Restaurant Week offers great food for less money

By Eric Donovan
Senior Staff Writer
January 30, 2007

Students to their New Year’s resolution of shedding a few extra pounds will have a formidable foe to contend with as Restaurant Week feeds Philadelphia this week. From Jan. 27 to Feb. 1, hundreds of eateries and restaurants throughout the Philadelphia area will be offering discount menus as a way to allow people on a budget, such as La Salle students, to go out and enjoy the delicious foods the city has to offer.

Restaurant Week has been an ongoing event in the city for years, and just like the rest of the citizens of Philadelphia, La Salle students are almost always in on the action. This week only, some of the biggest and most expensive restaurants in the city are offering a selected menu at a discounted cost. All participating restaurants, which can be found at centercityphila.org must follow the same pricing rules.

“It’s universal. All 105 restaurants that participate have to follow the same exact pricing,” said Mike Callinan, manager of CoCo’s Restaurant on 112 South 8th St. CoCo’s has been participating in Restaurant Week for the past five years.

According to Callinan, Center City District sets dinners at $35 per person, which covers each guest for a three-course meal, a definite plus for someone on a tight budget. This decreased price, however, does come at a cost, as menus at many locations are reduced and there are fewer options.

“I went to the Melting Pot last year for Restaurant Week and I was kind of disappointed because they only offered a selected menu instead of an entire menu,” said sophomore psychology major Katie McNeill.

 While this may seem to be a detractor, McNeill explains that in the end, the prices make it all worthwhile.

“Overall, I was happy because of the price,” said McNeil. “The service was good and the portions were hearty, so I can’t complain.” Prices may be what attract guests to the restaurants, but there are different reasons for the restaurateurs. Many times, people shy away from the high-end restaurants in favor of a cheaper meal and miss out on the great food and atmosphere the Center City restaurants have to offer.

“It’s a definite help… I think it’s good to keep business in the city and it’s a boost for us and it helps with our visibility,” said Callinan. Restaurant Week has proven to be successful so far this season.

On the first night of Restaurant Week, a host at the Prime Rib Steak House said, “We’re so crazy tonight, like 600 reservations.”

Be advised: It’s a very popular and fun week, but most of the time, only reservations will get diners a meal, so call ahead.

donovane1@lasalle.edu