The Triangle

Issue date: 1/23/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Caroline Kavit

Media Credit: Caroline Kavit

High quality cuisine, without an expensive check, is just one of the various perks that contributes to the success and grandeur of Restaurant Week. A continental affair, Restaurant Week has taken place in major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, New York City, San Diego, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Tackling this colossal task, Center City District and Rittenhouse Row have managed to exhibit the best of what Philadelphia has to offer, by means of restaurants and dining experiences. Following the path of a biannual schedule, Restaurant Week is making its 12th appearance Jan. 25-30. This week promises to be filled with extensive savings and satisfied stomachs.

For six years, this event has directly supplied the Philadelphia region with gross totals of over $16 million. The driving factor associated with Restaurant Week is that of positive promotion. Marketing the city of Philadelphia is an advantage to everyone, maintaining and enhancing the economy.

With 108 participating restaurants, revenue is a given - however, cultural diversity is also important. Residents are not the only ones who take part in Restaurant Week. Diners from neighboring cities and states are among those who can be found enjoying themselves in Center City. Center City District believes in promoting a downtown Philadelphia where everyone can experience something new - something different.

According to RJ White, Center City District's Manager of Media Relations and Interactive Marketing, Restaurant Week, "gives them [diners] a chance to sample what there is to offer and what they might not ordinarily try."

In order to partake of such a grand event, requirements must be met.

Restaurants within the district boundaries can participate. If a restaurant does not fall within the Center City District boundaries, they can still be eligible if they are a member of the Convention and Visitors Bureau or Rittenhouse Row.

The last regulation refers to the cost of items on the menu. Every restaurant serves a three-course meal for $35 (excluding gratuities, taxes, and alcoholic beverages), and the actual value of the meal must be equivalent or greater than $55. If these conditions are met, any restaurant is free to engage.

Two such restaurants that meet these conditions are Gigi and Konak.

Satisfying diverse tastes and personalities, Gigi is famous for bringing different cultural cuisines together. Featuring ethnic varieties such as Thai, French, American, and Spanish, Gigi's menu is sure to appease even the finicky.

Beautifully stained hardwood floors and soft autumn colors lining the walls make this a relaxing and distinguishing choice for a three-course meal. Boasting the largest outside seating in Old City, this unique environment is sure to captivate and allure many during Restaurant Week.

Switching to more of a traditional dining setting, Konak is a Turkish restaurant that cannot be ignored.

The bistro is modeled after the idea of lavish castles featuring servants and serfs, carrying out every wish and want of the royal households. Guests are situated in a luxuriously decorated interior, which brandishes elaborate hookahs, draperies and family heirlooms, adorning the walls and 18-foot ceilings with crystal-clear skylights. At a quick glance, it can be seen that Konak's menu offers seafood, meat, and vegan entrées. Konak has received omany accolades and praises from various publications such as "Best Mediterranean Restaurant," "Best of Philly 2004," as well as Zagat's "Excellent" Award for 2005-2009. With these credentials, Konak is distinguished as a Philadelphian favorite.

Twice a year, Restaurant Week comes to Philadelphia, offering new dining opportunities for both people in the immediate vicinity and those from neighboring states. Center City District and Rittenhouse Row have successfully manufactured and displayed the diverse nature of Philadelphia, daring people to experience great food. And with over 100 great restaurants and unbeatable cost, who wouldn't want to partake of this occasion?

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools