OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Restaurant Week 2024 begins in Auckland on Thursday and runs until March 24.
Over the next week and a half, Oakland restaurants will be offering special menus to attract more people. Auckland hotels also offer special deals for those who want to stay in The Town.
Business owners are excited and hopeful for what's to come after what has been a very difficult year.
Everett's Appetizing Ribs & Jones Barbeque near Jack London Square is just part of the menu for Auckland Restaurant Week 2024.
“We have pork ribs, homemade beef links and smoked chicken. We also have yams, mac and cheese, collard greens and baked beans,” said Dorusia White of Everett. & Jones BBQ.
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Everett and Jones is one of more than 160 participating restaurants. So since it's part of Restaurant Week, you'll see over 160 discounts.
Chef Nigel Jones said: “We want people to try different things on the menu, so we've reduced prices on all main items by almost 15%.”
Chef Nigel is the owner of Calabash and he puts his all into his food.
“Now, we're going to have some really delicious oxtail that's been boiled for over three hours and taken off the bone, and jerk chicken that's been marinated and smoked.”
Chefs Nigel and Dorcia White are not shy about the fact that the past 12 months have been difficult for both restaurants. Although foot traffic in Auckland is said to be down due to safety concerns, now is the time to shine.
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“I think all major cities are dealing with some form of crime, but you know, things are getting better. It's not completely gone, it's just highlighting the positives in Auckland. '' said White.
Many of the employees in nearby buildings have not yet returned to the office, but Chef Nigel is hopeful that Restaurant Week will bring them back.
“We're looking for someone to bring some fun back to Auckland over the next 10 days,” Chef Nigel said.
Who doesn't enjoy stuffing their face with delicious food? But please remember one thing.
“You don't have to wait until Restaurant Week to visit Oakland's restaurants. We're happy to come any time,” says White.
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