Anyone who’s dined around Media knows quite well that it’s a melting pot of unique culinary hotspots. From quaint cafes to elegant eateries, there are cuisines from around the world serving up Asian flair, Old-World Italian, flavorful French, mouthwatering Mexican or even a down-home meal just like Mom used to make.
The cuisine isn’t the only consideration when choosing a restaurant; atmosphere, occasion and mood are all details that shape the decision. My friends and I often find our way to Fellini Cafe for birthday celebrations, Stephen’s on State and La Belle Epoque for dinner dates and D’Ignazio’s Towne House or Iron Hill for family outings.
Sometimes, though, it’s tempting to try someplace new. What better time than Media’s Restaurant Weeks? That’s right, not one, but two weeks of multi-course dinner deals. For $30, diners will feast on three-to-five-course meals depending which of the 18 participating restaurants they choose.
The event, presented by the Media Business Authority, runs Sunday, February 22, through Thursday, February 26, and Sunday, March 1, through Thursday, March 5.
Anthony Bellapigna, owner of Fellini Cafe and Ariano, says the two-week eating extravaganza is an optimal time for people to come in to try new dishes.
“I see regulars come in as well as those new to the town, many city dwellers,” said Bellapigna. “About 95 percent of our menu is available for the event, so people sample new and different dishes, then return to order them once again.”
So the question you all want to know, what does a $30 Media Restaurant Weeks meal look like?
At Ariano, for instance, $30 includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert. As Bellapigna said, the menu’s pretty much fair game. I’d recommend the Arancini, which are fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs, filled with prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella and tomato and served with spicy pizzaiola sauce. For my entrée, I’d order the Savar, pan roasted salmon with fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil and balsamic syrup. Homemade, authentic gelato is a must to finish my meal. Make it chocolate, please! Regularly priced, this would cost nearly $40, so as you can see, quite the deal indeed.
Also in the mix are La Belle Epoque, Picasso Restaurant and Bar and Diego’s Cantina & Tequila Bar. Loic Barnieu, owner of all three participating spots, gave me a peek at Diego’s special prix-fixe offerings. There are two appetizer and two entrée choices and three dessert options. The Red Oak Salad with Granny Smith apples, spiced macadamia nuts, queso fresco and tondo sounds like a scrumptious start. For your entrée, I’d try the braised beef short ribs accompanied by Yukon Gold potato and pepper hash with chimichurri sauce. As for the dessert, the Key lime pie is always a sweet treat to finish a fiesta of a meal, but the strawberry cream-cheese flan with chocolate-espresso mousse and margarita preserves sounds divine. Judging by the regular menu selections, this special meal would also run about $40, so another deal here to sink your teeth into!
That’s just a little taste of what’s to come for Media Restaurant Weeks. For more details regarding specific menus and to make a reservation (highly recommended), get started by viewing the complete list of participating restaurants. You can also learn more on VisitMediaPA’s Facebook page.
The $30 dinner prices exclude alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity. There is also free parking after 5 p.m.
Iron Hill Media interior photo credit: Nina Lea Photography; Ariano entrée photo credit: Ariano; Picasso exterior photo: Picasso Restaurant; Diego’s flan photo: Diego’s Cantina & Tequila Bar.
