ALSO: Newest addition to town’s eateries is Sage Bistro
The doldrums of winter always have many trying to escape cabin fever this time of year, but for penny-conscious consumers a nice evening out is often out of the question.
But it may be possible come Guilderland Restaurant Week, which is fast approaching. Scheduled from Monday, Jan. 24, to Saturday, Jan. 29, participating restaurants will offer menus consisting of an appetizer, entree and dessert for $20.11.
It’s organized by the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce and now in its fourth year. It’s proven so popular during that time that it’s now a biannual program.
We started doing it twice a year because the restaurants wanted it, said Chamber President Kathy Burbank.
A lot of the restaurants that participate in the `Taste of Guilderland` week are fairly high-class, making a three-course meal for a Jackson an undeniable bargain. Though the menu is still being finalized, Restaurant Week generally has 15 participating eateries. And they are sure to see business by joining in, said Burbank.
`We start getting calls as soon as an ad or press release goes out,` she said.
Some people call from as far away as Clifton Park or Saratoga looking for information, she said. The easiest way to find out about the week, including menus for the restaurants, is to visit www.tasteofguilderland.com.
The Chamber so far anticipates participation from BFS Mediterranean, Mezza Notte Ristorante, Peaches CafE, Tesoro Italian restaurant, Athos Greek restaurant, Township Tavern in Altamont, Barcelona Spanish restaurant and Provence French restaurant.
A new addition will be Sage Bistro. Owner Joe Soliman cut the ribbon on his Star Plaza restaurant Tuesday, Jan. 11, after two months in business, and he said he’s looking forward to the promotion.
`It’s a way to let the public know that we’re here,` he said. `I’m just waiting for the word to get out. We’re going to do great business.`
Soliman has Un-Hui-Filomeno in the kitchen, who is the former chef at Avenue A in Albany. Sage offers lunch and dinner menus of a wide range of fare inspired by Mediterranean and Korean cuisine.
Soliman has already experience success locally as the owner of the Hidden Cafe in Delaware Plaza, which offered Mediterranean food. He said he’s sold that location despite it doing good business because he wanted a new challenge.
`It was time for a change,` he said.
Burbank said she’s delighted to have Sage as a new Chamber member, especially since her offices share a wall with the bistro, giving her an easy lunch spot.
`The smell is killing me,` she joked.“
