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Restaurant Week made for sampling

JANELLE PATTERSON The Marietta Times Poached salmon cakes on a bed of mixed greens with grapefruit hollandaise sauce is one of the main course options on the table at The House of Wines in Marietta next week for MOV Restaurant Week.

When trying out a new restaurant some of the concerns to wrack a diner’s brain are the cost of trying something new versus the potential to enjoy the meal.

“MOV Restaurant Week solves those questions with a fixed price per person and an exact description of what’s available in each meal,” said Kayla Young, coordinator of the week for Buzz Food Service based in Charleston, W.Va. “Some of the restaurants are giving a trio sampling of entrees already on their menus so that you get a chance to try things without diving in for a whole meal while others are showcasing new items that may appear on future menus.”

Restaurant weeks across the nation feature local businesses’ skill sets and best flavors while encouraging diners to try something new. The MOV Restaurant Week will run Monday through Saturday next week with an appetizer, entree and dessert, all for the price of $30 per person.

“It’s about time that this town got one,” said Boathouse BBQ and River Town Grill owner Steve Peters. “Both of our restaurants have their own cuisine and so this allows us to showcase in a concentrated week the themes and tastes of each and to try other local entrepreneurs’ best ideas.”

At the River Town Grill favorites such as the Monte Cristo Bites will adorn the planned three-course meal alongside new additions like a Beef Wellington or ahi tuna topped with a tiger prawn.

“We’ve been practicing the Wellington to get it absolutely perfect,” said Tory Auth, kitchen manager of the grill. “It was brand new to me so I’m excited to really showcase it.”

Joni Clinton, the restaurant manager, said even those with food allergies should still give the week a shot.

“We’re going to go over every detail with our servers so that they know what is in each piece of the meal,” explained Clinton. “We want everyone to get the full flavor that they pay for and even the cake will be a huge piece for dessert.”

Along the Muskingum River at the House of Wines, owner Sally Oliver said her customers’ meals will even have wine pairings suggested with dinner.

“That’s what I like to do, pair great food with delicious wine,” said Oliver. “And I’ll carry those wines all week for retail too so that if you taste something you love, you can take a bottle home.”

She said one of the main dish options, the poached salmon cakes on a bed of mixed greens with grapefruit hollandaise sauce, may even make it onto the regular restaurant menu.

“The week can serve as a dual purpose with more customers to try it out,” she said.

Local diners will have eight Marietta restaurants to choose from throughout the special week but the promotion isn’t just in town. Across the Ohio River, da Vinci’s Italian Restaurant, Spats Restaurant at the Blennerhassett Hotel, J.P. Henry’s and Mango are also participating in the $30 per three-course meal deal.

If you go

¯ What: MOV Restaurant Week.

¯ When: Feb. 27 through March 4.

¯ Where: Spagna’s, Marietta Brewing Company, Austyn’s, Boathouse BBQ, The Levee House, The Galley, The House of Wines and River Town Grill in Marietta; da Vinci’s Italian Restaurant in Williamstown; CJ’s Italian Kitchen in Vienna; Spats Restaurant at The Blennerhassett Hotel, J.P. Henry’s and Mango Latin Bistro in Parkersburg.

¯ Cost: $30 per meal, additional costs for drinks vary by restaurant.

Source: Buzz Food Service.

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