No compromise to meals as Restaurant Week kicks off

Guyana Restaurant Week was officially launched on Friday at the Marriott Hotel, in Kingston, Georgetown with organisers promising a week of the same exceptional service and quality food although it is being observed under strict COVID-19 protocols.

Started back in 2015 and observed twice every year, this is the 10^th season for restaurant week.  This year, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) believes that the event presents the perfect opportunity to bring families and friends closer together, with many of them separated or shut-in for long periods due to COVID-19.

It also signals what many say is the reopening of the economy and more importantly, the reopening of the tourism sector. President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar, says Guyana Restaurant week amplifies the need for persons to gather in safe spaces during outdoor dining but in the event that persons are unable to do so, the option of pick-up and delivery is being offered by all participating restaurants.

“Safety is the watchword and keyword for this entire event,” he said while advising that the Guyana Restaurant Week website addresses safety in detail.

Persons can also visit the website to start their adventure by exploring menus while given the opportunity to select, place orders and make reservations.

“This will limit the time spent in public and still offers patrons a rewarding experience.
Although it will be outdoor attention is being placed on the ambience in which fine dining is expected to take place,” he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Carla James explains that there will also be several go green initiatives this year.

This entails, among other things, the use of led lights and only offering guests water when requested.  A call for Guyanese to come out and support the annual event with limited tourist in the country was made by Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond.

Walrond notes she is pleased that restaurants continue to employ and use sanitation methods.

“As we come out of this COVID stalemate where we have not been going out this presents an opportunity for us to do so safely and also showcase the best of what we have.”

For Restaurant Week this year, menu prices will remain unchanged- two (2) course lunch menus at $3,000 (VAT Inclusive) and three (3) course dinner menus at $5,000 or GY $6,000 (VAT Inclusive).

To facilitate the timely delivery of menus, THAG has engaged the services of two logistic service providers – Hero Cart and Onecart.

The complete list of participating restaurants is as follows:

1. Aagman Restaurant
2. Café Bellvana
3. Cara Lodge
4. Hibiscus Restaurant
5. Java Coffee Bar
6. Jaxx International Grill, Movie Towne
7. New Thriving Chinese Restaurant- Main Street
8. OMG! Arawak Steak House.
9. Sucre Restaurant (Herdmanston Lodge)
10. Terra Mare Restaurant (Guyana Marriott Hotel)
11. The Duke (Roraima Duke Lodge)
12. Watooka House (Township of Linden)
13. Windjammer Restaurant
14. Signature Restaurant
15. Gourmet Grub