Ah, summer is in the air. Oppressive humidity, swarming tourists and the O’s. Need a culinary escape? Follow your taste buds to foodie bliss. That’s right, it’s time once again for Baltimore Restaurant Week. Enjoy a 3-course dinner for $30.08 from a staggering list of more than 100 restaurants.

Having trouble deciding? We’re here to help! Last time, our strategy was to hit the places with the most high-end menu items. Our results were lukewarm at best. This year, we’re aiming to try some expensive places we’ve never been (able to afford). Here are our summer picks:

• Abacrombie - Reopened late last year with new chef. Menu standouts: house mac & cheese, pork confit with peach butter and tasty desserts.
• Bicycle - One of our best restaurant week experiences last time. The menu doesn’t appear until the last minute, but it won’t disappoint.
• Tabrizi’s - Fairly new waterfront Mediterranean dining next to the Ritz. Menu standouts: grilled house-made lamb grape leaves, sauteed baby octopus and calamari, and lamb kabobs with veal reduction.
• Louisiana - One of those places we always want to try, but could never justify the French sticker shock. Menu standouts: Louisiana shrimp and seafood gumbo, grilled lamb chops and bread pudding.
• Fin Steak & Seafood - New upscale spot in the lower level of the Admiral Fell Inn. Menu standouts: little neck clams and summer seafood linguine.

Our honorable mentions are Cinghiale (finally!), Corks and b Bistro. Unfortunately, some favorites are still absent from the list (we’re looking at you Woodberry Kitchen, Salt and Charleston). But don’t worry, there should be plenty of gastronomic delight awaiting you this go round. If only we could figure out why Ding How keeps coming back for more or the reason for that extra 8 cents ($30.08 price tag).

Where are you heading for restaurant week? Tell us in the comments!