Happy Valley Culinary Week will take place June 11-17, which, in many ways, is the ideal time for such a celebration.
It’s a time when some of us “townies” are more inclined to venture out to the establishments that we sometimes perceive to be too crowded during football season or anytime Penn State is in session. It’s a time to show support for our local restaurants during a period in which their business might be slower than usual.
It’s also a time for local restaurants to reach out to the local community and remind them of what they might be missing.
“That, to me, is really what culinary week is all about,” said Nittany Lion Inn Operations Manager and Certified Sommelier/Wine Director, Sean Caviston. “It’s about the local community coming back to some of these establishments. I think sometimes businesses and consumers lose sight of those everyday relationships that are vital to the community.”
Sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau, this year’s Culinary Week will include 11 participating restaurants, each featuring special fixed-price menus all week long.
From burgers and shakes to fine dining and steakhouse cuisine, from southern favorites and farm-to-table experiences to classic Italian fare and fresh salads, Happy Valley Culinary Week has something to tempt every palate. It’s a great excuse to treat yourself to something new, or to revisit an old favorite.
This year’s participants include Carnegie Inn & Spa Fine Dining, The Deli, The Field Burger & Tap, Gigi’s Southern Table, Harrison’s Wine Grill, Hi-Way Pizza (both the North Atherton and West College locations), Inferno Brick Oven & Bar, Liberty Craft House, The Nittany Lion Inn, and The Tavern Restaurant.
Culinary Week menus for each participating restaurant can be found here.
Other special culinary events also will be taking place. At noon Monday through Friday, Webster’s Bookstore Cafe will host vegan cooking demonstrations, followed by samples and special lunch menus. Duck Donuts will have a top-your-own donut event from 1-2 p.m. Monday through Thursday ($4 per person, includes two donuts and toppings).
Your Cigar Den will host cigar and beer pairings with W.R, Hickey on Tuesday and JP Edwards on Wednesday; cigar and wine pairing with Hawstone Hollow Winery on Thursday; cigar and bourbon paring on Friday; and cigar and liquor pairing with Barrel 21 on Saturday.
For more information: HappyCulinaryWeek.com.
