Fourth Estate/Melanie Jensen

The city-sponsored event gives foodies a chance to explore diverse cuisines

BY MELANIE JENSEN, STAFF WRITER

Fairfax City’s Eighth Winter Restaurant Week began on Monday, Feb. 24, allowing residents and visitors to try food from a variety of diverse restaurants in the area in a cost-efficient way. 

The biannual event runs from Monday to Sunday, March 2 with over 30 participating restaurants offering fixed menus. This allows customers to explore new local restaurants or revisit old favorites at a discounted price. 

“Fairfax City Restaurant Week continues to grow and expand. Diners can sample unique cuisines from around the world as well as organize a group at their favorite local restaurant,” said Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read in an emailed release. “From pizza by the slice to handmade pasta, Asian bowls, steak and lobster, there’s something for every budget and every palate in Fairfax City.”

Fairfax City Economic Development, the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the Old Town Fairfax Business Association sponsored and organized  Restaurant Week this year.

Participating restaurants are offering $25 brunch/lunch menus and $40 three-course dinner options. Along with the set-price menus, some restaurants will be offering new “Let’s Work Together” deals. It allows more restaurants to participate in the event that wouldn’t offer the typical pre-set menus. For example, ViVi Bubble Tea is offering a two for $10 deal, with the choice of two medium drinks or one medium drink and one popcorn chicken. 

Of the over 30 restaurants, notable mentions include Bellissimo Restaurant, Kelly’s Oyster House and Bar, and El Pollo Rico, each offering their own choices of three-course dinner specials. From Caribbean dishes to Korean barbeque to an Irish pub, the event hosts cuisine from cultures around the world. While most participating restaurants are in Old Town, some locations are scattered throughout Fairfax.

“Whether you’re a longtime resident, a student or just visiting, it’s a fantastic time to explore what Fairfax City has to offer,” said Tara Borwey, Assistant Director of Programs for Fairfax City Economic Development. “Supporting local restaurants helps strengthen the community and keeps our dining scene thriving.”

Restaurant Week is not a Fairfax City-exclusive event. Cities around the country host their own similar Restaurant Week. Most winter events take place late January to early February. Washington D.C.’s winter event took place from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, and Alexandria Restaurant Week took place from Jan. 31 to Feb. 9. 

According to Borwey, Restaurant Week has been a signature program of Fairfax City Economic Development since 2018. Along with winter’s late February dates, Fairfax City also hosts a summer event, with last year’s taking place from Sept. 2 through Sept. 8. 

“With each iteration of the program, I’ve had the privilege of working with passionate restaurant owners, chefs and hospitality professionals who bring their best to the table,” said Borwey, who has been overseeing Fairfax’s Restaurant Week since its conception. “Watching the event grow, seeing the enthusiasm from the community and hearing how it helps businesses gain new customers has been incredibly fulfilling.”