St. Cloud Restaurant Week Is Bigger and Better For 2nd Year

(KNSI) – St. Cloud Restaurant Week is returning on May 15th, with new themes and 16 additional eateries taking part.

Visit Greater St. Cloud Executive Director Rachel Thompson says the success of the first-ever event quickly drew interest from establishments throughout the area. Thompson says the only restriction is submissions have to be pulled from what is available on menus on a regular day, rather than a special promotion.

“We do ask the restaurants to have those menu items for the rest of the year, so if people aren’t able to experience it with us during restaurant week, they can come back when their schedule allows or as their conferences are in town.”

She says the materials generated for the event are used in other ways throughout the summer, fall, and winter. Being involved with St. Cloud Restaurant Week is free and the extra mileage they get during the rest of the year has enticed about 50 eateries to enter an item.

You’ll notice the new categories right away on Monday, May 15th, when health conscious offerings are in the spotlight. Thompson says the goal is to have a fresh roster of items to feature from year to year, including things that even regular patrons may not know about.

“The restaurant gets to pick one menu item for one of the seven categories and so places that I’ve been going to for years, perhaps they’ve sent in something that is going to be my next try.”

Other days are dedicated to beverages, pasta, sandwiches, seafood, sweet treats, and unique finds. The full list is below.

Monday, May 15th – Health Conscious

Tuesday, May 16th – Seafood

Wednesday, May 17th – Pasta

Thursday, May 18th – Sweet Treats

Friday, May 19th – Beverages

Saturday, May 20th – Unique Finds

Sunday, May 21st – Sandwiches

Thompson says the health conscious category will allow shake shops and tea operators to get involved. Restaurants usually offer a pasta bar on Wednesdays, which is why that category was slotted for that time. Beverages include bars and other establishments, which are typically frequented on the weekend. Sandwiches and burgers can still be found easily on Sunday, when many downtown St. Cloud restaurants are closed.

Online entry forms give you the chance to win a $50 gift card that will be drawn for one restaurant each day. Thompson says people from seven states entered into the drawings last year.

Bon Appetit!

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