Cardamom Indian Cuisine will take part in the upcoming Sunnyside Restaurant Week.

Cardamom Indian Cuisine will take part in the upcoming Sunnyside Restaurant Week.

Photo provided

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The annual Sunnyside Restaurant Week is set to return later in April with deals at more than 50 local restaurants as part of an effort to help local businesses and showcase the neighborhood as a true culinary destination.

The two-week culinary celebration, which runs from April 20 through May 4, gives out-of-towners and local residents alike an opportunity to sample some of the best food that Sunnyside has to offer at bargain prices, with three-course meals available for $35.

Participating businesses can also offer drinks or dessert specials throughout the event.

A wide variety of restaurants are participating in the event, offering everything from Latin American and South Asian fare to European bistros and classic American comfort food.

 
Bar 43 will also participate in the event. Photo provided

Restaurant Week is organized by the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District (BID) and features several new restaurants that have opened their doors in the last 12 months, including Coba Pizzeria, Latino Bites and Makina Cafe.

Dozens of neighborhood staples, including de Mole, Sotto Le Stelle, Cardamom Indian Cuisine and Ricas Pupusas y Mas are also participating in the upcoming Restaurant Week.

Dirk McCall de Palomá, executive director of Sunnyside Shines, said the upcoming Restaurant Week presents an opportunity for new businesses to introduce themselves to the neighborhood as well as providing an opportunity for neighborhood staples to connect with new customers.

“I’m confident that people are going to see some of these new options and that they’re going to be excited and delighted,” McCall de Palomá said. “There are a lot of new places that have opened and we’re very confident people are going to be coming out, trying new places, trying new flavors, going back and experiencing some of the stuff they’ve loved in the past. It’s going to be wonderful.”

He added that Restaurant Week lasts for two weeks to “give a little extra time” to ensure that people are aware that the event is ongoing.

“We just want to make sure there are more people coming in, filling the seats, trying spaces and having the culinary experience of their life,” McCall de Palomá said.
Claret wine bar will also be participating in Restaurant Week. Claret Wine Bar will also be participating in Restaurant Week. Photo credit: Claret Wine Bar

The goal of the event is to encourage people to try several restaurants over the two-week period, with the aim of fostering long-term customers, McCall de Palomá said.

The event also aims to ensure a steady flow of business for restaurants that have experienced a difficult winter, he added.

“We really want more people coming out,” he said. “We’re really excited that the weather’s finally changing.”