ASTORIA — Eateries on Astoria's bustling 30th Avenue will show off their best dishes and drinks this week as the corridor celebrates its second annual restaurant week.
Starting Saturday, more than 20 participating restaurants will be offering deals and specials for the promotion, which is run by the 30th Avenue Business Association.
Frank Arcabascio, president of the association and owner of the Redken Saloon Salon at 36-17 30th Ave., said they try to shy away from standard restaurant week prix fixe menus — though some eateries are offering those — instead asking businesses to offer a deal that highlights the best thing on their menu.
"Give us a taste of your favorite thing in your restaurant," Arcabascio said. "We're trying to get people to just give us the flavor of their place."
Mexican joint De Mole, for example, will be giving out free glasses of their popular fresh-squeezed orange juice with the purchase of breakfast, German beer bar Max Bratwurst will give out a free draft with every entree, while diners at The Shady Lady will get one of their complimentary signature cocktails with any tapas order.
Arcabascio said he started the 30th Avenue Restaurant Week last year to highlight the street's role as a neighborhood dining destination.
"30th Avenue has been known as a restaurant street, and it's getting more and more competitive, and more companies are coming in," said Frank Arcabascio, president of the Association and owner of the Redken Saloon Salon at 36-17 30th Ave.
Though he doesn't own a restaurant himself, Arcabascio said the foot traffic that the eateries bring are a boost for other businesses in the area.
"The street gets more crowded — it's that demographic that goes out, is having fun. That’s our crowd, that’s our business," he said. "This particular project rises the tide for everybody."
30th Avenue Restaurant week will run from Oct. 12 to Oct. 20.
