It’s the (kickoff to the) most Winterlicious time of the year: 2012 prix fixe menus announced today

Get those dialing digits ready: Toronto Special Events has just announced the slate of restaurants for Winterlicious 2012. The prix fixe extravaganza has now reached its 10th year, and it’s come such a long way from the winter pick-me-up for 36 Toronto restaurants hoping to draw people out of their homes and into the cold night. This year, 175 restaurants have signed up—up from last year’s 150—and prices have stayed the same: lunch menus will go for $15, $20 or $25, and dinner menus for $25, $35 or $45 (see charts below for a breakdown). The madness kicks off on January 10, when American Express cardholders can start making their reservations. The lines open up to the plebs on January 12, and the menus themselves will be served from January 27 to February 9. Tickets for the associated culinary events—like a meal devoted to sustainable fish or a beer-pairing primer—go on sale tomorrow. Check out the city’s website for the full roster of participating restaurants and stay tuned for our comprehensive guide early in the new year. In the meantime, here’s a pair of pie charts with breakdowns of how many restaurants are participating at the various price points at lunch and dinner (yes, they’re very similar):