Patrons urge to Explore, Eat, Repeat – as Restaurant Week is launched
GINA, GUYANA, Thursday, November 3, 2016
Several local restaurants will participate in the upcoming restaurant week which was launched today, at the Cara Lodge in observance of Tourism Awareness Month.
Restaurant week will take place from November 18 to 27, 2016 and will give diners the opportunity to experience a range of cuisines at various restaurants.
Richard Sammy, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, hands over the cheque to Andrea de Caires, President of the Tourism &Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG). In the background from left-Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Shaun McGrath, Executive Member of THAG and Michelle Johnson, Marketing and Communications Officer, Republic Bank.
The Guyana Restaurant Week consists of 10 days of culinary celebrations in which leading restaurants offer fixed price menus that reflect an average of 30percent off their regular menu cost.
Executive Member of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Shaun McGrath, said the association coordinates Restaurant Week and their job is to partner with restaurateurs to promote the event and more broadly the concept of eating out in Guyana all-year round.
McGrath told media operatives that there are 17 confirmed restaurants that will offer a two-course lunch for $2000 and three-course dinner at either $4000 or $5000 per person. These prices include VAT and service charge.
He pointed out that some establishments are “offering lunch and dinner while some establishments are just offering lunch only or dinner only.”
During the week, many restaurants will prepare menus that are not on their regular list of options which give restaurants an opportunity to create their best and to see what they can actually do with local ingredients and produce.
McGrath added that restaurants will also offer specials on wines to accompany the meals, through partnership with Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) where a variety of wines will be promoted at very special prices. Restaurants that have liquor licences will be allowed to offer a complimentary a shot of rum or El Dorado Crème Liquor with dessert, courtesy of DDL.
Restaurant Week 2016 has a special twist whereby diners can win prizes, for every restaurant that is visited from the list, every picture that is posted on Instagram; whether it is with the food, drinks or even with the Chef. They will receive points and the persons with the most points at the conclusion of Restaurant Week will win prizes.
Meanwhile at the launch today, Republic Bank Guyana handed over a cheque to THAG valued $500,000 to help of offset promotional costs relating to advertising and promotion of Restaurant Week.
Michelle Johnson, Marketing and Communications Officer of Republic Bank in her remarks said that the Bank is delighted to partner with THAG to sponsor the event.
Johnson noted that their vision to be the financial institution of choice means that they seek to differentiate themselves in distinctive ways in which they can serve and engage with the community.
“As a member of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Republic Bank sees this activity as very beneficial to the Association’s restaurant membership for the purpose of creating and boosting local and international recognition, and gaining practical business growth,” Johnson said.
The eating establishments that have confirmed their participation thus far for Restaurant Week are; Grand Coastal Hotel, Maharaja Place restaurant, Java Coffee Bar and Bistro, Guyana Marriot Hotel Georgetown, Starbuds Restaurant & Bar, The Coffee Shop, Publik Wing &Burger House, Xie Xie Restaurant &Bar, New Thriving Restaurant, Antonio’s Grill, Aagman Indian Restaurant, Cara Lodge, Guyana Pegasus, Herdmanston Lodge, Oasis Café, Roraima Duke Lodge, Wind Jammer and Coffee Bean.
By: Gabreila Patram