By Jordan Frias
Preparation for the 15th anniversary of Restaurant Week, formally known as Dine Out Boston, is underway with many returning dining establishments and a few newer ones on the list.
The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB), the agency behind the event held in March, has already received menus from some of the 170 participating venues, according to GBCVB Media Relations Manager David O’Donnell.
The Back Bay, which is known to have the most participating restaurants, has two new venues, Champions at Boston Marriott Hotel and SELECT Oyster, among its 32 restaurants, including Atlantic Fish Company, Bistro du Midi, Post 390, Grill 23 & Bar and Top of the Hub Restaurant & Skywalk.
John Farese, restaurant manager at Champions, said staff decided to partake in Dine Out Boston this year because it is something they enjoy taking advantage of themselves as customers.
“It’s something new we wanted to try for sure,” he said. “A lot of our neighbors are doing it…so it’s something new and exciting for us.”
Ma Maison, a French Bistro on Cambridge Street, is one of seven restaurants on Beacon Hill that will be participating once again, joining Carrie Nation Restaurant & Cocktail Club, CLINK., The Dean’s List Restaurant, Grotto, Scampo and Toscano Restaurant.
“For lunch, we will try to keep everything quite simple with our Oyster Chicken,” said Ma Maison Chef and Co-owner Jacky Robert. “At night, we will have a Smoked Salmon Pâté, and we will have a mushroom soup with truffles since truffles are in season in February and March.”
Tremont 647/Sister Sorel in the South End has been a part of Dine Out Boston “since day one,” according to general manager Brian Hammerer.
Other South End neighborhood restaurants include The Beehive Restaurant, Boston Chops, Cinquecento, The Elephant Walk, Estragon, Gaslight Brasserie du Coin, Kitchen, La Motta’s Italian Specialties, Metropolis Café, and Oishii Boston.
Hammerer said the restaurant’s menu options for Dine Out Boston will appear as special items at the restaurant prior.
“It helps the staff learn about [the menu] and gives people the chance to see what’s going to be offered; it’s sort of like a ‘teaser,’” Hammerer said.
Charlestown’s Legal Oysteria on City Square will join Tangierino, a Moroccan restaurant and lounge, by participating this year. Assistant General Manager Laura Nardi said the restaurant has posted fliers around the building to notify customers.
“I’ve worked at different [Legal Seafood] locations that have offered [Dine Out Boston] in the past and I know it’s a popular thing we do,” Nardi said.
The menu will feature typical seafood items in addition to new dessert options like assorted cookies and biscotti.
Those who dine at any of the establishments participating in Dine Out Boston the weekend of March 6 and 13 can win a $100 gift card by simply posting a picture of their plate on Instagram with mention of the restaurant and #DineOutBoston.