The third Dine Around The Comox Valley kicks off Friday (Feb. 17) and runs until March 18.

"It's been well received in the past couple of years," said steering committee member Ronald St. Pierre, owner/chef at Locals Food from the Heart of the Island in Courtenay. "It's given an opportunity for the guests to try restaurants that maybe they have not yet discovered. Most participating restaurants are offering really good fare for a very affordable price. For the people of the Comox Valley it's a great opportunity to go out and enjoy themselves."

The Dine Around format offers three price points on a three-course meal. Locals, for example, is offering a choice of three appetizers, three entrees and two desserts at a set price of $35. Other establishments are serving up three-course meals for $25 or $15.

"It's definitely picking up popularity," St. Pierre said. "It's all better for the people of the Comox Valley."

All the menus feature local producers.

This year, the promotion will last four weeks instead of three, enabling guests enough time to try two or three different establishments.

The event features a greater number of restaurants than last year. Along with Locals, they include Martine's Bistro, Atlas Cafe, Avenue Bistro, the Waverley Pub, Silverado West Coast Grill, Delicado's, Old House Restaurant, Blackfin Pub, Plates Eatery & Catering, Bisque, Thai Village Restaurant, Tita's Mexican Restaurant, Crystal's Place, Carmie's Cafe, Chalk Lounge/River City Cafe at the Westerly Hotel, Mad Chef Cafe, Fluid Bar & Grill, Union Street Grill, Ricky's All Day Grill, Common Ground Cafe and Monte Christo on the River.

The Old House Village Hotel & Spa, Travelodge Courtenay, Best Western Hotel and the Anco Motel are also participating this year, adding a 'Dine Around and Stay in Town' component.

The 2012 Dine Around steering committee has been working in partnership with Comox Valley Economic Development to oversee the event. The Comox Valley Record is the media sponsor.