More folks dining out equals more food for homebound diners this year June 21-28 during Lynchburg Restaurant Week, which will benefit the city’s Meals on Wheels. Twenty local restaurants are offering their best three-course prix fixe meals throughout the week. In addition to the donation of a portion of sponsorship proceeds, diners will have the opportunity to plump up the pot with personal donations at the end of each meal.
Lynchburg Living magazine owners and editors Johanna and Daryl Calfee conceived of the event after dining at Charleston’s Swamp Fox during that city’s restaurant week a few years back. “Our region has access to great fresh foods, and you see that during restaurant week,” says Daryl.
Each participating restaurant will feature a three-course menu, priced at $15 or $25. (Some establishments will offer both options.) Dishes include comfort-food favorites, like salt-and-pepper catfish at Shakers and shrimp ‘n grits at Shoemakers American Grille, as well as Cajun Neighbor seafood and chicken medley at The Neighbors Place.
Meatless menus have been added to this year’s options. Milano’s Italian Restaurant will feature eggplant Parmigiana, The Neighbors Place will offer hummus, and Isabella’s Italian Trattoria will serve basil pesto pasta. If you’re not able to make dinner, stop for lunch at Magnolia Foods, which will offer two bag lunches for $15. Picnickers can choose from 11 sandwiches, five sides, and five desserts.
In addition to spreading good food and good will, Restaurant Week showcases locally owned restaurants. Jim Lemon, owner of Bulls Steakhouse, a third-year participant, notes that “even after the week finished, people kept coming in asking for the deal.”
Last year’s event raised nearly $2,500 for Meals on Wheels. This year, an increase in the number of sponsors, as well as a new option to accept online donations, has organizers hoping to top past years’ proceeds.
Menus for participating restaurants can be found online at LynchburgRestaurantWeek.com
Other cities are celebrating Restaurant Weeks as well. Check these out:
Blacksburg: June 15-21
Sixteen restaurants. Prices vary.
BlacksburgRestaurantWeek.wordpress.com
Charlottesville: July 19-26
Benefits Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Twenty restaurants. $16, $26 or $36 menus.
CharlottesvilleRestaurantWeek.com
Lexington: July 24- Aug 2
All meals $25.
