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The roots of our Yankee frugality would appear to run deep, because we just love a bargain here in Massachusetts. If you don't believe me, try getting between a determined bride-to-be and her significantly marked down wedding gown during a Filene's Basement "Running of the Brides" sale. That's why Restaurant Week Boston (which is actually two weeks and will run August 5 to 10 and 12 to 17) is such a big hit. Food lovers (and who isn't?) get to sample delectable three-course meals at tony restaurants in and around the city for the bargain-basement, fixed price of $20.07 for lunch or $33.07 for dinner. All of the meals include three courses: an appetizer, entree, and dessert. The fixed prices do not include beverage, tax, or gratuity. You frugal types had better watch it on the drinks. A three-martini lunch at an upscale restaurant could quickly pad a $20.07 bill.

Since the price is the same, regardless of the restaurant, it got me thinking: Which eateries are offering the best deals? That is, which participating restaurants have the highest regular menu prices and are therefore offering the biggest discounts with their Restaurant Week offerings? There's nothing particularly scientific about my research. I didn't enter all of the restaurants' prices into a database and sort them; nor do I know whether the restaurants will be changing portion sizes or making other accommodations for the promotion. But I do know that the following three restaurants are among the area's priciest, and diners will be able to take comfort in knowing they got a great Restaurant Week deal.

• Bouchee
  159 Newbury Street, Boston
  (617) 450-4343
  Lunch only for Restaurant Week specials

  How expensive is this French restaurant? It offers something called a Bouchee Burger (hmm, that doesn't sound particularly French, although it does include pommes frites) for the ooh-la-la price of $24. The Restaurant Week main course choices include Steak au Poivre Flatbread with Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes and Seared Salmon with Summer Salad and Warm Bacon Vinaigrette. The regular price for the Sorbet Tasting, one of the dessert choices, is $7 alone.

• Bonfire
  50 Park Plaza (at Boston Park Plaza), Boston
  (617) 262-3474
  Dinner only for Restaurant Week specials

  A porterhouse steak at this Theater District chophouse will run you a cool $44--and that doesn't include any side dishes. For Restaurant Week, Bonfire will be offering Flatiron Steak, Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, or Sockeye Salmon main dishes. To cap it off, diners can choose a Chocolate Torte or Strawberry Shortcake.

• Oak Room
  138 St. James Avenue (at Fairmont Copley Plaza), Boston
  (617) 267-5300
  Lunch only for Restaurant Week specials

  The salads alone cost around $11 at the Oak Room, but you could get a tomato basil salad for an appetizer as part of your $20.07 three-course gorge-a-thon. The Back Bay restaurant, which is known for its steaks, will be serving Grilled Kobe Skirt Steak among its Restaurant Week entrees and Buttermilk Panna Cotta For dessert.

Restaurant Week Boston
August 5 to 10 and 12 to 17
Make reservations early as the popular restaurants fill up quickly. Bon appetit!

Photo: Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau