Shake off the cold during Restaurant Week
Winter in New England can be tough. Frigid temperatures, brutal snow storms, biting winds and shorter days leads many folks to hunker down and spend most of the season in the comfort of their homes. Every once in a while something comes along that helps pull people out of the funk of winter and brings them out and about again. One of those events, at least for me, is Maine Restaurant Week. This year Restaurant Week has expanded and will run from March 1st to March 10th, increasing the great opportunity to get some terrific bargains at some of the finest restaurants on Maine.
As some of you are sure to know, Restaurant Week started in 2009 as way for local business, from suppliers to purveyors, to get a much needed economic boost during the difficult winter season. This year there are 86 restaurants participating in Restaurant Week! During the week participating restaurants will feature set 3 course prix fixe (fixed price) menus, either $22, $32 or $42 depending on the restaurant. Most include a couple of appetizer choices, two or three entrée choices and desert, though some provide more options, all for the price that would usually only buy an entrée. This is a great way to eat at some of the higher end restaurants without breaking the bank!
The week begins and ends with a special event designed to provide a platform for local chefs to display their amazing wares. This years opening event is The Incredible Breakfast Cook-Off, where The Good Table will be defending its crown against all comers with its “Crème Brulee French Toast”. The week is capped off by the Maine Restaurant Week Signature Event, where local mixologists and pastry chefs with provide over two dozen samples of great original cocktails and deserts.
Even though it’s cold outside, there are still exciting places and tastes out there for everyone. Maine Restaurant Week is one of my favorite ways to break the winter doldrums and warm up for the spring that surely comes. Make it one of yours!