Ernie’s Midtown Pub in Rockford was a winner for best atmosphere and vibes in the 2022 Rockford Region Restaurant Week. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is bringing back Rockford Region Restaurant Week for its third year.
The annual event celebrates local eateries, bars, coffee shops and bakeries for the work they do day-in and day-out. They’re encouraged to offer special menus and unique deals during the delicious week, and the community will vote on awards in several categories to recognize their favorites.
This year’s Restaurant Week runs Tuesday, Jan. 31 through Monday, Feb. 6.
“We are eager to continue Rockford Region Restaurant Week to help promote our food and hospitality businesses and bring a fun event for foodies everywhere,” John Groh, president and CEO of the visitors bureau, said in a news release. “The upcoming Restaurant Week will be a chance for visitors to experience the great variety of restaurants in the area and for local residents to step out and try something new.”
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Some establishments create exclusive menu items, themed take-out options or limited-time promotions for patrons of all palate types, the visitors bureau said.
Award categories are best bite, best restaurant, best atmosphere, best Restaurant Week package, best cocktail or brew and best for all.
Restaurants can submit their specials to info@gorockford.com by Jan. 26. It will provide details on special promotions and menus at gorockford.com.
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Here’s a look at last year’s winners:
Best Atmosphere and Vibes: Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford.
Best Restaurant Week Package: The Fire Barn, 422 N. Center St., Durand
Best Cocktail or Brew: 8th Ward Pub, 3905 Broadway, Rockford.
Best Bite: Salamone’s, 103 S. Cherry St., Cherry Valley.
Best for All: Lucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.