Restaurant Week Hits Maplewood Village on Monday

With all the restaurants taking root in Maplewood Village, it may feel like every week is restaurant week, but, in actuality, Maplewood Village Restaurant Week will start Monday, March 1, and run through Sunday, March 7.

"Maplewood Village has become a restaurant destination, a mecca with all the positive reviews the restaurants have been getting," said Julie Doran, manager of the Maplewood Village Alliance. Doran noted positive reviews of Indigo Kitchen & Bar in the Star-Ledger, Arturo's Osteria & Pizzeria in The New York Times and Restaurant Lorena's selection as one of Zagat's top 25 New Jersey restaurants in 2008 and NJ Monthly's top 25 in 2009.

"We have some longstanding favorites and diverse cuisine—Indian, Japanese, Chinese, American, classic deli, gourmet deli, Italian, French," enthused Doran.

Sixteen restaurants are participating and 17 merchants are supporting Maplewood Village Restaurant Week with special offers on items from wine and flowers to gifts and dinnerware—the idea is to offer specials on items related to enhancing any dining experience. Maplewood Theater is offering free popcorn coupons through selected restaurants.

Participating restaurants are offering lunch and dinner specials including prix-fixe, tasting menus, daily specials and discounts. More details are available on the Maplewood Village Alliance's new website.

Participating restaurants include The Bagel Chateau, Luke's Kitchen, Indigo Kitchen & Bar, St. James's Gate, Cent'Anni Restaurant, Maple Leaf Diner, Village Trattoria, Roman Gourmet, Sona Restaurant, Arturo's Osteria & Pizzeria, Maplewood Deli & Grille, Bill & Harry's Chinese, Samurai Sushi and Crane's Deli.

Is that all? "Even the Village Ice Cream Parlour is participating!" added Doran.