By Joel Vogt
Food lovers will get the opportunity once more to indulge in several culinary cuisines for reduced prices at the highly anticipated Guyana Restaurant Week (GRW), which kicks off on November 20 to 29, 2020 at participating restaurants.
Organizer of the event and President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar during an interview with Village Voice Guyana said this year’s GRW will be held under the current COVID-19 protocols and with delivery options.
“The highlight of this event is the fine dining experience which is usually done within the restaurants, but that cannot be done this season due to the pandemic as we all know how this has affected us,” Ramkumar said.
He added that many restaurants are unable to have outdoor dinning because of their unavailability of space, and those that offer outdoor dining will make every effort to ensure that the fine dining experience is provided.
THAG’s President disclosed that reservations will be taken to manage capacity limits in restaurants, staff will manage physical distancing at entries, waiting-areas, and queues, just to name a few of the measures that will be employed to ensure customers are safe.
“We made a decision to reduce the number of bar stools and tables… booths will be spaced to ensure appropriate distancing between our customers. Also, menus will be displayed on chalkboards, or biodegradable, disposable menus will be used,” Ramkumar told Village Voice Guyana.
Participating restaurants will give customers the option of a two-course lunch menu for as low as $2,500 and a three-course dinner menu for $5,000 VAT inclusive.
According to Ramkumar, there will be no indoor dinner and restaurants will only offer outdoor dining, pickup and delivery service.
Since its inaugural year, GRW has been held twice yearly: in June and November. This year, due to the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the event scheduled for June was cancelled.
“This June’s season was canceled due to COVID. Many persons were looking out for that since the first season attracts more people,” THAG’s head posited while adding that over 13 restaurants registered for this year’s event.
Aagman Restaurant, Café Bellvana, Gourmet Grub and Jaxx International Grill are among those listed to participate in GRW 2020.
GRW began in 2014 and has been one of the signature events for Tourism Awareness Month observed in November. It is aimed at improving attendance at local restaurants.
Persons interested in experiencing GRW can visit THAG’s website at www.GuyanaRestaurantWeek.com or or their Facebook page for more details.
