Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, June 25, 2001

Release # 225-01

Contact:	Sunny Mindel / Peter Fenty	(212) 788-2958
	Keith Yazmir, NYC & Company	(212) 484-1244
	Kay Nelson, M. Young Communications	(212) 620-7027 ext. 305

MAYOR GIULIANI KICKS OFF 10th ANNUAL SUMMER RESTAURANT WEEK

Celebration Begins Today And Continues Through June 29;
167 Of NYC's Best Dining Spots To Offer
$20.01 Prix-Fixe, Three-Course Lunch Menus

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Cristyne F. Lategano-Nicholas, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYC & Company, today kicked off the 10th Annual Summer Restaurant Week in New York City. A record number of the City's best restaurants -- 167 in all -- have agreed to participate in this year's event. Beginning today through June 29th, participating restaurants are offering prix-fixe, three-course lunch menus for just $20.01 - a fraction of their usual cost. Sixty of the participating restaurants will continue to offer its $20.01 lunch menus until Labor Day, and 43 will continue offering this lunch special until the end of the year.

"New Yorkers have a reputation for appreciating great food and for recognizing a great bargain," said Mayor Giuliani. "When the two are combined, that's a cause for celebration. I am thrilled that so many of the City's very best restaurants have agreed to participate again this year, and that so many others have now joined this annual event. Summer Restaurant Week has become a wonderful New York tradition, one that enriches the experience of those who live here, as well as the thousands of visitors fortunate enough to take advantage of our world-class eating establishments."

"From the best restaurant city in the world comes the best restaurant celebration in the world, Summer Restaurant Week," said Cristyne L. Nicholas, NYC & Company President & CEO. "And, this year, more restaurants than ever are taking this opportunity to say 'thank you' to New Yorkers and visitors alike by offering the quality, variety and hospitality that makes them New York City's best restaurants at the bargain price of only $20.01."

In special recognition of this year's annual celebration, Mayor Giuliani presented a proclamation announcing June 23 through June 29, 2001 as "Summer Restaurant Week" in New York City.

Summer Restaurant Week is produced by NYC & Company and supported by founding sponsor, American Express; presenting sponsor, Continental Airlines; and official sponsors, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), The New York Times, Citysearch.com and WCBS Radio.

Newcomers to the Summer Restaurant Week list include: Aleutia, Artisanal, Centolire, Craft, Deux Amis, 55 Wall & Terrace, Jacques Brasserie, Le Garrick-Restaurant Francais, Lundy's Times Square, Maritime, New York Marketplace, Olives NY, Orsay Restaurant, 70 Park Bar & Grill, Strip House, Sushi Samba, Tagine Dining Gallery, Trattoria dell'Arte, Trio Restaurant & Bar and Virot.

Many restaurants will continue to serve the $20.01 lunches through Labor Day and some until the end of 2001. A few of the 60 restaurants extending specials until Labor Day are: Asia de Cuba, Beacon, Cafe Boulud, Chanterelle, China Grill, Guastavino's, Hudson Cafeteria, Judson Grill, Lenox, Peter Luger, and Tuscan Steak. Some of the 43 restaurants offering the $20.01 menu until the end of the year include: Aureole, Barbetta, Commune, Cub Room, FireBird Restaurant, Icon New York, Nobu, San Domenico NY, Shun Lee Palace and ViceVersa.

Restaurants began accepting reservations on Tuesday, May 29. The $20.01 menu price does not include beverage, tax and gratuity. Customers are advised to make reservations early, as many restaurants quickly sell out. Dress codes apply at many of the participating establishments, and some restaurants have specific seating times.

The list of participating Restaurant Week restaurants is available on NYC's Official Tourism web site, www.nycvisit.com, and at NYC's Official Visitor Information Center, 810 Seventh Avenue at 53rd Street.