From February 17 to March 7, almost 300 restaurants participated in the winter NYC Restaurant Week. With participating restaurants offering prix fixe lunches for $25 and dinners for $38, it was a great opportunity to knock high-end restaurants off your “must-try” list. On the flip side, there were eaters out there who thought chefs and restaurants cut corners with limited menus and low standards for quality. Let’s see what the NYU students thought about this biannual tradition.
Nicola Benatti, Economics, CAS
“It’s a cool idea! I don’t know who invented it, but he’s a genius!”
“Can you elaborate a bit for me?”
“I mean I don’t go out that often, but this occasion was a good excuse to try the wide variety of cuisines New York City has to offer. For example, I tried Hakkasan and really liked it.”
Photo by Andre Li
Vivian Wang, Economics, CAS
“I think restaurant week is great for sampling high end restaurants at a fairly discounted price, but the quality of food is severely degraded. Honestly, the prix fixe menus might not actually give you an authentic feel or taste of the restaurant.”
“That’s an interesting point.”
“Yeah, it does feel like more of a marketing ploy.”
Photo by Andre Li
Caroline Veazey, Psychology, CAS
“There are a few things I love more than food, especially in New York City. Restaurant week is the perfect time to try out new places, including those with impressive reputations. Plus, it’s always great to treat yourself in general.”
“Where have you been so far?”
“I tried Lafayette and Gotham, but hopefully I will have a chance to try more!”
Photo by Andre Li
Abhishek Goel, Economics, CAS
“Let me think about it… I think it’s a week controlled by evil and monstrous capitalist restaurants to attract the innocent and helpless people of New York City.”
“Did you try any places then?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Photo by Andre Li
Riana Chen, Media, Culture, and Communication, Steinhardt
“Restaurant week is a great way to try new cuisines or restaurants that you’ve always wanted to try.”
“And you can do that with your friends.”
“Yep, it’s a great excuse to go out with friends and not feel guilty about the calories because you’re having amazing food.”
Photo by Andre Li