For the second time, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with local eateries to present Bethlehem Restaurant week.
The event is designed to highlight some of the area’s newest restaurants while attracting those from outside the community to enjoy Bethlehem’s local cuisine. Fourteen restaurants are participating, from the Delaware Avenue neighborhood in Albany to establishments in Coeymans and Clarksville.
“We have a great selection of restaurants in town and we wanted to once again do something to promote them,” said chamber President Jennifer Kilcoyne. “I think we had a great turnout as far as participation and the restaurants, so there will also be a great selection available.”
Diners will be given a selection of different appetizers, entrees and desserts to choose from at each restaurant to make a three-course meal for $20.21.
Kilcoyne said the event is for more than just Bethlehem residents, but for food enthusiasts throughout the greater Capital District.
“I think the people that don’t live in the area, think Bethlehem businesses are just for the Bethlehem residents,” she said. “But we have a growing economy here and I think Bethlehem’s businesses should be spotlighted just like the other areas that hold restaurant weeks.”
Michael Mastrantuono, co-owner and executive chef of Milestone Restaurant, said because of the season he will be using fresh and local produce in his restaurant week dishes.
“That’s been our philosophy from the beginning,” said Mastrantuono, whose Glenmont restaurant opened in October. “We want to emphasize the importance of eating local foods to help sustain community agriculture.”
His menu will feature grilled eggplant bruschetta, seafood risotto and fresh strawberry tarts.
Mastrantuono said the restaurant has been busy since it was opened seven months ago, mostly because of the “wide spectrum” of food available.
“People can come in and have a burger and a beer at the bar or sit down and have scallops and wine,” he said. “But a lot of people haven’t tried us yet and our aim is to entice some new clientele.”
Also participating in the event is Leo Ashiq, manager of both Salimar Indian restaurant and the new Manama Grille in Elsmere’s Hannaford Plaza.
“We’re the only restaurant in upstate New York featuring this type of cuisine,” said Ashiq. The eatery focuses on food from his home in the Persian Gulf. Faire offered will include dishes like stuffed grape leaves, falafel, hummus and sabzi Kofta, a type of vegetarian kabab.
“I think these kinds of events are great for Bethlehem because in the past couple of years people are becoming more food savvy,” he said. “We offer that unique, ethnic experience people want, that isn’t chain dining.”
Other participating restaurants include the new One Five Six Restaurant at Normanside County Club, The Rustic Gourmet, Yanni’s Cucina and Yanni’s Too.
“We look forward to showcasing these fine restaurants during our upcoming restaurant week,” said Kilcoyne. “This is the opportunity for the Capital District to try a new restaurant at a great price and support our local businesses.”
Bethlehem Restaurant Week is Monday, May 14, through Friday, May 20. For the full list of participating restaurants and their menus, visit www.bestofbethlehem.com.
