This year, when everything else ran late, the summer specials started early. A good number of them premiered on the first of June, which has been a pretty good month in recent years for restaurateurs. But a slowdown is inevitable in July, as the convention business dwindles. Even lovers of New Orleans go elsewhere to avoid the heat.

Restaurateurs know all this is coming, as it always has. And they bring out their tried-and-true strategy: special summer menus at very attractive prices. They make summer the best time for local diners, not only because the check is lower but because the chefs and waiters are happier to see them than usual. It's the time to befriend the restaurants that are hard to penetrate during the high times.

Here are the best of the current summer specials. Come back often; we add one or more every day as they emerge. Today's featured restaurant is followed by a clickable index of all the others posted here so far. Restaurateurs are invited to send details of their specials to us: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .