By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Nearly every establishment in Berlin will welcome patrons with delicious eats and great deals during the town’s tenth annual Restaurant Week. This year’s multiday event will run from Jan. 19 to Jan. 26.

Starting this Monday, the town’s eateries will curate reimagined menus and discounts—with the intention of not breaking the bank for guests.

Berlin’s Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said that Restaurant Week was launched in 2016 as a way to give residents of Berlin and nearby Eastern Shore municipalities a reason to visit the downtown during the chilly offseason.

“Restaurant Week gives people a reason to come downtown in the winter, try new places, and support our local restaurants,” she said. “It spotlights our dining scene and brings good foot traffic during a slower time of year.”

In addition to the yummy flavors to be prepared by the town’s chefs, patrons will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle for the chance to win gift certificates to the participating establishments.

According to Wells, diners may pick up a card at the Berlin Welcome Center and throughout the week, have it stamped at three different restaurants taking part in the event. Completed forms are to be returned to the box at the Welcome Center.

The individual whose card is selected will receive a gift card from each participating eatery, plus a $100 gift card to a downtown shop or restaurant of their choice.

Wells said that almost every dining establishment within the Town of Berlin is taking part in Restaurant Week this year. Menus are posted on the Welcome Center’s window and on the town’s Facebook event page.

410 Social, for instance, will offer its customers a two-for-$22 deal. Guests may choose one starter and one entrée.

The available appetizers are: 1. a balsamic berry salad that has field greens, strawberries, blueberries, red onion, candied walnuts, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette. 2. Scampi crostini made with extra large shrimp, scampi sauce, and toasted ciabatta. 3. Southwest empanadas with chicken, poblano peppers, corn, onions, cheddar jack cheese, and avocado ranch on the side. 4. Thai curry clams with coconut curry, lemongrass, ginger, cilantro, and toasted ciabatta.

Entrée options for 410 Social’s weeklong special are: 1. A tuna express wrap with sesame encrusted ahi tuna, cabbage slaw, sriracha aioli, shaved cucumber, wasabi mayo, avocado, and a flour tortilla. 2. A tequila lime chicken BLT made with tequila lime marinated grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo on a potato roll. 3. A 410-style smashed burger consisting of lettuce, tomato, American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and 410 sauce on a potato roll. 4. Shrimp pasta primavera with seared shrimp, penne pasta, house primavera sauce, seasonal veggies, and parmesan.

Oaked at the Globe is offering a three-for-$33 special. Starter options include a side Caesar salad, brisket croquettes with a BBQ ranch drizzle, or crispy brussels in fig jam and bacon.

Diners can then select a main course of four-ounce Southern sirloin over risotto with corn and tomatoes, brisket mac and cheese, or creamy caprese pasta with blackened shrimp. Desserts available include a churro donut or a New York-style cheesecake with a chocolate drizzle.

CounterClox will offer guests one starter, one main, and one dessert for $36. Appetizer options are either cream of crab soup or French onion soup.

Entrées included in the deal are glazed seared salmon, chicken parmesan, shrimp and grits, or a build-your-own pizza. An apple empanada, a turtle cheesecake, or a dessert pizza is available for dessert.

Berlin Beer Company is offering a soup of the day and grilled cheese for $14, chicken or beef pot pie for $18, a pot roast dinner for $20, a shrimp po boy and Old Bay Fries for $18, shrimp and grits for $20, a rockfish sandwich and fries for $21, two fried rockfish tacos for $17, a winter harvest salad for $17, a chicken or steak cheese steak sandwich for $18, or a veggie burger with hand cut fries for $15.

The Atlantic Hotel plans to provide a free lemon-lust dessert with each order of fish and chips during Restaurant Week.

Coffee shops will also be getting in on the action, with Cafe Berlin offering $1 off all featured drinks.

Furthermore, 2nd Wave Coffee will have specialty options. These include a Neapolitan latte with chocolate, vanilla, and espresso topped with strawberry foam; a cookie butter latte made with real cookie butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla; a cardamom bun latte with butter, brown sugar, cardamom pods, and a pinch of salt; and a brown sugar banana latte made of fresh bananas, brown sugar, Vermont Maple Syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Additionally, 2nd Wave’s holiday-themed peppermint mocha and dirty Earl Grey latte are sticking around through Jan. 26.

Officials hope that Berlin’s Restaurant Week will further the town’s mission of highlighting local establishments.

“[This week] boosts business during a traditionally slow period, and introduces people to restaurants they haven’t tried before,” Wells said.

View the menus here