The best deals downtown for Restaurant Week

By JONATHAN POLSON

Any student at the University of Mary Washington knows that Fredericksburg has a number of exciting and appetizing offerings when it comes to local restaurants. However, students also know that going out to eat is not always kind on the wallets.

Luckily, Fredericksburg is one of many cities that participate in “Restaurant Week,” an event dedicated to offering great deals so that more people can try and enjoy local restaurants at a reasonable price. For college students who might consider themselves foodies on a budget, Restaurant Week is an opportunity to go out and treat yourself to a fantastic meal.

Restaurant Week runs from Jan. 16 to 26, and more than 20 locally owned restaurants are participating in the event. The program’s deals are based around price fixes, in which restaurants offer diners course choices for a set price. For instance, this years’ lunch deal is a two-course lunch for only $10.15. Most restaurants offer two to three choices of appetizer and entrée to choose from, but the price stays the same regardless of what dish you choose.

The best deal, however, is the dinner price fix. This year’s offering is a three-course price fix at $20.15. During Restaurant Week, diners are able to eat at some of the more pricey restaurants and get a three-course meal for the price of what is normally a single entrée.

The deals are undeniable across the board, but here’s a look at some of the best bargains during Fredericksburg’s Restaurant Week:

Bistro Bethem:

The delicious modern American cuisine of Bistro Bethem is known for its unique and refined flavors that stand out on each dish. Bistro Bethem’s items are not always the cheapest, but the Restaurant Week deal is undeniable. The restaurant’s dinner entrees are usually priced from $16-25, but during Restaurant Week diners can get a three course tasting menu for just $20.15. The restaurant that changes its menu daily is offering a wide variety of exciting dishes to choose from. Their Restaurant Week sample menu lists unique course options for diners to choose.

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First:

Black Bean Bisque, avocado, paprika croutons
Shrimp Bisque, grilled shrimp, saffron gastrique
309 Maison, mixed greens, hard boiled egg, pecorino, mustard vinaigrette
Beet Salad, arugula, goat cheese, lemon sesame dressing
Quinoa, cilantro, avocado, blue cheese, sun dried tomato vinaigrette

Second:

Beet Gin Cured Salmon Gravlax, conichons, mustard, toasts
Guacamole, peppadews, tortilla
Baked Oysters, local MiFarm Oysters, sausage, pecorino, bread crumbs
Cauliflower Mash, Spicy peanuts, Chimichurri
House Smoked Duck Breast Pastrami, apple-jicima salad, balsamic syrup 

Third:  

Shrimp and Grits, spinach, salmon roe, pan jus
Grilled Quail, crispy polenta, haricot vert, beet gastrique
Braised Pork, ricotta gnudi, shaved cabbage
Delmarva Clams, ricotta gnudi, chopped rapini, san marzano tomato sauce, bread crumbs
Monkfish, Pea risotto, pork belly
Skirt steak, local martin’s arm beef, potota blue cheese gratin, crispy shitakes

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Foode:

The downtown favorite known for its use of local, fresh ingredients and expansive vegetarian offerings is offering diners a number dishes that are sure to excite taste buds. The restaurant’s use of bold flavors on classic dishes is in full display on their Restaurant Week menu. Additionally, Foode is giving diners two dinner specials to choose from, one being vegetarian. What really makes Foode’s Restaurant Week menu stand out amongst the others, though, is the rich and delicious desserts. And don’t forget, you’ll get all this for just $20.15.

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Dinner special #1 – (vegetarian)

One

Braised Kale Salad – with chick pea hummus, roasted eggplant, pan-roasted mushrooms, puffed black rice

Two
Chicken-Fried Cauliflower – sauteed field greens creamy white grits, black pepper honey

Three
Sweet Southern Shortcake – topped with raw sugar and white chocolate-strawberry preserve cream.

Dinner special #2 

One
Arugula Salad – toasted farro, chopped apricots & dates, pickled mustard seeds, spicy caramel popcorn, citrus vinaigrette.

Two

Oven-Roasted Chicken – cranberry-bbq sauce, bacon-studded green beans, whipped cheddar russets, crispy chicken skins

Three

Pecan Caramel Ice Cream – topped with molasses cookie crumbles, butterscotch sauce and black pepper whipped cream.

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