We’re already in the midst of Maine Restaurant Week, but the cities of Biddeford and Saco also hold their own celebration, which seems apt, given how much the two area have come into their own, culinarily speaking, in recent years.

This year’s annual Biddeford-Saco Restaurant Week runs from March 16 to 23 and offers deals on dining — such as prix-fixe menus and gift card promotions — as well as special events. The kick-off event, the Community Soup-er, is scheduled for the evening of March 16 at the First Parish Congregational Church in Saco with a menu of soups, breads and desserts donated by area restaurants. Eventgoers will also have the opportunity to buy handmade bowls and to listen to live music. The money raised will benefit the Biddeford and Saco food pantries.

The week’s events also include a live cooking competition on March 19 at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology’s Culinary Program kitchen. Teams, timed rounds, mystery baskets, judges, etc. — if you’ve watched any food TV you know the drill, and the building tension and excitement.

Restaurant Week is organized by the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main Street. For details and a list of participating restaurants, go to heartofbiddeford.org/eatbiddefordsaco.