More than 200 D.C.-area eateries will offer specials to entice diners Washington’s Restaurant Week starts again Monday, with more than 200 area establishments participating in the summer edition of this biannual promotion by offering discounted three-course fixed-price lunch and dinner menus.
“It’s very important to put your best foot forward,” said Ris Lacoste, owner of and head chef at RIS. The restaurant, located in D.C.’s West End, opened back in December. “There are many benefits. It’s a win-win.”
Lacoste cited the opportunity to expose her restaurant to a new crop of customers. People who visit during Restaurant Week may end up becoming lifelong patrons. Also, RIS gets an opportunity to serve younger, more cost-conscious foodies.
“You get to see how fine-tuned your machine is,” Lacoste said. “It gets very busy. The restaurant is packed.”
Highlights at RIS for Restaurant Week include the Blue Goat Cheese Panzanella Salad and the signature meatloaf.
“You really want to expose them to your favorite hits,” Lacoste said.
Restaurant Week offers the opportunity to visit old favorites and new establishments. Bibiana, an Italian restaurant that opened last September at the corner at 12th and H streets NW, expects to draw in some new diners.
“I try to create a menu that will touch upon all palates,” Bibiana executive chef Nicholas Stefanelli said. “We’ll see so many people, you’ll want everyone to have an option so they enjoy their experience with us.”
Stefanelli said he estimates the Restaurant Week menu will be split between new items and menu regulars. Highlights will include lamb and Atlantic skate.
“Our food is our food,” the chef said. “We try to have that consistency.”
D.C.’s Restaurant Week started in November 2001 as a way to spark eating out following the attacks of Sept. 11. The event now takes places twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter. The Restaurant Week deals — now $20.10 for a three-course lunch and $35.10 for dinner — are popular during the current difficult economic times.
“People really look forward to Restaurant Week,” said Rebecca Pawlowski, director of communications for Destination D.C. and a spokeswoman for Restaurant Week, said. The restaurants that participate are either members of Destination D.C. or the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. “It’s a promotion that’s a great way to meet up with friends and family.”
Good times with loved ones aside, fine dining at an affordable price is the main draw.
“I want everything to be absolutely delicious,” Lacoste said.
