Pittsburgh Restaurant Week returns with dining safety in mind
The next two weeks are an opportunity to dine out and support struggling food establishments returning to business amid the pandemic.
The semiannual Pittsburgh Restaurant Week kicked off Monday and runs through Aug. 22. It also is held in January.
Nearly 40 restaurants will participate. They are offering new menu items with some discounting meals from their standard fare. Some feature outdoor seating. Others highlight their local craft beers and wide selections of wine and cocktails.
“All restaurants are on the road to recovery right now,” said Brian McCollum, event director. “Some of those who aren’t participating said they worry the high demand will burn out the staff they do have and they hope to return in January.”
Nice weather is expected most of this week, giving a boost to venues with outdoor seating, McCollum said. Those spaces are noted on the event’s website.
“Each restaurant is responsible for its safety protocols,” McCollum said. “They know the size of their restaurants and how to accommodate guests safely and keep their staffs safe as well.”
Pittsburgh Restaurant Week began in January 2012 as a twice-annual event. At its peak before the pandemic, nearly 100 restaurants participated. McCollum said some past participants told him they aren’t able to join this year because they don’t have the proper staffing.
Revival on Lincoln in Bellevue is offering a three-course meal. Other participants include steak houses, seafood restaurants and barbecue establishments as well as Mexican and Japanese cuisine.
The Vandal in Lawrenceville has been part of the event for three years.
“It’s been a really positive experience,” said Joey Hilty, owner of The Vandal. “Having it in the summer and also in January are perfect times because we usually have less volume during those times so this helps us with business. We also get to meet new people who haven’t dined with us before and our staff enjoys creating new items.”
Hilty said he will continue to be mindful of social distancing and do everything he can to keep diners and staff safe.
Prices range from $20.21-$40.21. Reservations can be made online. A list of participating restaurants can be found here.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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