July 15 is always a special day for Houstonians who love a dining deal, because it’s the day when Houston Restaurant Weeks reveals the first group of participating establishments for its annual charity dining event, which takes places from August 1 through Labor Day (Monday, September 7). For those unfamiliar with the event, over 300 individual restaurant locations — ranging from Michelin-recognized establishments such as BCN, Le Jardinier, and Bludorn to 21 locations of Saltgrass Steak House — serve prix fixe menus, divided into two- or three-course lunch and brunches ($25) and three- or four-course dinner menus ($39 or $55). For each menu sold, the participating restaurants make a donation of $1, $3, or $5 to the Cleverley Stone Foundation, which makes a corresponding donation to the Houston Food Bank — more than $1.6 million in 2025. Prior to her death in 2020, HRW founder Cleverley Stone described the event as a “win-win-win.” That is, a win for the restaurants who turned the traditionally slow month of August into a busy time. A win for diners who got good deals on meals at some of the city’s top restaurants. And a win for the Houston Food Bank, which turns every dollar raised into three meals for Houstonians in need. Part of the event’s appeal is that it gives diners the ability to explore new restaurants at a fixed cost. Towards that end, CultureMap has compiled a list of several of the first-time participants to help guide people’s selections. Diners are encouraged to keep checking the HRW website, because more establishments will be added between now and August 1. Anthony’s New York Italian Russo’s New York Pizzeria chef-owner Anthony Russo showcases his love for Italian-American cuisine at this recently-opened River Oaks restaurant that’s serving both a three-course lunch and a three-course,