Reservations are now open for NYC Restaurant Week’s winter season, when New York City diners can take advantage of discounted meals at hundreds of restaurants, including 69 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winners. Running Jan. 21–Feb. 9, the 28th year of the promotion by the city’s tourism bureau offers two-course lunches for $26 and three-course dinners for $42.
“NYC Restaurant Week is an iconic and renowned dining program in NYC, and around the world, that enables locals and visitors to explore vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs while exploring countless international cuisines at a value,” said Chris Heywood, senior vice president of global communications for NYC & Company.
Raj Vaidya, head sommelier of chef Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group, which has four longtime participating restaurants, said the promotion opens their top dining experiences to those who would otherwise find them inaccessible. “It really gives us exposure to new clientele every season, as we often get the chance to win over new regulars who visit us for the first time,” he told Wine Spectator via email.
Beverage manager Justin Seitzler cited similar benefits for first-time participant and Best of Award of Excellence winner City Vineyard at Hudson River Park’s Pier 26. “We're excited at the idea of being able to offer our guests a taste of our hospitality and some of our ‘greatest hits’ from our menu at a discounted price,” he emailed.
Though wine isn’t officially part of Restaurant Week, Heywood noted that it’s a welcome enhancement to the overall experience. “In our busy world, dining out is a way to connect with our loved ones, and many of the restaurants offer (at an added cost) fine wines to enjoy along with their meals.”
Some such restaurants are providing their own wine deals. Vaidya’s establishments will offer French country wines by the glass that are “incredible values,” in addition to their extensive programs. Lidia Bastianich’s Best of Award of Excellence–winning Felidia Ristorante, which has been participating since the mid-1990s, will offer several Bastianich labels for $10 by the glass during lunch.
Originally a $19.92 lunch deal for delegates at the 1992 Democratic National Convention, the twice-yearly promotion has inspired similar spinoffs in cities across the country. To learn more and sign up for email updates, visit NYCgo.com/restaurant-week.
