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Diners Flock to Restaurant Week Deals
February 18, 2009
FOX 5 News
Diners Flock to
Restaurant Week Deals
By: Roby Chavez
WASHINGTON - Restaurant Week in DC started Monday and will continue until February 22nd.
Nearly 200 restaurants are participating and chefs are hoping to get local residents to the table for the right price of $35.09 for a three-course meal. Lunch prices are $20.09 for the same.
Restaurant Week is a chance to win back customers taken out by the economy.
Gus Dimillo of Acadiana in Northwest says, "It's a real marketing tool to reach out to our client bases that actually live here." Customers like it and it makes a normally slow Monday look like happy days are here again."
Customer Doug Everett said, "Every one we've seen, it was pretty well full. It does not look like they are having that problem here in Washington. "
At The Heights in Columbia Heights, it's all about the experience. The chef has changed the menu without upping the price. Chef Billy McCormick said, "This week, we're taking lobster and mixing it with crabmeat and other ingredients and provide high end product at a reduced cost."
Demetrias Hale came in for happy hour and got a three-course meal. In a tight economy, she is dining on a deal. Hale said, "[I'm] definitely eating out less. Actually, I came in here during happy hour. It has reduced price on the menu which is great, because you get full meal and a discounted price."
McCormick said, "You have to keep changing things up. Bring in specials and more ideas. With the economy maybe produce dishes that cost a little bit less."
Restauranteurs say whether it's a neighborhood restaurant or five star elegant dining, customers all want the same thing. Dimillo has several restaurants and says customers really want to go out but they are looking for value.
A good barometer on the economy is how many people are eating out. Many chefs say if your serve up good food at the right price and make it a good experience, it should be enough to overcome the economic downturn.
Dimillo said, "Restaurant week is a great opportunity to experience Washington, DC's best restaurants at affordable prices.
Cuisines include contemporary American, Mexican, French, Mediterranean, Italian, Southern, Seafood, Spanish, California, Pan-Asian and more. Diners can choose from newly-opened hotspots like Adour at the St. Regis or Art and Soul at the Liaison Capitol Hill, plus traditional favorites such as 1789, Bombay Club and Sushi-Ko. Other participants include Rammy-award winners Equinox, voted fine dining restaurant of the year; the Oceanaire Seafood Room, voted power spot of the year; Poste, voted upscale casual restaurant of the year; and The Monocle, named the voters' favorite.
Washington, DC Restaurant week is produced biannually by the Destination DC and the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.
Diners Flock to
Restaurant Week Deals
By: Roby Chavez
WASHINGTON - Restaurant Week in DC started Monday and will continue until February 22nd.
Nearly 200 restaurants are participating and chefs are hoping to get local residents to the table for the right price of $35.09 for a three-course meal. Lunch prices are $20.09 for the same.
Restaurant Week is a chance to win back customers taken out by the economy.
Gus Dimillo of Acadiana in Northwest says, "It's a real marketing tool to reach out to our client bases that actually live here." Customers like it and it makes a normally slow Monday look like happy days are here again."
Customer Doug Everett said, "Every one we've seen, it was pretty well full. It does not look like they are having that problem here in Washington. "
At The Heights in Columbia Heights, it's all about the experience. The chef has changed the menu without upping the price. Chef Billy McCormick said, "This week, we're taking lobster and mixing it with crabmeat and other ingredients and provide high end product at a reduced cost."
Demetrias Hale came in for happy hour and got a three-course meal. In a tight economy, she is dining on a deal. Hale said, "[I'm] definitely eating out less. Actually, I came in here during happy hour. It has reduced price on the menu which is great, because you get full meal and a discounted price."
McCormick said, "You have to keep changing things up. Bring in specials and more ideas. With the economy maybe produce dishes that cost a little bit less."
Restauranteurs say whether it's a neighborhood restaurant or five star elegant dining, customers all want the same thing. Dimillo has several restaurants and says customers really want to go out but they are looking for value.
A good barometer on the economy is how many people are eating out. Many chefs say if your serve up good food at the right price and make it a good experience, it should be enough to overcome the economic downturn.
Dimillo said, "Restaurant week is a great opportunity to experience Washington, DC's best restaurants at affordable prices.
Cuisines include contemporary American, Mexican, French, Mediterranean, Italian, Southern, Seafood, Spanish, California, Pan-Asian and more. Diners can choose from newly-opened hotspots like Adour at the St. Regis or Art and Soul at the Liaison Capitol Hill, plus traditional favorites such as 1789, Bombay Club and Sushi-Ko. Other participants include Rammy-award winners Equinox, voted fine dining restaurant of the year; the Oceanaire Seafood Room, voted power spot of the year; Poste, voted upscale casual restaurant of the year; and The Monocle, named the voters' favorite.
Washington, DC Restaurant week is produced biannually by the Destination DC and the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.
