PEABODY — What's your pleasure?
It could depend on the day. Maybe sauteed shrimp and goat cheese will work for an appetizer on Monday. Tuesday's main-course warm-up could be fresh, Vietnamese-style spring rolls.
These and many other choices will be available in Peabody from Sept. 7 to Sept. 11, when the city hosts its first Restaurant Week. The celebration of downtown Peabody's culinary diversity leads up to the 25th anniversary of the International Festival. "We were looking to showcase downtown restaurants, and we thought this would be a great idea," said Judy Selesnick, who is co-chairing the festival with Mayor Michael Bonfanti.
Seven restaurants will offer an appetizer, entree and dessert for $15. The cost does not include gratuity or a beverage.
The restaurants include: Champion's, China Corner, Fire Bull, Gallo Nero, Sugar Cane, Trackside and Willow Tree. The choices reflect the diversity of the city's cuisine, from classic American pub food, to Brazilian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Italian fare.
The special price in most cases will be tied to a pared-down menu. It still means you will be able to enjoy a popular steak-tip dinner at Champion's. Sugar Cane has Sesame Chicken among its six entree options. Gallo Nero has chicken marsala or tortellini Parma among its eight entree alternatives.
"People can come downtown and get inside the restaurants and get a chance to see and feel the atmosphere," said Anestis Vassiliadis, the owner of Gallo Nero, an Italian restaurant at 89 Main St. "Hopefully, it's going to work out fine."
Former Mayor Peter Torigian started International Festival in 1983. The annual celebration that combines food, music and live entertainment draws upward of 1,000 people. The festival is scheduled for Sept. 14 this year, with a rain date on Sept. 21.
Selesnick expects Restaurant Week will help generate even more energy for the event and its milestone anniversary.
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