“The restaurant industry is in a fight for our lives,” New York restaurant owner Melba Wilson says. “We’re at the brink of becoming extinct, in the hospitality capital of the world.” A little dramatic, but hey, she might be onto something. For her iconic New York restaurant Melba’s, 2021’s restaurant week couldn’t come at a better time. “We are hoping the infusion of revenue will encourage diners to support us and provide a much needed line,” she added.
The biannual culinary affair runs from January 25 to January 31st, and this year the city broke records. New York saw 571 signups for the affair across the five boroughs, which is a staggering record breaker. But it’s no wonder why there was such a spike in signups. Indoor dining is closed in NYC and the temperature isn’t exactly ideal for outdoor dining. Which brings us to restaurant week: publicized promotion for restaurants.
Of course, this year looks different than years past. Normally, there are special menus offered at brick-and-mortar locations. But this year, it’s online and delivery only. “It’s an incredibly challenging winter for NYC restaurants, as we are not permitted to serve guests indoors, and with outdoor heaters, the chilly winter weather makes outdoor dining less than pleasant on many nights. Many restaurants are left with food-to-go via pickup and delivery as the only viable means of survival until we reach the spring,” restauranteur Danny Meyer told Vogue. “With so many restaurants across NYC participating in Restaurant Week, it’s a powerful reminder to the public that we are still here, and very much want you to enjoy our food in your home, especially as we await being able to welcome you back into our dining rooms.”
So what does Restaurant Week 2021 look like exactly? Every participating restaurant has a customized takeout meal — an entrée, plus one or more side — for the price of $20.21. For example, Meyer’s Gramercy Tavern is offering mushroom lasagna, minestrone soup and a triple chocolate chunk cookie. Melba’s is giving customers a choice: smothered chicken or fried catfish, which comes with mac and cheese, collards and a slice of “Make You Wanna Holla” carrot cake. (“There have been many difficult times during the pandemic that I just wanted to scream. However my carrot cake hopefully will make you wanna ‘holla’ as joyful sounds of deliciousness escapes with every bite,” Wilson explained.) Pretty much every cuisine and category you could want is represented: five-star fine dining, classic neighborhood finds, trending hotspots, and hole-in-the-walls.
You can order by visiting Restaurant Week’s official website. The website also offers highlighted collections like “NYC Classics” and “Date Night.” You’ll be redirected to the restaurant’s delivery platform of choice once you select your place. (Bonus: the company will give you a $10 credit if you have a Mastercard.)
