NEW HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven has always been known for its food scene, so even amid a pandemic, New Haven Restaurant Week had to go on.
“We want to provide the opportunity for normalcy. Restaurant Week is tried and true. It’s twelve years running, and it’s an opportunity for folks to come out and support small businesses,” said Bruno Baggetta, Acting Director of Market New Haven Inc.
It runs through September 26 with at least 25 New Haven restaurants participating in lunch and dinner specials: $19 for a two-course lunch, $36 for a three-course dinner. Beverages, tax and gratuity aren’t included. Reservations are required due to limited seating at the participating restaurants. This year, there’s an extra option for diners.
“This year we are adding a to-go option for Restaurant Week, so that folks who want to experience Restaurant Week and may not be comfortable going out, they have the option to get their favorite food to go and enjoy it at home,” said Baggetta.
That $60 to-go option feeds a family of four and orders should be placed 24 hours in advance.
“Our restaurants are the backbone of our economy here in New Haven and throughout the state. Even just going out and just having a lunch will help our folks stay open and stay in business that much longer,” said Baggetta.
He’s talking about businesses like Elm City Social in New Haven where Executive Chef and Owner John Brennan says he’s taken all the steps needed to reopen safely.
“We have all different types of procedures that we set up since we reopened after COVID started. We added regular deep cleaning services at night time so things get sanitized and cleaned at night,” said John Brennan, Executive Chef and Owner of Elm City Social and Olives and Oil.
He’s following state guidelines and minimizing contact with some help from the City of New Haven.
“On College Street, for my restaurant Elm City Social, the City helped us out and shut down half of the street there, so we have some really awesome outdoor dining,” said Brennan.
He says there are a lot of great people behind each restaurant in New Haven and they can all use your support right now.
“We’re being safe, so come out and join us for some delicious food or take it home and enjoy it with your friends or family at home,” he said.
For more information on New Haven Restaurant Week, visit https://www.infonewhaven.com/things-to-do/nhrw-remixed/