By: Samvida Patel
It’s that time of the year again! What originally was a 4-day affair organized by Tim Zagat and the late Joe Baum for the reporters attending the Democratic Convention of 1992, transformed into a month-long event by the unrelenting demands of the public. Who doesn’t love seemingly affordable splurging? And we say seemingly because of course, when you know you’re getting a huge price cut, you may feel inclined to spend on extras, like fine wine. So in the end, what you had hoped would be a 25-dollar lunch or a 38-dollar dinner turned into much, much more.
But…we still love it. When else would you be able to experience fine dining, if you are one of the working middle-class majority? Here is an eclectic mix of restaurants we have pooled together for you to consider.
La Masseria- Italian is always a safe option to go with if you don’t traverse the boundary separating conventional and novel foods, but it can become boring if you don’t frequent the right places. La Masseria, happens to be an exception. While they keep their dishes simple, the finesse that goes into producing balanced, flavorful food with perfectly al-dente texture is unmistakable. The Gnocchetti di Patate alla Sorrentina embodies just that—as someone who prides herself in being an eater of all almost all non-vegetarian dishes, I would say this simple, delicate pasta is the best on the menu.
Hangawi- Sure it’s tucked away among the karaoke bars, casual eateries, and hotels that make up “K-Town,” but its name has much acclaim for its authentic, vegetarian food and traditional atmosphere. More than the actual food, practices of the Eastern culture such as removing shoes and sitting close together on low-to-the-ground tables, offers customers an intriguing dining experience. 
All dishes complement ambiance with their wholesome, pure quality, but the Spicy Todok Bibimbap and stone bowl stir fries particularly stand out.
Ilili- A prime member of New York City’s upmarket venues, this restaurant takes Lebanese foods to another level entirely. To put into perspective, chefs behind these creations have been able to slash the unfortunate, most-hated-vegetable reputation that brussel sprouts carry.
The roasted sprouts are tossed with slivered grapes, walnuts, and pureed fig, all of which are brought together with mint yogurt sauce.
Unfortunately, the dish is not on the prix-fixe menu, but it is an absolute must-try. You can’t go wrong with any choice on either the set or a la carte menus. Especially not the Phoenician Fries and Braised Lamb Shank!
These of course, are only 3 of 293 restaurants participating in “restaurant month.” Book your table in advance because places get packed super fast! Can’t find a reservation? Thankfully, featured restaurants including Amma, Darbar Fine Indian Cuisine, Darbar Grill, Yuva Frontier Indian Grill, and Fig & Olive 5th Avenue catering are all on Foodtoeat.com! You can have the same scrumptious food delivered to you and have restaurant week your way.
Happy Dining!
Article Reference:
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2010/08/how-restaurant-week-became-restaurant-month/61215/
Photo References:
http://www.notjustvegetarian.com
DailyFoodtoEat is the official blog of FoodtoEat, a sustainable online food ordering and concierge catering service featuring your favorite restaurants, food trucks and caterers. Check out the deliciousness here: www.foodtoeat.com
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