If you doubt that the first Kent County Restaurant Week is a big deal, consider this: It was recognized by a joint resolution of the state legislature. So mark your calendars for Oct. 12-18, when restaurants across the county will offer prix-fixe menu items in a bid to lure you to the state’s heart. “I want each restaurant to say, ‘Here I am. This is what I do best. Come check me out,’” says Dennis Forbes, who, with his wife Carolyn, are owners of the 15-year-old Cool Springs Fish Bar and Grill in Dover and co-chairs of the event. Early registrants include Cool Springs, Frankfurt Bakery & Deli, Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House and the venerable Roma Italian Restaurant. With local hotels offering special packages for the increasingly popular Delaware Wine and Beer Festival in Dover on Oct. 11, restaurant-week organizer Cindy Small, director of Kent County Tourism, says it only made sense to kick off the week then, while plenty of visitors are in town. A gourmet Sunday brunch prepared by local restaurants, paired with wines and spirits from Harvest Ridge Winery in Marydel and Painted Stave Distilling in Smyrna, starts the activities at Harvest Ridge. During the week, the Delaware Culinary Trail will offer an abridged version of its passport program, with prizes for those who visit three places. “People should come,” Forbes says. “We’re just trying to get recognized.” See more at www.visitdover.com.
