SAN ANTONIO (March 16, 2020) — Beginning today, CULINARIA launches RESTAURANT WEEKS TO GO in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) measures restricting gatherings. Restaurants are adapting and evolving to best fit the needs of the dining community. During this time, it is important to stimulate the economy and a community which has put San Antonio on the national map as a culinary destination, named UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017, an honor shared by only two cities in the U.S.
“Participating restaurants have $15 lunch, $30 dinner three-course prix-fixe menus, and some are also offering family meals,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president and CEO, CULINARIA.
“For those who do venture out, be assured, the culinary community is taking extra precautions to clean and sanitize establishments frequently throughout the day, not only the dining area, but behind the scenes in the kitchen and prep spaces, including equipment.”
Culinaria is also organizing a donation-based EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND to help restaurants on the financial brink, cover operating costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The mission of Culinaria has always been to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination, and, to support the restaurant and hospitality community when they need us in times of financial hardship or family emergencies, as they have been there for the community in times of hardship - natural disasters, flood and hurricane relief. So, we ask the community to give what you can to help restaurant owners keep their establishments operational. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.”
For a complete list of participating restaurants, menus and information on the Emergency Relief Fund, visit www.culinariasa.org.
RESTAURANT WEEKS TO GO will run indefinitely until we are assured that the COVID-19 crisis is behind us.
Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization. A volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries governs Culinaria.
Accolades:
Most Popular Food and Wine Festival - Vanity Fair, 2011
Top 10 American Food Festivals - The Telegraph 2016
Best Food & Wine Event in Texas - Essence 2017
Best Food and Wine Festival to Visit - Readers Digest, 2018