Devour Indy's Winterfest and what you need to know

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IndyStar food writer Liz Biro and ramen fans demonstrate you how to properly eat ramen at Ramen Ray on Indianapolis' northeast side. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

January is a time for resolutions and trying to start that healthy food and exercise regimen ... again ... for the 10th year in a row.

Perhaps those goals aren't quite falling in to place and you need two more weeks to fully prepare yourself for that journey to become the new you.

Or, maybe, you just like food. 

In either case, Devour Indy Winterfest has you covered. The food party to end all food parties starts Monday, Jan. 22.

What's that? You like parties and you like food, but your workout buddy is telling you, "No!"

Maybe you can convince them that everything will be OK because some Devour Indy restaurants not only offer lunch and dinner menus, but have gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, too.

Here's what else you need to know about Devour Indy:

1. Eating is my jam. What's the deal?

Devour Indy is a two-week, city-wide restaurant deal program with more than 200 participating restaurants. Restaurants offer three-course, value-priced meals for lunch and dinner. Pricing falls around $35 for one or two people at most establishments, but prices may vary.

2. When is Devour Indy?

The winter edition runs from Monday, Jan. 22 to Feb. 4. The summer version dates are to be determined.

3. Do I need a coupon or a ticket to score these deals?

Nope. Simply select one of Devour Indy's participating restaurants and ask for the Devour menu.

4. OK, but are these restaurants only Downtown?

No way. Devour Indy branched out the program to include restaurants all over the city and surrounding areas. Restaurants are grouped into Downtown, Midtown, Eastside, Westside, Northside and Southside.

5. How do I know if a restaurant is participating? 

The folks at Devour Indy are pretty amped about this whole discounted eating thing. So they spent all of their free time putting together a list of restaurants on the their website. Restaurants are even grouped by location for convenience at www.devourindy.com/restaurants/.

6. How do I know what I'm getting? 

Menus are available for most restaurants. Begin you search at www.devourindy.com/restaurants/.

7. Wouldn't it be cool if Devour Indy partnered with people so we could get other discounts?

Sure would! On the Devour Indy website, there's a slew of extra discounts including things to do, places to see and brewski's to drink. See the full list here.

And just in case all the excitement combined with your full belly and that last beer too many has you groggy, several Downtown hotels are offering discounts, as well. Find a room here.

8. Thanks for having my back. Anything else I should know?

Glad you asked. One of the most important Devour Indy tips is to make a reservation . Popular restaurants can fill up fast, and you don't want to be roaming the streets with an empty gut and nothing to stuff your pie hole.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention to check out the lunch deals. Sometimes, they are the hidden gem of Devour Indy with the best bang for your buck.

Also, try not to use this as an excuse to go to the same restaurant you've gone to for 20 years. Let you hair down, be wild and go nuts. Visit the restaurant next door or find one in a neighborhood you've never visited. It's time to try the stuffs and the things.

Lastly, make sure you know your dining buddy. We wouldn't want things to take an ugly turn.

Chris Sims is a digital producer at IndyStar. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.