Restaurant Week kicks off in Long Beach

The Long Beach Fall Restaurant Week, a flavorful two-week event that showcases participating restaurants throughout the city, kicks off on Friday, Oct. 8 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 24.

The event, which is sponsored by the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, features 23 restaurants — everything from bars and grills to fine-dining and family-oriented eateries — and is aimed at giving residents and visitors the opportunity to sample the city’s eclectic dining establishments. The cuisine ranges from American and Asian fare to Latin and Italian specialties, with restaurants offering prix fixe menus of $19.99 and below during the week.

“It’s a special day to showcase the area and to see all of the great restaurants that are here,” said Jay Barj, general manager of Minnesota’s. “We do pretty well that week.”

Mark McCarthy, Owner of Lola’s Kitchen and Wine Bar, said he’s thrilled about Restaurant Week.

“It’s great,” said McCarthy, who recommends the “fantastic” pork osso bucco for those who decide to visit Lola’s. “It gives people another reason to come back to Long Beach.”

Jennifer Strabuk, general manager of Nick’s Tuscan Grill, said she’s anticipating the event.

“People love the food,” said Strabuk, “they think [Nick’s is] a great place.”

The restaurant features live entertainment on weekends, starting at 9:30 p.m., and on October 14 there will be a karaoke night starting at 8:30 p.m.

Warren Vegh, executive director of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, said Restaurant Week, as well as Long Beach’s other attractions, are significant for the community.

“I believe all merchants and restaurants benefit from restaurant week,” said Vegh. He noted that advertising for the event was done within and outside of Long Beach, and went on to say that the event “brings people in from all over” and “an influx of business.” Whether visitors go to dinner together, catch a movie, visit stores, or go out for ice cream, he said, they’re enjoying themselves while helping Long Beach’s economy.

Vegh also noted the “great feedback” he has continued to receive over the years about Restaurant Week, and suspects that this year will be no different.

“I’m sure it’ll be booming,” said Vegh.

For more information about Restaurant Week, visit www.LBNYChamberRestaurantWeek.com.

Participating restaurants include:

Caffe Laguna

Cha-Ba Thai

Duke Falcon’s Global Grill

Geri’s

Gino's Pizzeria & Restaurant

Grillfire

Lola’s Kitchen and Wine Bar

Matteo's

Mediterranean Seafood Café

Minnesota’s Grill and Bar

Monterey

Mulberry Street

Nagahama

New Nagoya

Nick’s Tuscan Grill

Paninis and Bikinis

Sugo

Sutton Place Great American Bar & Grill

Swingbelly’s BBQ

The Beach House

The Cabana

The Inn

The Saloon

The Whale’s Tale