NEW HAVEN--Ready to get your grub on? Because it's time for New Haven's Restaurant Week!
Having a popular name doesn't necessarily guarantee success. At Mario Batali's new restaurant, Tarry Lodge, chef Andrew Marsilio whipped up pizzas in the oven, while general manager Steve Bayusik spoke about the competitive nature of the business said the restaurant has to work to impress the neighborhood: "Their standards are quite high, and we welcome them with open arms.
In all, 31 restaurants will participate in the discounted fare--all restaurants will serve a prix fixe menu that costs $18 for lunch and $32 for dinner. There are also parking deals for $4.
Many restaurants, including Tarry Lodge, are hoping the lower prices will introduce new patrons to the food. "We'd like to get some new faces in, see the space, and come in for some pasta, or a wood fired pizza," Bayusik said. "It gives people a chance for people to come out, see what we're about."
Another new restaurant, Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant, has only been open for four months, and the Sigunza family is hoping to get some loyal customers. "I want them back. I want them back for 30 years," Klemer Sigunza said.
This is the 16th restaurant week held in New Haven since 2008, and it's run by Market New Haven as a way to draw attention to the restaurant scene.
"It works because the restaurants are award-winning and they're all within walking distance downtown -- and they're close to theaters, wonderful shopping and of course museums," said Anne Worcester, of Market New Haven.
Klemer Sigunza from Harvest agrees with Worcester's sentiment. The restuarant is expanding into the Yale Rep Theater next door, and the family is hoping people come for the show and stay for the food.
For more information, visit InfoNewHaven.com/RestaurantWeek. Here's the full list of restaurants participating in the event:
116 Crown
Adriana's Restaurant and Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant
Basta Trattoria
Bentara Restaurant
Briq
Caffe Bravo
Caseus Fromagerie Bistro
Cask Republic
Christopher Martins Restaurant
Fornarelli's Ristorante
Goodfellas Restaurant
Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant
Heirloom
John Davenport's Restaurant
L'Orcio
Miya's Sushi
Oaxaca Kitchen
Olea
Pacifico
ROIA
Soul De Cuba
Stone Hearth
Tarry Lodge
Taste of China
Temple Grill
Thali
Tre Scalini Ristorante
Union League Cafe
Zafra Cuban Restaurant & Rum Bar
Zaroka Bar & Restaurant
ZINC