pinot Provence in Costa Mesa, Pizzeria Ortica in Costa Mesa, and Rockin’ Baja Coastal Cantina in Newport Beach.

— Paul Anderson