Restaurant Week in Atlantic City is looking to be a little different this year.
The popular weeklong festival is having a little pandemic overhaul.
First, you won't have to wait until March to dine at local hot spots at a fixed price. This year the event will be held from Oct. 3 through 8.
But who are we kidding? Several restaurants often extend their menu to the following week as well.
Second, those diners who like to enjoy the customary VIP preview will have to add that to a list of events that aren't happening in the wake of COVID-19.
Instead, local dignitaries met up Wednesday to honor first responders at a luncheon at the new Dougherty's Steakhouse & Raw Bar inside Resorts Casino Hotel.
Attendees were welcomed by Doreen Prinzo, marketing partnerships manager for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.
Speakers were CRDA Executive Director Matt Doherty, Mayor Marty Small Sr. and Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans, who also serves as Emergency Management coordinator.
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A total of 22 first responders were presented with plaques, photographed with the mayor and given swag bags.
Honorees hailed from the Fire Department, Police Department, AtlanticCare paramedics, Medcom EMS dispatchers, Atlantic City 911 dispatchers, the Beach Patrol and emergency medical system.
After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a three-course lunch.
Sponsors for the event included Stockton University, 95.1 WAYV, Interstate, CRDA, Open Table, Greater Atlantic City Chamber, and The Press of Atlantic City. The event was publicized by local public relations firm Masterpiece Advertising and Design.
For a complete list of restaurants participating next week plus the menus offered at each establishment visit ACRestaurantWeek.com.
Michelle Tomko is a freelance writer and Atlantic City resident. You can follow her at @Tomkomedy across all social media.
