Restaurant week is an opportunity to sample new cuisines, broaden culinary palates or simply get into higher end restaurants without breaking the bank.
I visited Aureole in midtown Manhattan for a weekday lunch.  The restaurant wasn’t too crowded but it’s always good to make reservations in advance.  A new element to restaurant week is the ability to have a meal with or without dessert (difference in price is $26 vs. $32 for lunch.)
Aureole offers 3 appetizers, 3 entrees and 2 desserts for patrons to choose from for lunch.  The salmon tartare was delicious and perfect for a hot summer day.  The striped bass as a main was perfectly cooked.  The corn and farro side was a nice accompaniment but the pickled peaches are what made this dish the winner for me.  The sweetness and slight acidity of the brined peach was well balanced and it paired well with pan fried bass.

Aureole is close to Times Square and a good option before or after a Broadway show.  Additionally, the restaurant is just down the street from Bryant Park so if you go for dinner you can then head over to the park after for a free outdoor movie showing during the summer months.