Westport Restaurants Reflect on Another Successful "Week"

Another successful Westport Restaurant Week has drawn to a close. The event, which takes place in March and October, saw the largest number of restaurants – 21 – participate this year. The Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event.

"We have some amazing restaurants here in Westport," said Lisa Parrelli Gray, Executive Director and President of the Chamber via a telephone interview. "This is an opportunity for the community to support our restaurants. Also, this event creates awareness for businesses near these restaurants." All Westport restaurants are eligible to participate in Restaurant Week. This year, the event featured a Patron Rewards Program, where those who dined at least three times at any participating restaurant were eligible to win gift cards to local restaurants, as well as tickets to the Westport Country Playhouse's season premier of The Dining Room. Last March, the event began the successful Homes with Hope food drive. Customers could bring a can of food to a participating restaurant, which in turn went to the "Have a Meal, Give a Meal campaign aiding those locally in need of food.

Terrain (561 Post Road East) is one of the restaurants that partook in Restaurant Week. It is unique in that it features seasonal, farm-to-table fare, including its wines and beers. "We try to stay within 50 miles to acquire items on our menu," said Kelly Festo, Terrain's cafe manager, via phone. The restaurant opened in May 2012 and has participated previously in Restaurant Week. "It's a great way to meet the community and have them support local vendors," she said.

Blue Lemon, (7 Sconset Square) another participating restaurant which has been in business for 10 years, serves contemporary American fare, braised lamb shanks and scallops to name a few items on its menu. "It's great for us to welcome new customers, as well as those who are returning," said owner Bryan Malcarney.

The Mumbai Times, a restaurant serving Indian specialties, (616 Post Road East) opened last October, and this is its second round at restaurant week. "It has been wonderful getting more customers through this event," said owner Tarun Narula. "So many people new to the restaurant have told us that they have come in here because of Restaurant Week. It's great to support the Chamber, and to give back to the community via Homes with Hope."

Arezzo Ristorante (5 Riverside Avenue), which serves Tuscan Italian fare and opened in August 2012, also offered its menu for the event. Ben Meluzio, its owner, said, "We have been getting many more customers thanks to Restaurant Week, plus through word of mouth."