
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford Region Restaurant Week returns Thursday for a fourth year, and this time it will extend over two weekends.
Restaurant Week was created by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau as a way to celebrate the local culinary scene, bolster sales and support local restaurateurs during colder weather months. This year it runs from Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 4.
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Restaurants, bars and bakeries will offer special packages, deals, menu items, limited-time promotions and other experiences to mark Restaurant Week.
“Rockford is a city with great diversity in all forms, including our amazing foodie scene,” John Groh, president and CEO of the visitors bureau, said in a news release. “Restaurant Week celebrates the ingenuity of our chefs and the hardworking culinary teams who delivery excellent service and amazing experiences every day.”
There are more than 50 businesses participating. You can see the full list and their specials and deals here.
There are more than 40 locations returning after participating last year and 15 new participants.
“This year, Rockford’s Restaurant Week includes more diverse cuisine than ever with many cultures represented including Filipino, Korean, soul food, Indonesian, Peruvian, Mexican, Irish, Scandinavian, Italian, Japanese and American,” Groh said.
There is also voting that runs Jan. 25 through Feb. 5 for you to choose the Rockford Region Restaurant Week’s Best, and there are prizes and throughout the week.
“This collaborative culinary experience allows our business to get creative and showcase the unique dishes and overall dining experience we provide,” said Gabriella Gutierrez, a partner at Mexico Clasico, 3929 Broadway. “We are working hard to offer a new prix-fixe multiple course meal option and are ready to roll up our sleeves to ensure this is a memorable experience for all.”
Award categories
Best Main Course: This award celebrates the restaurant that offers the most outstanding main course.
Best Cocktail or Brew: This award recognizes the restaurant or bar that served the most outstanding and innovative cocktail or brew.
Best Dessert: This award goes to the restaurant that served the most exceptional and delectable dessert.
Best Deal: This is awarded to the restaurant that provided an excellent discounted special.
Best Experience: This is considered the top award and acknowledges the restaurant that provided an exceptional overall dining experience, including ambiance, food, and customer service.
Learn more
Head to gorockford.com/restaurant-week for a full list of restaurants, specials and more information.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas