Three Staten Island restaurants are participating in New York City Restaurant Week, where locals and tourists are encouraged to try savory dishes. NY1's Krizia Ruiz filed the following report.
It's a time foodie Connie Zolucci says she waited for all year long: a lot of food for a portion of the price.
"It gives us a chance to taste a different menu all the time and the food is so good here," said Zolucci.
Zolucci tried colorful salads and savory pasta dishes at Brioso’s on New Dorp Lane. It's one of three restaurants on Staten Island participating in New York City Restaurant Week. There are more than 400 taking part citywide.
Diners can enjoy three-course pre-fixed lunches for $29 and dinner for $42. Last winter, only one Staten Island restaurant participated.
"Its more than we have had in years past. So we are excited to have them. We really pride ourselves on having the borough participation," said Chris Heywood, SVP of Global Communications for NYC & Company.
Chamber of Commerce President Linda Baran says more local restaurants should participate in restaurant week, because there are a lot of benefits.
"Its a really good opportunity for busniness not to have to spend the money to get involved," she said.
The restaurant owners say there could be a benefit that goes beyond restaurant week; they hope to bring new regular customers through their doors.
Restauranteur Eddie Gomez says that would be a big help during the slow summer season. He owns DaNoi on the North Shore, and many of his regular customers are out of town.
"We definitely think its a way to bring people out and expose people to what staten Island has to offer," said Gomez.
Restaurant week runs through August 19. While you're out enjoying your meal, organizers encourage you to take a picture and hashtag it #NYCRestaurantWeek. You could win a $50 gift card to a participating restaurant.