10 reasons to love Summer Restaurant Week
With just a few more days to soak up all the deals and flavors that the Summer 2020 Miami Valley Restaurant Association (MVRA) promotion has to offer, it’s time to make plans now or wait until the specials return this winter.
Here’s are 10 reasons to get involved and eat local during Restaurant Week:
1) Restaurants need your support
Now more than ever with revenues down and restaurants looking at potentially closing or struggling to survive, it’s time to show your support.
2) The creativity
Jay’s Seafood, for example, is doing the choice of Bay of Fundy salmon prepared three ways.
Salmon en Croûte — Bay of Fundy salmon and mushrooms wrapped in puff pastry and served with lobster sauce and your choice of vegetable or potato
Spiced Bourbon Salmon — Bay of Fundy salmon with bourbon sauce over horseradish mashed potatoes and sweet potato puree
Cedar Plank Salmon — Bay of Fundy salmon, marinated in soy, lime and spices roasted on a cedar plank and served with your choice of vegetable or potato
3) The options
With multiple options to choose from in the included three courses, there’s plenty to tempt your tastebuds.
4) The veggies
Several restaurants like Christopher’s have made sure to highlight options for strict vegetarians. At Christopher’s, there’s a vegan option Gardein chicken and black bean egg rolls with watermelon salsa and zesty ranch for a starter. For the main course, there is a herb and garlic roasted portobello cap and half tomato, stacked and drizzled with chimichurri served over wild rice and a mesquite roasted vegetable medley. Dessert is the choice of a vegan peanut butter pie, carrot cake or cobbler.
5) The meats
If you are looking for a meatsweat situation, there are plenty of beefy options on the list to entice you. The large Chop House prime rib for example is just $20.20 served with hot au jus, paired with a baked potato or a jumbo sweet potato. Their Restaurant Week entrees are served with a choice of salad or soup, and a piece of cheesecake for dessert. It’s a great deal for 20 bucks.
6) The savings
Three courses for $20.20$30.20? Depending on the restaurant and what they are offering, there are some really good deals to discover.
7) The flavors
If you are looking to put those tastebuds to work, menus like El Meson’s are where it’s at.
First course, choose from Gazpacho, a traditional Spanish (chilled) soup with a tomato and cucumber topped with green peppers and toasted house-made croutons or ensalada de casa house salad with a tropical mango vinaigrette.
Second course, choose from the following:
Cuban Garlic Pork $25.20: Pork tenderloin marinated in sour orange, garlic, onion Mojo, cumin and oregano. Served over sweet potato waffle fries with an Asian sweet and sour slaw on the side.
Curried Coconut Chicken $25.20: Boneless chicken sautéed with red and green peppers, onions, coconut milk, curry, and cilantro. Served over sweet potato waffle fries with an Asian sweet & sour slaw on the side.
Vegetarian Meatballs $20.20: Spicy BBQ sauce with peppers on garlic rice and sesame seeds. Served with sweet potato waffle fries and an Asian sweet and sour slaw on the side.
Santa Fe Chicken Salad $20.20: Blackened chicken breast, assorted greens, corn, avocado, black beans, cojita cheese, corn chips, and peanut lime vinaigrette.
Third Course: Guava Lemon Cake or vanilla ice cream with caramel and blackberries
8) The drink specials
Most restaurants have a drink special on the menu to add to your order. The Florentine is doing a peach cocktail made with vodka and bourbon for example.
9) The desserts
Cakes, brulees, pies, ice cream, mousse, cake ... almost every option comes with some sugar.
10) It’s something different
And in these times, aren’t we all looking for something a little bit different? Consider visiting a spot like the Buckhorn Tavern.
Entrée options include:
Mighty Filet ($30.20): 6-ounce Black Angus Filet Mignon rubbed with chefs spices, sautéed mushrooms and onions in brown sugar Balsalmic glaze, prepared to desired temperature.
Crab Stuffed Salmon ($22.20): Baked Salmon Filet with Crabmeat, creamy Spinach, Roasted
Red Peppers, Mozzarella Cheese, seasoned bread crumbs on a dollop of mashers.
Prime Rib Encrusted ($25.20): Slow-cooked Prime Rib 12 ounces with savory Horseradish sauce, with Parmesan Cheese toasted Panko Crumbs
BBQ Ribs and Breaded Shrimp($20.20): Quarter Slab Buckhorn BBQ Ribs and Breaded Shrimp
Salads, Starters to Sweet Endings: Choose Two
Summer Crunch Salad – Baby Spinach, Mandarin Oranges, crisp Apples, dried sweet Cherries, simple pasta, Pecans all tossed with Poppyseed Vinaigrette
Bexley Salad – Romaine and Mixed Greens with smoky crispy Bacon, slivers of red Onions and Bleu Cheese Crumbles, tossed in light Garlic Vinaigrette, garnish with diced tomatoes
Cracked Out Corn Dip – Whole kernel corn, bacon, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeno, sour cream, served with chips for dipping
Baby Baked Potatoes and Beer Cheese – Seasoned baked Potatoes and a side of Beer Cheese Dip
Fried Green Tomatoes – Personal size 3 hand-breaded Green Tomatoes with Bistro Sauce
Glass of Red Wine or White Wine – Daily Choices of Wineries and Grapes
Sweet Ending Desserts