Parsippany Eateries Celebrate Restaurant Week

Starting Sunday evening, New Jerseyans can turn off their ovens, close their refrigerators and head out to dinner at one of the state’s best restaurants for a fraction of the normal cost. The reason? It's New Jersey Restaurant Week. 

Gov. Chris Christie proclaimed the week of Sept. 18 as New Jersey’s Restaurant Wee. The annual celebration is sponsored by the New Jersey Restaurant Association.

“The governor proclaimed Restaurant Week to highlight the important role New Jersey’s restaurants play in our state’s economy,” said Christie administration spokesperson Sean Conner.

In Christie’s June 24 proclamation, the governor outlines the effect the restaurant business has on employment throughout the state.

“The restaurant and hospitality industry is primarily made up of small businesses that employ more than 305,000 people, making it the state’s largest private sector employer,” he wrote.

On the economy, Christie said, “Restaurants contribute over $13 billion to New Jersey’s economy, represent one-third of our state travel and tourism industry and promote Jersey Fresh and Jersey Seafood products throughout the state.”

Furthermore, Conner stressed that after the recent storms and floods that have plagued the state this summer, it was more important than ever for people to get out and support their local communities. 

“In light of Hurricane Irene, in which so many restaurants, businesses and individuals in communities were affected, this is a way to encourage New Jerseyans to visit local eateries,” Conner said. 

In Parsippany, two restaurants are taking part in the festivities—Ruth's Chris Steak House and Bistecca Restaurant. 

Bistecca has been part of Restaurant Week for the past three years. Its chef will present an all-inclusive multi-course menu—at only $35 per person—for Restaurant Week.

At Ruth’s Chris Steak House, $35 gets you a three-course meal that includes a salad, entrée, side and dessert , and a glass of wine (check the restaurant for restrictions) is only $8.

Ruth's Chris General Manager Eddie Gomez said the steak restaurant decided to participate in Restaurant Week to get involved in the community and meet new customers.

“It’s a great way to include ourselves in the community function and it’s a pretty popular function. It’s just a great way to give an added value to our guests for that week,” said Gomez. “We’re going to be offering the same exact steaks and sides you see on the regular menu, so it will be a discounted rate but the same great quality.”

Gomez added that he encouraged citizens throughout the state to go out and try new things next week.

“[People] are going to be able to experience multiple restaurants at a discounted rate. It’s just a great way to see what’s out there,” said Gomez.