Bloomfield Restaurant Week, Seven Years Strong, Returns This Saturday through August 12
BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The 7th Annual Bloomfield Restaurant Week (BRW) kicks off this Saturday, August 4th with a “who’s who” of Bloomfield’s long-time favorites and new entries to the growing restaurant scene in town. With more than 25 restaurants lined up, and more restaurants being added each week, it’s no surprise that the event has been a summer highlight over the years. This year, lunch offerings start as low as $8.00 and dinner options range from $13-$30, so there’s sure to be something for practically every “taste” and budget.
BRW committee chair Maria Probst has been the driving force behind the annual affair, which focuses on keeping the culinary celebration of Bloomfield’s restaurant scene going. Probst says, “BRW is important because it showcases diverse cuisines to match our diverse community and also promotes shopping and eating locally. I hope many will come celebrate BRW with us.”
Although it is free for restaurants to participate, Probst and her small team of volunteers have faced challenges with getting restaurants, especially new ones, to commit being part of the event. However, once restaurateurs realize the exposure that comes along with the event, Probst often gets last-minute requests to join the week-long showcase. BRW committee member Rodgee Cao, whose Spice Thai Cuisine is a long-time BRW participant, says, “the event is free advertising,” and that his restaurant has “found new customers who have never had Thai food and have now become regular customers.”
In addition to a growing list of restaurant participants, this year’s BRW event is getting a boost from corporate sponsors like Xfinity and Comcast Spotlight, several Bloomfield-based businesses, and multiple Bloomfield and Essex County officials, including Mayor Michael J. Venezia.
“Bloomfield Restaurant Week is one of the most eagerly-anticipated annual events our township has to offer,” said Mayor Michael Venezia. “We are thrilled that so many local establishments have enjoyed participating over the past six years and look forward to many more joining in this year’s festivities. Our residents get to have great meals for less than they normally would pay for them and Bloomfield restaurants receive added exposure for taking part – It’s a win-win for everyone.”
To encourage the community to patronize participating restaurants during BRW, complimentary two-hour parking will be available during BRW beginning at 11:00 AM at bagged meters, courtesy of the Bloomfield Parking Utility.
In addition, there is a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to a BRW restaurant through a sweepstakes going on through August 12th, you can enter via our Facebook page or through our website.
Also, in conjunction with Bloomfield Restaurant Week, the Bloomfield Recreation Department will offer “Drop & Dine” nights at the Civic Center on August 9-11 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for children in grades K-6 (Fee: $20 per night, per child). There will be a hands-on class for children to participate in each night: August 9 – Minds In Motion, August 10 – Chef it Up, August 11 – You Scream, Ice Cream. Space is limited. Call 973-743-9074 to register or online at www.bloomfieldrecreation.org.
For the full list of participating restaurants, visit www.bloomfieldrestaurantweek.com. Also follow us on social media for updates via Bloomfield Restaurant Week on Facebook, @brweek2018 on Instagram and @BloomfieldNJRW on Twitter.