Pittsburgh Restaurant Week kickoff is Jan. 9 in Strip District

The fifth celebration of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week begins with a kickoff party at Bill Chisnell Productions, 1111 Penn Ave. in the Strip District, from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 9.

Before the weeklong dining deals for Pittsburgh Restaurant Week — Winter 2014 begin at more than 70 restaurants across the region, the kickoff party gives restaurants the opportunity to woo diners into their restaurants for the week. The cocktail party-style event will include festive drinks, free samplings from participating restaurants and charity raffles.

Attendees will have the opportunity to vote to award a PRABBY (Pittsburgh Restaurant Awarded Best by Yinz) in the best preview category.

Advance purchase tickets are $50 and available online at www.showclix.com/event/PRWKickoffParty/. Tickets are available at the door for $60.

Details: www.pittsburghrestaurantweek.com