OC foodies, chefs, and restaurant owners eagerly await the start of 2017 Orange County Restaurant Week. Now in its ninth year, the region’s most celebrated culinary event returns to our community from Sunday, March 5 through Saturday, March 11. Hosted by the OC Restaurant Association, the area’s largest culinary event features more than 100 restaurants, $10-$80 meal price points, Girl Scouts Cookie desserts, an Instagram contest, and a Launch Party at Irvine Marriott.
The 100+ OC Restaurants participating this year will offer diners an array of options—everything from casual and family friendly establishments to upscale and fine dining, which will allow for a “luxe experience” with a select group of $80 “luxe” menus featuring dinner with wine or cocktail pairings. The weeklong event will highlight special three-course menus, many of which will include a cocktail or signature item at no additional charge. As in past years, each restaurant will have the flexibility to showcase their chef’s best offerings and unique culinary style. Participating restaurants—including longtime favorites and new establishments—will offer prix-fixe menus within the following price categories: lunch for $10, $15 or $20, and dinner for $20, $30, $40, $50, and $80. Guests can view all 2017 participating restaurants online at OCRestaurantWeek.com.
Once again this year, select restaurants will offer delectable desserts inspired by and featuring Girl Scout cookies. Some of the participating restaurants will host local Girl Scouts for a Preview Tasting, where girls will not only get the chance to taste the sweet treats, but will allow them to also meet with the restaurant chef. This serves as a wonderful opportunity for the girls, as many of them aim to achieve their culinary and business badges. Restaurant menus with Girl Scout Cookie-inspired desserts include Anchor Hitch, Lighthouse Bayview Cafe, Luna Rossa, Mix Mix Kitchen Bar, Puesto, Slaters 50/50, TLT Food – Irvine Spectrum, and TLT Food – Newport.
Additionally, there will be OC Restaurant Week Menus that feature a special Chambord cocktail or a Chambord dessert, as well as Restaurant Week Menus featuring a special Ketel One Vodka cocktail. During this week of good eats and tasty libations, guests will also be able to choose among restaurants that offer dining with a view, vegetarian options, and even a few to-go menus.
An Instagram Contest will also be held, where OC diners are invited to tag their photos with #OCRW2017 between March 5 to 11 to be entered to win two tickets to the OC Chef’s Table event on Sunday, March 12. Benefiting the Illumination Foundation, the event will be held at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where the winner will receive a complimentary one-night stay following the event.
The 9th annual “First Bites” Launch Party will get the festivities started on Saturday, March 4 at the Irvine Marriott. Guests attending the bash can look forward to indulging in an extensive selection of “first bites” prepared by various OC Restaurant Week participating restaurants. A live radio broadcast of KFI’s “The Fork Report” with Neil Saavedra will help kick-off the culinary celebration.
Orange County Restaurant Week’s wide variety of participating restaurants and special menus are guaranteed to please every palate, no matter what kind of cuisine you crave. So, foodies, pick up a fork and get ready to tempt your taste buds during this week of flavorful fare and delicious drinks. Bon Appetit!
For more information, visit OCRestaurantWeek.com.
