The summer edition of the twice-annual Restaurant Week Boston begins Sunday, August 19 and runs through August 31 (with Saturday, August 25 excluded). More than 200 eateries in the greater Boston area will be offering special multicourse meal deals over the event’s 12-day duration.
The basic price for a three-course dinner at participating establishments is set at $33.12. A number of locations are also offering a three-course lunch for $20.12.
Sponsored by the Greater Boston Convention Visitors Bureau, Restaurant Week Boston is being observed by a full range of Hub eateries, from the famous (Anthony’s Pier 4 on the waterfront and Blue Ginger in Wellesley) to relative newcomers like 29 Newbury, which does business in the midst of Boston’s well-known shopping district.
Those interested may explore the list of participating restaurants (and make reservations) at www.BostonUSA.com/restaurant-week. The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau answers at (888) SEE-BOSTON.
The Munich Haus in Chicopee will be presenting its fourth LobsterFest of the summer season on Tuesday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m.
As well as including a six- to nine-pound lobster, the LobsterFest menu includes clam chowder, Caesar salad, and a strawberry sundae, all for $90.
New this time around is the option of enjoying a half lobster for only $55.
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
The restaurant’s monthly New England Clambake will be celebrated on the evening of September 5. In addition to lobster, the menu includes fried clam strips, Bavarian style chicken, corn on the cob, and more. A Vienna-style pastry station wraps up the evening.
Tickets are $19.95, not including tax or gratuity. Contact the Munich Haus at (413) 594-8788 for reservations.
After hours dining, the tradition of going out to breakfast following a night on the town has long been the exclusive domain of local diners and a few coffee shop chains.
That may change, however. According to media reports fast food giant McDonald’s Corp. is testing a “Breakfast After Midnight” menu in several Ohio markets.
The line-up draws from the chain’s regular breakfast bill of fare, offering Egg McMuffin variations, breakfast burritos, and hotcakes as well as various burger items.
Supporting the test is a new “Nocturnivore” advertising campaign that promotes the concept of late-night dining at McDonald’s.
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is sponsoring the 9th Annual Local Hero Restaurant Days on Tuesday, August 21 and Wednesday, August 22.
Fifty-one Pioneer Valley dining establishments have signed up to promote locally grown and produced foods by highlighting them in menu specials.
Restaurants offering special menus include Chez Albert in Amherst, the Apollo Grill in Easthampton, the Gill Tavern in Gill, Greenfield’s Hope and Olive, and the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland, just to name a few.
A complete list of Local Hero Restaurant Days participants can be found at CISA’s web site, buylocalfood.com.
CISA is also looking for volunteers to help out at two fundraising events in September — their annual Taste the View dinner and Northampton Brewery’s 25th Anniversary Octoberfest, which will benefit CISA. Contact them at (413) 665-7100 for more details.
Although the summer school vacation is rapidly drawing to a close, it’s not too late to enjoy one of the kid-focused dining events at Chandler’s Restaurant in South Deerfield.
On August 18, a Teddy Bear Tea is planned for 11 a.m., and youngsters of all ages are invited to bring their favorite bear to enjoy tea and lunch. A reading of “The Brown Paper Teddy” will be included in the event, which is $8 for kids and $10 for adults.
Saturday, August 25, is a dress-up opportunity as Chandler’s puts on a Fancy Nancy luncheon. Conceived of as a mother-daughter occasion, the lunch is served from the restaurant’s regular kids menu; dessert cupcakes are included at this 11 a.m. event. For reservations contact Chandler’s at 413) 665-1277.
Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has over 35 years of restaurant and educational experience. Please send items of interest to Off the Menu at the Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102; Robert can also be reached at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com